On August 24 the Ukrainian nation celebrates its most important national holiday - the Independence Day of Ukraine. On this day in 1991, the Verkhovna Rada (Parliament) of the then Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic adopted the Declaration of Independence of Ukraine, as a result of which the modern Ukrainian State emerged.

      Celebrating the 23^rd anniversary of Ukraine's independence, we remember those praised sons and daughters of our country, who for hundreds of years, from the time of Kyivan Rus` to the present day have been creating the history of our country.

      Ukraine has freely chosen its religion and Prince Volodymyr was baptized as the leader of the state that stretched from Korsun in the Crimea to the Baltic coast. Muslim and European countries sought an alliance with ancient Ukraine, that embodied in the conclusion of peace treaty with Byzantium and the dynastic marriages between descendants of the Kyivan Prince Yaroslav the Wise and the representatives of the most influential European monarchies of those times, in particular, between Anna Yaroslavna and Henry the First, the King of France.

      Since those centuries we have had confidence settled in our hearts - we can determine our own destiny. Since the Ukrainian Cossack State a deep conviction has been engraved in the minds of the Ukrainian people on a genetic level - everyone has his own rights and freedoms, everyone has the noble duty to defend them. Our ancestors have learned the lessons of honour and dignity, equality and centuries-old democracy. Constitution of Pylyp Orlyk, being the first one in Europe, is an immortal testimony of the Ukrainian thought and Ukrainian freedom.

      The prophetic words of Taras Shevchenko, the memorable works of thinkers and fellow-fighters from Skovoroda to Franko have instilled in us an unshakable faith in Ukraine.

      Our nation faced the worst tragedies in human history. However, Ukraine was able to withstand, outlive three famine-genocides and Stalin's purges. Between 1914 and 1945 every second man and every fourth woman in Ukraine died, but their heroic deeds, decisive actions, fortitude, strong faith and lives contributed to the establishment of Ukraine’s statehood.

      With state independence individual rights and freedoms came, putting an end to the Soviet totalitarian system. The new sovereign Ukraine was formed along with the establishment of democracy and building of a socially oriented market economy.

      Today we have much to be proud of. A generation of Ukrainians born in a free independent state has grown, for which the concepts of “human and civil rights”, “freedom of speech”, “right to choose”, “democratic values”, “national interests” – are not mere words, but rather important democratic achievements, the realities of modern life in a young European country.

      The long-suffering and strong people of Ukraine used to realize that independence does not come for free. Recently our country has faced new challenges.

      Victorious Revolution of Dignity at the end of 2013 – beginning of 2014, which rocked the whole world, has changed not only the government. The country has changed. People have changed. The time for irreversible positive changes has come. However, the huge opportunities opened up for Ukraine`s European modernization have been hindered by the annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea by the Russian Federation and its subversive activities in the Southeast of Ukraine, where Ukrainian soldiers and civilians continue to lose their lives.

      Despite the fact that Ukraine has always been a peaceful state that adheres to democratic civilizational values, respects the principles and rules of international law and is committed to mutually beneficial cooperation with all members of the international community, Ukrainian sons and daughters again have to defend their independence and protect their land.

      Ensuring territorial integrity, lasting peace and guaranteeing reliable security are the most important goals which the Ukrainian people strive for, being grateful to the international community for supporting its fair aspirations.

      At the same time, Ukraine's strategic objective is gaining full membership in the European Union. We have made an important step on this path by signing the Association Agreement with the European Union this June. The Agreement is more than a political and economic document. It is a symbol of destiny and aspirations of people who sacrificed their lives and health for the European future.

      Active foreign policy efforts, constitutional and anti-corruption reforms, complex political, social and economic domestic transformations as well as modernization of the local government system serve this goal.

      Well-established scientific and technological potential in aerospace, aircraft building industry, food processing, agriculture, engineering and other areas of production, as well as the diligence of our people are the basis for ongoing progress.

      Therefore, despite many challenges faced by our country at the present stage of its development and with further solidarity of the international community in their overcoming, Ukraine shall be a prosperous, strong and successful country in the great European family of nations!