Medvedev praises Yanukovych for promoting friendship with Russia

President Dmitry Medvedev has sent birthday greetings to his Ukrainian counterpart Viktor Yanukovych, noting his contribution to progress in bilateral relations.

"I highly value your personal contribution to progress in Russian-Ukrainian friendly, good-neighborly relations," Medvedev writes, according to the Kremlin press service. "The desire to ensure the fullest possible use of the powerful potential of the historical and cultural affinity of the Russian and Ukrainian people is opening up vast horizons of diversified interstate cooperation," he said.

Medvedev praised Ukraine's foreign and domestic policy under Yanukovych.

"Thanks to the reforms, being carried out under your leadership, Ukraine is striding ahead, perfecting state and democratic institutions, moving along the path of stable economic development and enhancing citizens' living standards. Your constructive and committed approach to the most pressing aspects of regional and global politics helps boost Ukraine's authority in the international area," Medvedev said.