MOSCOW, July 04. /ITAR-TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated US counterpart Barack Obama on Independence Day of the United States celebrated on Friday, July 4.

In a congratulatory telegram, the Russian president expressed hope that relations between the two countries, which have a great history, would develop successfully on a pragmatic and equal basis despite any difficulties and disagreements, the Kremlin press service reported.

Putin added that Russia and the United States, as countries bearing special responsibility for ensuring international stability and security, should cooperate in interests of not only their own peoples, but of the whole world as well.

The Russian leader also has noted how important it is to build bilateral relations based on mutual trust and actually take into account mutual interests.