Vladimir Putin’s telegram said, in part:
“Longtime historical and cultural ties between our nations facilitate bilateral cooperation.
“I am convinced that common approaches to the main international issues, as well as stable traditions of mutual respect and equitable partnership, will continue to determine the long-term strategic prospects of Russian-Bulgarian relations and will help strengthen peace and security on the European continent.
“I would like to reaffirm the Russian side’s readiness to expand multi-faceted bilateral cooperation and elevate it to a qualitatively new level matching 21st century objectives.”