MOSCOW. Dec 24 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has wished his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev a happy birthday, also noting Aliyev's personal contribution to the strengthening of the partnership and allied relations between the two countries, according to a statement published on the Kremlin website on Tuesday.
"Under your leadership, friendly Azerbaijan has confidently been moving forward along its socioeconomic development path, bolstering its positions on the world stage. It is difficult to overestimate your personal contribution to building and strengthening the strategic partnership and allied relations between our states," Putin said in a congratulatory telegram.
"I value our good, friendly relations. And I will certainly be glad to continue our close joint work to tackle key issues on the bilateral and international agenda," Putin said, wishing Aliyev good health, happiness and wellbeing.