Russian president Vladimir Putin sent a letter of congratulation to Armenian leader Robert Kocharian on occasion of his 49-th birthday August 31. "Russia notes with satisfaction Armenia's advance on the path to progress and democracy. Reaching the level of allied interaction and partnership within a short period of time Armenian-Russian relations with your active participation receive constructive and effective development" - V. Putin's dispatch runs. Russian president expressed assurance that "the positive and multifaceted potential of the cooperation achieved by the two countries will later on contribute to the consolidation of friendship, trust and neighborly relations between our countries and peoples".