Russia is celebrating its national holiday, the Russia Day, 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 day was later announced as the national holiday by the presidential decree. The official name, Russia Day, was given to the holiday in 2002.
Celebrations of the Russia Day includes events taking place in almost all main streets, parks and gardens of the Russian capital and regions. In Kremlin, Russian President Vladimir Putin will present state awards of the Russian Federation.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev sent congratulatory messages to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the occasion of Russia Day.
"Azerbaijan and Russia are bound together by traditionally close relations of friendship, good neighborhood and cooperation. It is pleasant that these relations, which clearly reflect the will of our peoples, are now those of strategic partnership. The collaboration of our countries on a broad range of issues is particularly satisfactory," the Azerbaijani leader stressed.
Ilham Aliyev expressed confidence that comprehensive and multifaceted cooperation between Azerbaijan and Russia will continue developing and strengthening to the benefit of our peoples and countries, and for peace, security and stability in the region. "Dear Vladimir Vladimirovich, I wish you the best of health, happiness and successes, and all the Russians peace and prosperity," the Azerbaijani president concluded.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko congratulated Putin and Russian citizens on Russia Day, noting that the deepening of relations of integrational cooperation will boost bilateral friendship.
According to him, Russia Day marks the beginning of an important stage in the modern history of Russia, the strengthening of sovereignty and ensuring national unity.
The head of the Belarusian state noted that by firmly following the chosen course, over the past decades Russia has achieved "an impressive success in state-building and modernizing its economy, and the country's leading positions on the world arena have significantly increased."
He pointed out that the commitment of Russians to the ideals of patriotism and cohesion, pride in the great achievements of their people and a firm confidence in the country’s successful future is the key to sustainable development of the society and its well-being.
The press service added that Lukashenko also sent congratulations to Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko and State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin.
Kyrgyzstan’s President Sooronbay Jeenbekov also congratulated his Russian counterpart, expressing confidence that bilateral ties would further develop to the benefit of the two nations. In his message, the Kyrgyz president called Russia "an example of a stable social and economic, public and political development and a consistent strengthening of the country’s authority on the global arena."
The Kyrgyz leader also expressed gratitude to Putin for his contribution to deepening and expanding bilateral cooperation. Jeenbekov wished "peace and prosperity to the friendly people of Russia."
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un sent a letter to the Russian head of state, congratulating him and all Russians on Russia Day, expressing confidence that bilateral ties will successfully develop after the first summit held between the two leaders in Vladivostok in late April.
In the letter, published by the Korean Central News Agency, Kim said he was sure that "the agreements and mutual understanding reached during the meeting will yield fruit and as a result, strategic and traditionally friendly Russian-North Korean relations, established by previous leaders, will continue developing."
The North Korean leader also praised Russia’s great success in "building a strong and prosperous country, which copes with all challenges and hurdles under the leadership of [Vladimir Putin]." Kim also wished Putin "health, happiness and great success in his responsible work on creating conditions for Russia’s prosperity."
