Congratulations to Francois Hollande on Bastille Day national holiday 2016-07-14 12:00:00 Vladimir Putin sent his congratulations to President of France Francois Hollande on the French National Day, Bastille Day. In his message of congratulations, the President noted that France has traditionally been one of Russia’s biggest partners in Europe and in the world in general. “Over many decades, our countries have built up great potential in mutually advantageous cooperation in many different areas”, Mr Putin said. The President said he is sure that continued efforts to develop Russian-French ties in a constructive spirit will benefit both peoples and contribute to strengthening international stability and security.