OREANDA-NEWS. June 06, 2011. Dmitry Medvedev had a telephone conversation with President of the State Council and the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Cuba Raul Castro.

Mr Medvedev congratulated Mr Castro on his 80th birthday.

Both leaders assessed highly the steady development of bilateral cooperation.

Earlier, Dmitry Medvedev sent a message of congratulations to President of the State Council and the Council of Ministers of Cuba on his anniversary.

The congratulatory message reads, in part:

 “Your entire life is an example of service to your country and people. You celebrate this significant date in your life as a recognised national leader who has made a big contribution to developing Cuba and strengthening its influence in the Latin American region and in the world in general.

You now harness your rich life experience and unfailing energy to the task of carrying out social, economic, and democratic reforms aimed at raising your people’s living standards and quality of life. I sincerely wish you success in achieving these goals.

We know you in Russia as a great friend of our country. I highly value your personal contribution to bolstering the traditionally friendly ties between Russia and Cuba. Our bilateral relations are steadily gaining in substance now, and we are enriching them with promising new projects and initiatives. Russia is ready for continued full-fledged and long-term cooperation with Cuba to the benefit of our countries and peoples and in the interests of stability and security in the region and the world.”