Vladimir Putin Congratulates Israeli President and Prime Minister on Independence Day

Russian President Vladimir Putin sent congratulatory messages to Israeli President Moshe Katsav and prime minister Ariel Sharon on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of the country's independence. The Kremlin press service reported that the messages point to the positive dynamics in the development of Russian-Israeli relations and confirm Russia's readiness to fill them with practical content.

The Russian president also expressed confidence that ensuring reliable stability and security in the Middle East, meeting the legitimate interests and aspirations of all states and peoples of that region corresponded to these aims. Vladimir Putin also stressed that Russia was going to continue seeking solution to these problems.