The congratulatory message reads, in part:
“The Russian Federation and Japan have taken consistent steps over these last years towards building good-neighbourly relations and a constructive partnership, and have developed mutually beneficial ties in a diverse range of fields.
I am certain that this is fully in our countries’ national interests and makes an important contribution towards strengthening stability and security in the Asia-Pacific region.
We are sincerely committed to constructive and fruitful work together in order to continue building up our relations and giving them a new quality based on mutual trust and respect, close and multifaceted cooperation on the full range of our extensive bilateral agenda, and coordination of our approaches to global and regional issues.
I hope that the establishment of personal contact between us will help us to reach these objectives sooner.”
Mr Medvedev wished Mr Hatoyama success in his work as prime minister, good health and well-being, and sent his wishes for peace and prosperity to the Japanese people.