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The message reads, in part:

“This date symbolises the kinship of our peoples, linked by a shared historical memory and common spiritual and cultural roots.

This year is a special one for our countries. Sixty-five years ago, Soviet soldiers and partisans drove the Nazi invaders and their accomplices from Belarus. The cruelty of our aggressors was confronted with the unparalleled heroism, courage and perseverance of our nations. Together, shoulder to shoulder, the fight against Nazism further strengthened the traditions of good neighbourliness and the centuries-old friendship between our peoples.

Today, Russia and Belarus are consistently moving towards mutually beneficial integration and development of all-round cooperation. Recent productive summit meetings and the convening of the Supreme State Council of the Union State have all given an important impetus to this process.

Thanks to a rich political dialogue and a high level of mutual understanding and trust, we have created the necessary conditions for increasing trade, economic and industrial cooperation, and enhancing inter-regional ties. I am confident that our joint efforts will contribute to the success of the social and economic development of Russia and Belarus, as well as strengthen stability and security on the European continent.”

The Treaty on the Commonwealth of Russia and Belarus, which marked the beginning of the integration process between the two countries, was signed on 2 April 1996 in Moscow. A year later, on April 2, 1997, the Treaty of the Union State of Russia and Belarus was signed.