OREANDA-NEWS. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has sent greetings to India President Pranab Mukherjee as the countries celebrate the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

"I am glad to say that during this period our contacts have been relying on the principles mutual respect and trust, commitment to the friendly and constructive dialogue," the message of greetings reads.

The head of state stressed that the establishment of diplomatic relations between Minsk and New Delhi promoted the expansion of bilateral cooperation, opened up opportunities for the implementation of mutually beneficial joint projects in trade, economy, energy sector, pharmaceutics, science, technology, and other fields.

"I hope that thanks to the positive cooperation potential which has been accumulating for a quarter of a century we will be able to bolster all-round partnership in the future," the Belarusian leader said.

In a message of greetings to Alexander Lukashenko Pranab Mukherjee mentioned the progress in the Belarusian-Indian cooperation over the past years. "I am convinced that the friendship connecting India and Belarus will reach new heights and make a big contribution to the prosperity of our peoples," the president of India expressed confidence. "Using the opportunity, I would like to wish every success to you and wellbeing to Belarusian people."

The ceremony of exchanging greetings between the heads of state took place on 17 April. Ambassador of Belarus Vitaly Prima and Ambassador of India Pankaj Saxena visited the ministries of foreign affairs in New Delhi and Minsk respectively.