Russia’s Putin sends July 4 greetings to Obama

Russian President Vladimir Putin, center, speaks at the award ceremony marking the Day of Russia in the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Friday, June 12, 2015. The holiday was established after the Soviet breakup to commemorate the emergence of an independent Russia. Putin on July 4 congratulated US President Barack Obama on Independence Day.  AP

MOSCOW, Russia — Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated President Barack Obama on Independence Day and expressed confidence that Russia and the United States can work together to find solutions to international problems.

The Kremlin said Putin noted in the telegram Saturday that despite the differences between the two countries, their relations remain important for global stability and security.

“Putin expressed confidence that by building a dialogue based on the principles of equality and mutual respect for each other’s interests, Russia and the United States are able to find solutions to the most complex international problems and effectively counter global threats and challenges,” the Kremlin said.

The July 4 greetings followed Putin’s telephone call to Obama on June 25, which was the first time they had spoken since February.