DUSHANBE, October 6, Asia-Plus - Yesterday, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko sent telegrams of congratulations to Emomali Rahmonov on occasion of his 54 ^th birthday.  

Presidential press service says that in his telegram, Putin noted, “In the contemporary history of Tajikistan, the name of Emomali Rahmonov is indissolubly connected with reestablishment of peace and national accord in the country, strengthening of statehood, development of economy and social sphere.”  Russian leader also stressed that Russia highly appraises the contribution Emomali Rahmonov has made to expansion of bilateral cooperation between the Russian Federation and Tajikistan, according to presidential press service.  Putin also expressed confidence that implementation of agreements reached during their meetings will give a new impulse to  further allied interaction between Russia and Tajikistan in the interest of the two peoples, strengthening of stability in Central Asia.  

The source says Putin yesterday evening had telephone conversation with Rahmonov to personally congratulate him on his 54 ^th birthday.  

In his telegram of congratulations, Belarus leader Lukashenko expressed confidence that mutually beneficial cooperation between Belarus and Tajikistan established through joint efforts will expand in future as well, according to the source.