Russians marking Day of Russia

Russia is celebrating its national holiday, the Russia Day, today, on June 12th. Russia Day is one of the youngest national holidays. It was established by the country’s presidential decree of June 2, 1994. The Declaration of State Sovereignty of Russia was adopted June 12, 1990. The official name, the Russia Day, was given to the holiday in 2002.

The capital and regions will present holiday programs for the Russia Day, dedicated to hospitality and forthcoming World Cup, stage concerts and various events.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold the ceremony of State Awards granting and participate in the official function coinciding with the Russia Day today, the press service of the Kremlin said.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev congratulated Russian President Vladimir Putin on the occasion of the Russia Day.
 
The Azerbaijani president noted that today Russia successfully resolves issues on improving public administration, sustainable development and modernization of the economy and boosting the people’s welfare. Aliyev hailed Russia’s active role in the international arena.
 
“The high level of Azerbaijan-Russia bilateral relations, which clearly reflects the fruitful cooperation and mutual activity on the widest range of issues, is particularly gratifying. I am confident that our joint efforts will continue to serve further strengthening of the strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Russia in the interests of our peoples and countries traditionally linked by close friendly and good neighborly ties,” President Aliyev said in his message.  

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also sent his congratulations on the occasion of the holiday.

"On behalf of The President of the United States and the American people, I congratulate the Russian Federation and the people of Russia on the occasion of “Russia Day.” On this day, we honor the citizens of the Russian Federation and their aspira," the statement says.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un sent a telegram to Vladimir Putin in celebration of Russia Day.

In his congratulatory message Kim said "the Russian people have achieved success in building a powerful Russia under Putin's leadership, braving all challenges and difficulties," TASS reported.

Anticipating success for Putin in building a powerful Russia, the North Korean leader also wished the strategic and traditional relations between his country and Russia would become stronger.