MOSCOW, June 3. /TASS/. Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has congratulated Cuban President Raul Castro who is celebrating his 85th birthday on Friday, the Russian cabinet of ministers said on its website.

"Your name is closely associated with the history of a modern Cuba. Under your guidance, a program of large-scale reforms in economy and social life of the republic is being implemented. I wish you success in solving these important tasks for the Cuban people," the message reads.

Medvedev noted Castro's great personal contribution to the development of traditionally friendly and partnership Russian-Cuban relations. The Russian premier is convinced that "by joint efforts we fully use the current possibilities for launching new mutually beneficial projects of cooperation in the trade and economic, scientific and technical, humanitarian, cultural and other areas."

Raul Castro took over as president in 2008 from his brother Fidel, Cuba’s revolutionary leader who is aged 89 now.