RF President Dmitry Medvedev congratulated his Armenian counterpart Serzh Sargsyan on the national holiday of Armenia, Independence Day, the Kremlin press service reports.

In his message the Russian leader heartily congratulated his Armenian counterpart on Independence Day.

President Dmitry Medvedev said that during his recent visit to Armenia he was reassured that centuries-old Russian-Armenian friendship and good neighborly relations are getting stronger. Armenian and Russian citizens are proud of the glorious pages of their common history, achievements and victories. Evidence thereof is the restoration of the Hill of Honor in Gyumri, as well as the Russian and Armenian leaders’ participation in the opening ceremony of the memorial. Russia is grateful to the Armenian people for fondly remembering the Russian warriors.

On a solid basis of confidence and cooperation, Armenia and Russia are now building up their strategic partnership, conducting an active political dialogue and coordinating their steps in the regional and international arena. The two nations found the ways of promoting joint economic, innovation and humanitarian ones, says the Russian leader’s message.

President Dmitry Medvedev expressed his confidence that the implementation of bilateral agreement will facilitate the development of bilateral ties to the benefit of Armenian and Russian citizens, peace and stability in the South Caucasus.
In conclusion, the Russian leader wished his Armenian counterpart good health and new achievements. He also wished peace and prosperity to the Armenian people.

The Supreme Council of Armenia adopted the Declaration of Independence of Armenia on August 23, 1990. The document renamed the Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic (Armenian SSR) the Republic of Armenia.

Under a resolution approved by the Supreme Council of Armenia, a referendum on independent statehood was held in Armenia on September 21, 1991. 94.99% of Armenian citizens that took part in the referendum voted for independence. Two days later, the Supreme Council of Armenia declared Armenia an independent state.