Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a congratulation message to RA President Robert Kocharian on the occasion on the national holiday - the Independence Day, RF President's press service reported. The message says in part, "The centuries-old friendship and traditions established between the Armenian and Russian peoples, the closeness and concord of our interests make a strong basis for mutual interaction. It is gratifying that the Russian-Armenian allied relations became a significant factor of stability and security in the region. I am convinced that the successful conduction of the Year of Russia in Armenia and the Year of Armenia in Russia to be held in 2006 will contribute to further consolidation of the mutually beneficial Russian-Armenian cooperation."