Luanda: Angolan President Joo Louren§o congratulated his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, on the occasion of Russia Day, which is celebrated today, Friday. In a message addressed to the Russian statesman and made public, the Angolan Head of State also extended congratulations to the people and Government of the Russian Federation.

According to Angola Press News Agency, the Angolan statesman highlighted the bonds of friendship that have united the two countries for several decades. Joo Louren§o stated that Angola and Russia share historical relations based on solidarity and mutual respect, principles that have guided bilateral cooperation over the past 50 years.

In the message, he expressed Angola's firm desire to continue developing fruitful cooperation with the Russian Federation in areas of common interest, through initiatives that contribute to deepening relations between the two States and to the well-being of their respective peoples. The President of the Republic also extended his wishes for good health, personal well-being and success to Vladimir Putin, as well as prosperity for the Russian nation.

Russia Day is the main national holiday in that country and marks the adoption, on June 12, 1990, of the Declaration of State Sovereignty of the Russian Federation, a document that marked the beginning of the formation of the modern Russian state, in the context of the dissolution of the former Soviet Union. The date symbolizes national sovereignty, the unity of the country and the identity of the Russian people, and is celebrated with civic activities, concerts, popular festivals and official ceremonies in various regions of the Russian Federation.