Medvedev congratulates Indian president, PM on Independence Day

MOSCOW, August 15 (Itar-Tass) - Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has
congratulated the President and Prime Minister of the Republic of India -
Pratibha Devisingh Patil and Manmohan Singh, on the country's state
holiday - Independence Day, the press service of the Russian head of state
reported on Saturday.
In the congratulatory message the RF president stressed that "over
years of independent development India has reached historic successes in
the socio-economic and scientific-technical development and became one of
the leading states of the international community." "For Russia, strategic
partnership and friendly relations with India are an unquestionable
foreign political priority. In 2009, we are gladly receiving on the
Russian land our Indian friends participating in events of the Year of
India in Russia," the congratulatory message says.
"We in Russia share the feelings of joy and pride of the Indian
friends in connection with outstanding achievements of your country in the
sphere of the economic, social and scientific-technical development. India
has gained the deserved authority of one of key states in international
affairs. Russia intends also in the future to strengthen the ties of
traditional friendship and strategic partnership between our countries,"
Medvedev noted in the congratulatory message.
"We expect your visit to our country this September that will
undoubtedly become one of the central events of the Year of India in
Russia," the Russian head of state said in the message addressed to the
Indian president.
The Russian president also noted that he hopes to continue the
dialogue with Manmohan Singh in Moscow during his forthcoming visit "that
will crown the Year of India in Russia - an impressive festival of culture
and parade of your country's achievements on the Russian land reflecting
the unique cultural richness and creative potential of the Indian people."
-0-ezh