'Indo-Russian summit will improve bilateral relations'

Moscow, Aug 16: Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has said the Indo-Russian regular summit at the highest level in December, in New Delhi, will give a powerful new impetus to bilateral relations and strategic partnership between the two countries. ''A genuine mutual sympathy and age-old traditions of friendship between Russia and India provide a solid foundation of multifaceted strategic partnership for our states,'' Medvedev said in his message to President Patil on the occasion of Independence day.

''I am confident that the upcoming Indio-Russian summit in December this year will give our bilateral relations a powerful new impetus,'' he said, adding The National Years of Russia and India will bring the citizens of both the countries closer together and enhance their ability to communicate and establish direct contacts.

Russia greatly respects India's important socio-economic achievements and its balanced foreign policy aimed at creating a democratic, multi-polar world, the Russian President said in his message to Dr Singh.

''We cherish the rich history of our relations, one that has been greatly strengthened in recent years by the Indio-Russian strategic partnership,'' he said.

UNI