Eurasia Press & News
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev congratulated his Ukrainian counterpart Viktor Yanukovych on his 60th birthday during a telephone conversation that took place at Moscow’s initiative on Thursday, the Russian presidential press service said.
“You will need all of your political and life experience, your knowledge and energy at the high post of the president of Ukraine and in the cause of strengthening Ukraine’s statehood today. I wish you all the best,” Medvedev said.
“Cooperation between our countries has recently received powerful impetus largely thanks to your fundamental position as a staunch supporter of equal and mutually beneficial cooperation between Russia and Ukraine,” the Russian leader said.
Joint efforts have also managed to give a new quality to the two countries’ dialogue at the highest level, he said.
“The mechanism of the interstate commission has been set in motion. An environment has been created that is conducive to promoting trade and business relations and to implementing major investment projects. Contacts between Russia and Ukraine within the Commonwealth of Independent States, as well as on key issues on the regional and international agenda have been intensified. I am confident that all this will allow us to fulfill the potential of the Russian-Ukrainian strategic partnership more effectively for the benefit of the fraternal people of our countries, as well as for the benefit of security in Europe and around the world,” Medvedev said.
The Russian president said he supported the Ukrainian leader’s efforts to “step up dialogue with European partners, as well as to enhance Ukraine’s contribution to the formulation of an agenda for constructive cooperation on the continent.”
