MINSK, April 2 (Xinhua) -- President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko has called for strict observance of the agreements between Belarus and Russia, among others, to tap potential in bilateral cooperation.

"Cooperation between Belarus and Russia has great potential. In order to realize it fully, we must strictly abide by the agreements, to preserve and develop our achievements and common heritage," Lukashenko said Monday in his message to the Belarusians and Russians devoted to the Day of Unity of the Peoples of the Two Countries.

Lukashenko said the allied relations between the two countries contribute to improving the living of citizens, expanding economic and humanitarian ties, and others.

"In the international arena, we are consolidated, making a significant contribution to the maintenance of peace and security," the president added.

Russian President Vladimir Putin in his congratulatory speech stressed that the results of joint efforts of the Belarusians and Russians in the construction of the Union State (of Russia and Belarus) "are becoming ever more tangible."

Putin also expressed confidence that the states, acting together, will ensure further strengthening of their allied relations, mutually beneficial cooperation in all spheres for the benefit of fraternal peoples.

The Day of Unity of the Peoples of Belarus and Russia is annually marked on April 2. It was on this day in 1996 that presidents of Russia and Belarus Boris Yeltsin and Alexander Lukashenko signed the Treaty on the Formation of the Commonwealth of Russia and Belarus in Moscow.

The Treaty on the Creation of a Union State of Russia and Belarus was later signed in 1999.