OREANDA-NEWS. August 24, 2011. Dmitry Medvedev sent his congratulations to President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych on Independence Day, Ukraine's national holiday.

The message reads, in part:

“Ukraine has made great strides over the last two decades in developing its statehood, strengthening democratic principles, and building up its considerable economic potential. Ukraine’s constructive contribution to ensuring regional stability and security increases from year to year and the country enjoys growing influence on the international stage.

We in Russia are happy to see these achievements of our Ukrainian friends, with whom we share centuries-old traditions of living together as good neighbours bound by close spiritual, historical and humanitarian ties. Our substance-filled political dialogue, productive cooperation in a broad range of economic sectors, and broad cooperation in international affairs make us optimistic for the future of Russian-Ukrainian relations.

We will continue the efforts to deepen our mutually advantageous partnership and enrich our agenda with new integration projects, both bilateral initiatives and projects within the existing regional groupings.”