Prime Minister Vladimir Putin sends a message of congratulations to Prime Minister of Ukraine Mykola Azarov on Ukraine’s Independence Day
The message reads, in part:
"For many centuries, the Russian and Ukrainian peoples have been united by bonds of friendship and mutual support that were strong enough to withstand many severe trials. We are sincerely glad that Ukraine is celebrating this national holiday as a politically stable country, taking further steps for its economic growth.
"Recently, a lot has been done to renew and strengthen our mutually advantageous partnership. Our mutual efforts helped reestablish cooperation between the government agencies of our countries. We have outlined new and promising ways to cooperate in the economy, transport, science and technology, defence, culture and other areas. The further development of our interaction is beneficial for the citizens of both Russia and Ukraine."
