The Office of the President of Armenia informs that Russia President Vladimir Putin has sent a congratulatory message to Armenian President Armen Sarkissian on the occasion of the New Year and Christmas holidays. The congratulatory message reads as follows, in particular:

"Armenian-Russian relations are based on good traditions of friendship, cultural and spiritual closeness. I am convinced that next year our bilateral allied cooperation, constructive cooperation in various domains will continue to develop for the interest of our brotherly peoples and for the benefit of strengthening stability and security in the region."