The Kremlin press office reported today, Wednesday, that "Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko warmly congratulated Russian President Vladimir Putin and all Russians on Russia Day during a phone call." The statement issued by the Kremlin noted: "A telephone conversation took place between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. Alexander Lukashenko warmly congratulated Vladimir Putin on Russia Day."
The statement added: "The vital issues for the further development of Russian-Belarusian strategic partnership relations were discussed, taking into account the agreements reached following high-level talks in Minsk last May. Some practical aspects of cooperation within the framework of the Union State were also addressed." Earlier in the day, Alexander Lukashenko sent his congratulations to President Putin, affirming that "the Russian-Belarusian alliance and strategic partnership relations will expand thanks to important new achievements in cooperation between the countries and integrative interaction."
