You're reading: Yanukovych to travel to Donetsk region on Friday to mark its 80th anniversary

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych will make a working visit to Donetsk region on Friday, July 6, according to the president's press service.

The president’s congratulation on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Donetsk region has been posted on his Web site.

“Dear fellow countrymen! Take my sincere congratulations on the 80th anniversary of Donetsk regions. Donetsk region always was one of the most powerful regions of Ukraine with huge economic potential of coal mining, metallurgy, and processing industry, as well as agriculture, big scientific and cultural achievements,” reads the president’s letter addressed to the residents of Donetsk region.

Donetsk region was created on July 2, 1932 as a result of an administrative and territorial reform in the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic.

Yanukovych was born on July 9, 1950 in Yenakiyeve (Donetsk region). In 1997-2002 he chaired Donetsk Regional State Administration.