OREANDA-NEWS. March 4, 2009. Prime Minister Vladimir Putin sent a message of greetings to Abkhazian President Sergei Bagapsh on his 60th birthday

The message read, in part:

"You have always served the Abkhazian people, expressed their aspirations, and made a big contribution to the development of Abkhaz statehood, and consolidation of friendly and good-neighbourly relations with Russia.

"At the new stage, after Russia recognised the independence of the Republic of Abkhazia, our nations have received additional opportunities for substantial promotion of mutually advantageous cooperation in all fields."