MOSCOW, February 26. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated President of the Republic of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan on his birthday on Sunday, noting that in these difficult times his best qualities as a statesman and a person are in full display. Putin’s congratulatory message to Erdogan, who turned 69 on February 26, was published on the Kremlin’s website on Sunday.

"You enjoy well-deserved respect among your fellow countrymen as well as abroad. In these difficult times, in such a critical situation, when Turkiye is overcoming the tragic consequences of such devastating earthquakes, your best qualities as a statesman and a person, your courage and ability to make balanced and necessary decisions are in full display," the statement reads.

Russia appreciates Erdogan’s personal contribution to strengthening friendly relations and constructive co-operation between the two countries, Putin stressed. "I am confident that moving forward we will continue to pursue mutually beneficial joint projects and to co-ordinate our efforts to address important issues on the regional and global agenda," the Russian president said.

Moreover, Putin had a telephone conversation with Erdogan, during which he congratulated his Turkish counterpart on his birthday, as well as noted his great personal contribution to the development of Russia-Turkiye relations. "The leaders touched upon some current issues from the bilateral agenda," the Kremlin’s press service said. Previously the leaders had telephone conversations on February 24.