Putin congratulates Kazakhstan on Independence Day

MOSCOW, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin Saturday sent a congratulatory message to his Kazakh counterpart Nursultan Nazarbayev on the occasion of Kazakhstan's Independence Day, highlighting the Central Asian country's achievements in recent years.

Putin hailed Kazakhstan's achievements in the economy, society, science and technology, as well as its contribution to addressing global issues, the Kremlin said in a statement.

He also spoke highly of the relations between Russia and Kazakhstan based on mutual respect, saying it has contributed to the development of the Eurasian integration process and international security and stability.

Russia will continue to strengthen its strategic partnership with Kazakhstan, Putin added.

Kazakhstan, the last Soviet republic to declare independence in 1991, celebrates its Independence Day on Dec. 16. Enditem