Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych congratulated Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan on the occasion of 20th anniversary of Armenia’s independence.

“On behalf of the people of the Ukraine and on my own behalf, I congratulate you in connection with the 20th anniversary of Armenia’s independence. I note with satisfaction the substantial activeness in bilateral relations,” the congratulatory message reads.   

Yanukovych also expressed a conviction that mutual interest in the future development of Armenian-Ukrainian cooperation would contribute to implementation of already reached accords and resolving outstanding issues in cooperation between the Ukraine and Armenia. “Esteemed Serzh Sargsyan, I wish you good health and future success in your accountable state activities, and wellbeing and prosperity to the friendly Armenian people,” the Ukrainian President added in his message.   

Armenia’s Declaration of Independence was adopted at the session of the Supreme Council of Armenia on August 23, 1990. Under this document, the Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic was renamed the Republic of Armenia. Under the decree of Armenia’s Supreme Council, a referendum on secession from the USSR and establishment of independent statehood was held on September 21, 1990. A total of 94.99% of the citizens voted “yes” for independence. Two days later, the Supreme Council declared Armenia an independent and a sovereign state.