MINSK/ASHGABAT. Oct 7 (Interfax) - Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has wished his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin a happy birthday and said that Belarus appreciates Putin's aspiration for the development of allied relations.
"Belarus highly appreciates the consistent, firm stance of Vladimir Putin and his commitment to further development of the Belarusian-Russian alliance and strategic partnership, which has given a considerable boost to the economic integration," the Belarusian presidential press service quoted Lukashenko's message on Monday.
"[Putin's] deep understanding of the historical mission of Russia and personal responsibility for the fate of the people and the fatherland have become a reliable guarantee of strengthening statehood and sovereignty and building up its socio-economic potential and international standing," Lukashenko said.
"I am confident that we can open new horizons by joint efforts and map out promising cooperation areas relevant to current challenges and expanding multifaceted relations between our states," he said.
Lukashenko wished Putin good health, longevity, happiness and success in public activities for the benefit of the Russian people and Russia.
Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov also sent a congratulatory message to Putin and expressed hope for strengthening the bilateral strategic partnership, the State News Agency of Turkmenistan said on Monday.
Turkmenistan values the great personal contribution of Putin to the development of bilateral friendly relations, Berdimuhamedov said. "We are hoping for further strengthening of the strategic partnership, which rests upon long-standing traditions of mutual respect, trust and neighborliness," he said.
Berdimuhamedov wished Putin good heath, vitality, energy, and success in his responsible public office for the benefit of the people of Russia.
Putin turns 72 on October 7.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said earlier that Putin would meet with the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) heads of state visiting Moscow for a CIS summit on Monday. "There aren't going to be any special celebrations. He'll have nonpublic working meetings at around noon, and in the evening, indeed, the president will be receiving the heads of CIS countries," Peskov said.