Belarus and Ukraine share a common long history and traditionally established friendly relations, based on the principles of good neighborliness and respect. This is stated in the official greeting by President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, sent to his counterpart Viktor Yanukovych over the Independence Day of Ukraine.
As reported by the Presidential Administration, Alexander Lukashenko has congratulated the Ukrainian leader on the national holiday on behalf of the Belarusian people and personally. President of Belarus stressed that "the joint efforts of the countries' fruitful bilateral partnership will be further developed effectively for the benefit of the Belarusian and Ukrainian peoples."
As Telegraf previously reported, in April this year, after a conference on Chernobyl issues in Kiev, where the Belarusian leader didn't take part, Alexander Lukashenko accused the top leadership of the Ukraine "in lousiness."
"Ask Yanukovych why the Belarusian president is not present at their events. You ask them. Unfortunately, the current leadership of Ukraine are quite lousy. I'm not going to thrust myself on them, neither am I intending to be echoing any of the president," said Alexander Lukashenko then.
