Putin Congratulates Klaus on Election as Czech Republic President

Russia's President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Vaclav Klaus on the latter's election as President of the Czech Republic, the Kremlin press office announced.

The Russian head of state's congratulatory message says, among other things, "Please accept my congratulations on the occasion of your election to the highest public office of the Czech Republic.

"I am convinced that all-embracing development and consolidation of relations of friendship between Russia and the Czech Republic conforms to crucial interests of the peoples of our two countries and aids the maintenance of security and stability on the continent.

"I hope to establish fruitful personal contacts with you and expect that through joint efforts we will succeed in giving fresh impetus to Czech-Russian ties and bilateral cooperation on the international stage."