MOSCOW. Feb 27 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has had a telephone call with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan and congratulated him on his birthday.
"During the telephone call, Vladimir Putin congratulated President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan on his birthday, noting his considerable personal contribution to the development of Russian-Turkish relations. Some relevant items of the bilateral agenda were addressed," the Kremlin press service said on its website.
Putin also sent a telegram of congratulations to Erdogan.
"You rightfully enjoy high respect among your compatriots and abroad. In this difficult time and such a critical situation when Turkey is managing the consequences of devastating earthquake, you are fully displaying your best qualities as a statesman and a person, your courage and ability to make balanced and necessary decisions," the telegram, published on the Kremlin's website, said.
"Russia values your personal contribution to the strengthening of friendly relations and constructive cooperation between our countries. I am confident that we will continue gradually implementing mutually beneficial projects and coordinating efforts in the resolution of crucial matters of the regional and global agenda," Putin said.
"I would like to sincerely wish you, my dear friend, good health, happiness, prosperity, and success," he said.