Pyongyang, September 14 (KCNA) -- Leader Kim Jong Il sent a congratulatory message to Dmitri Anatoliyevich Medvedev, president of the Russian Federation, on Wednesday.

The message said:

I extend warm congratulations to you on your birthday.

I express belief that the long-standing DPRK-Russia relations of friendship and cooperation will continue favorably developing in the spirit of the agreement reached at a recent meeting between us and in the interests of the peoples of our two countries.

Please accept my best wishes for your good health and happiness and success in your responsible work to build powerful Russia.