Putin Congratulates Yushchenko on Birthday

MOSCOW, Russia -- Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated his Ukrainian counterpart Viktor Yushchenko on birthday and stressed constructive relations that the presidents of Russia and Ukraine have, the Russian presidential press service said on Wednesday.

“I praise highly the results of the recent meeting in Moscow, constructive relations that we maintain. I hope that our continued direct dialogue will serve to the development of an equal and mutually beneficial Russian-Ukrainian cooperation in all spheres,” Putin said in the congratulatory message.

Viktor Yushchenko turned 51 on Wednesday.