Bosnian Serb Presidency Member Milorad Dodik congratulated Russian President Vladimir Putin's birthday on Wednesday, wishing him good health, personal happiness and success, and thanked for his efforts in promoting peace, stability and equality of peoples.

“Dear Mr President, it is my honour and pleasure to wish you a happy birthday, good health, a lot of happiness and success in your life, both privately and professionally,” Dodik wrote.

He emphasized that close and fraternal relations with the Russian Federation are one of the strategic priorities of Bosnia's Republika Srpska entity and the Serb people in Bosnia.

“As Serbn member of Bosnia's Presidency, I would like to express my firm determination to continue working on strengthening relations with the Russian Federation in all fields, from economy, trade, tourism, to education and culture,” Dodik pointed out.

The Presidency member expressed gratitude to the Russian President and the leadership of the Russian Federation “for the support and assistance they provided, as well as for the consistent position when it comes to the internal situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” the Presidency member's office said.

Vladimir Putin is 68 on Wednesday. He was born on October 7, 1952, in St.Petersbourg.