Putin Sends Birthday Greetings to Queen Elizabeth, Bush, Sr.

MOSCOW, June 12 (RIA Novosti) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent birthday greetings to Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Kremlin press service reports. The official birthday of Queen Elizabeth II is celebrated on the second Saturday in June.

President Putin's letter of greetings says, in part:

"Let me express the hope that the wide-ranging and time-tested relations between our two countries and nations will continue to develop in the spirit of mutual understanding and cooperation."

The Russian leader has also greeted former U.S. President George Bush, Sr., who is celebrating his 80th birthday today. "In Russia, they are aware and appreciative of your large contribution to the development of Russo-American partnership. Your efforts have helped a lot to lay the foundation for interaction between our countries, which we are effectively building upon today together with President George W. Bush," Mr Putin's message reads.