Putin: Russia-Japan relations contribute to Asia Pacific security, stability
MOSCOW. Dec 23 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Emperor Akihito of Japan on his 80th birthday, the Kremlin website reported on Monday.
"I am pleased to declare positive dynamics in the bilateral relations, the broadening of constructive dialogue and mutually advantageous cooperation in various spheres. I am confident that further growth of the entire range of Russia-Japan relations in the spirit of genuine partnership will be consistent with the fundamental interests of our people and contribute to the stability and security of the Asia Pacific region," the president said in his congratulatory message.
"I take this opportunity to cordially congratulate you on the upcoming New Year. I wish you health, happiness and all the very best and [I wish] prosperity and wellbeing to the people of friendly Japan," the message said.
Emperor Akihito, the elder son of Emperor Hirohito, was born in 1933. He is the only ruling emperor in the contemporary world.
Akihito is the 125th emperor in the dynasty, which started from Emperor Jimmu and has been ruling Japan since 660 BC.
Akihito married a milling company president's daughter in 1959, which was unprecedented for the dynasty. Before that men of the dynasty had invariably married aristocrats.
The emperor has an interest in biology and ichthyology. He is the author of research on the Giant goby species. In 1986 Akihito was elected an honorary member of the Linnean Society of London, an international society dealing with natural history.
