Putin lauds Uzbek president's contribution to bilateral strategic partnership, allied relations

MOSCOW. July 24 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin wished his Uzbek counterpart Shavkat Mirziyoyev a happy birthday in a telegram of congratulations, published on the Kremlin website.

"You have gained much respect from your fellow citizens and high international authority through your work in the presidential post. Under your leadership, Uzbekistan has achieved considerable successes in social and economic issues and strengthened its positions on the world stage," Putin said in his message.

"It is difficult to overestimate your personal contribution to the development of the strategic partnership and allied relations between our states, our productive bilateral cooperation in all areas," he said.

"I look back at our recent fruitful talks in Tashkent with warmth. I will be glad to continue this constructive dialogue and close joint work for the benefit of the friendly peoples of Russia and Uzbekistan," Putin said, wishing Mirziyoyev good health, happiness, prosperity and success.