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In his message to President of the Republic of Abkhazia Aslan Bzhania, Vladimir Putin noted that relations between the two countries, which are based on the principles of alliance and strategic partnership, have been developing in a constructive manner in 2020. He expressed hope for continued joint work to build up the entire range of bilateral ties for the benefit of the peoples of Russia and Abkhazia, and in the interests of strengthening regional security and stability.

The Russian leader also extended New Year greetings to President of the Republic of Armenia Armen Sarkissian and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, expressing hope that the difficulties and hardships of 2020 would be a thing of the past.

“It is important that we have been fully convinced of the significance of friendly, allied relations between our countries,” Vladimir Putin stressed, adding that the further development of multifaceted Russian-Armenian ties meets the fundamental interests of both peoples.

In his message to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Vladimir Putin noted that even during such a difficult year, both parties had a chance to see proof of the strong strategic partnership between Russia and Azerbaijan. He also expressed hope that Moscow and Baku would continue to combine efforts to build up mutually beneficial ties in all areas as this meets the fundamental interests of the peoples of the two states and is in line with strengthening peace, security and stability in the South Caucasus.

In his greetings addressed to President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, the President of Russia emphasised that despite the difficulties of 2020, Russia and Belarus have managed, through joint efforts, to achieve significant results in various areas. The Russian leader expressed hope that work would continue on building up mutually beneficial bilateral ties, strengthening the Union State, EAEU, CSTO, as well as the CIS, which the Republic of Belarus will soon chair. Vladimir Putin added that all this meets the interests of the two countries and is in line with strengthening security and stability in Eurasia.

In his messages of greetings to President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Honorary Chairman of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council Nursultan Nazarbayev, Vladimir Putin noted progress in Russian-Kazakh relations in the spirit of strategic partnership and alliance. The President pointed out that the two countries are maintaining political dialogue at all levels, and cooperation in trade, the economy, research, technology and culture is bringing good results. Vladimir Putin also spoke positively about close coordination of Russia and Kazakhstan’s efforts within the EAEU, CSTO, CIS, SCO, as well as the UN, OSCE and other multilateral organisations. He expressed confidence that productive joint work on important issues on the bilateral, regional and international agendas will continue in the coming year.

In his New Year greetings to Acting President of the Kyrgyz Republic Talant Mamytov, the President of Russia emphasised the high level of Russian-Kyrgyz relations of alliance and strategic partnership. Vladimir Putin noted that Russia and Kyrgyzstan constructively interact in the framework of Eurasian integration processes and work together to fight threats to regional and international security, including the coronavirus pandemic. The Russian President expressed hope that multifaceted cooperation between the two countries would expand in 2021 for the benefit of the Russian and Kyrgyz peoples.

In his message to President of the Republic of South Ossetia Anatoly Bibilov, Vladimir Putin noted that in 2020 bilateral relations between the two countries made great strides: trade, economic and cultural cooperation expanded and joint investment projects were implemented. The President of Russia expressed confidence that in the future Russia and South Ossetia would continue the work to strengthen bilateral ties based on firm principles of alliance.

The message to President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon notes the progressive development of strategic partnership and alliance between Moscow and Dushanbe.

“Our constructive political dialogue is expanding, and mutually beneficial projects are being implemented in various areas,” Vladimir Putin said.

The President of Russia expressed confidence that productive joint work on topical issues on the bilateral agenda, as well as close coordination of efforts within the CIS, CSTO and SCO, would continue in the coming year.

In his message to President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Vladimir Putin stressed that the outgoing year saw the dynamic development of bilateral relations based on the principles of strategic partnership. According to the President of Russia, much has been done to expand constructive ties in trade, the economy, energy and culture. He noted that Moscow and Ashgabat were successfully coordinating their efforts within the CIS as well as cooperating at the UN and OSCE. Vladimir Putin expressed confidence that, based on the achieved results, Russia and Turkmenistan would continue their close cooperation in bilateral and multilateral formats for the benefit of both nations and in the interest of strengthening peace and stability in Central Asia and the Caspian region.

In his greetings to President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Vladimir Putin noted with satisfaction that in the outgoing year it was possible to ensure the consistent progress of the entire range of Russian-Uzbekistani ties, and pointed out the expansion of constructive cooperation in the political, trade, economic, cultural and many other spheres, as well as cooperation within the CIS, SCO, UN and OSCE. In addition, the President of Russia stressed that granting Uzbekistan the status of an EAEU observer state made it possible to outline new prospects for multilateral dialogue in Eurasia.

In his greetings to President of the Argentine Republic Alberto Fernandez, Vladimir Putin stated that this year, Russia and Argentina, like the entire international community, faced the global pandemic, and in these times, it was especially important that Moscow and Buenos Aires established close cooperation to counter the spread of the coronavirus infection, including signing agreements on shipping the Russian vaccine to Argentina. The President of Russia expressed confidence that Russia and Argentina would continue to further develop productive cooperation in healthcare and other key areas as well as coordinate their efforts within the UN, G20 and other multilateral bodies.

In his greetings to President of the Federative Republic of Brazil Jair Bolsonaro, the President of Russia stressed that the positive dynamics of Russian-Brazilian cooperation has been preserved throughout the outgoing year. Vladimir Putin also noted that Moscow and Brasilia coordinated their efforts within the BRICS, G20 and other multilateral associations. He expressed hope that the two countries would be able to ensure the further development of strategic partnership for the benefit of the peoples of Russia and Brazil and in the interests of strengthening international security and stability.

Extending season’s and birthday greetings to Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau, Vladimir Putin wished Mr Trudeau, his family and the nation of Canada happiness, prosperity, and success.

In his message of greetings to President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping on the occasion of the New Year and the upcoming Spring Festival, Vladimir Putin noted that Russia-China relations of comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction continued to expand dynamically during the outgoing year, and frequent contact was maintained between the respective governments, parliaments, ministries and agencies. The President noted the successful start of a major project for holding Years of Russian-Chinese Scientific, Technical and Innovative Cooperation. In addition, the message emphasises that despite the difficulties caused by the coronavirus infection, the two countries managed to maintain a high level of trade and economic ties. The President of Russia also pointed out that Moscow and Beijing closely coordinated their efforts in addressing key issues on the regional and global agendas, and acted together at the UN, SCO and BRICS.

“I am confident that the upcoming year will be marked by new achievements in our joint work to promote the entire range of bilateral relations in the spirit of the Treaty on Neighbourliness, Friendship and Cooperation, the 20^th anniversary of which we will be marking soon,” Vladimir Putin stressed.

In his message to President of the Republic of Croatia Zoran Milanovic, the President of Russia stated that the outgoing year was marked by major challenges both for the two countries and the entire international community, primarily those related to the coronavirus pandemic. In this regard, Vladimir Putin especially stressed the importance of preserving the constructive nature of Russian-Croatian relations and expressed confidence that further development of bilateral political dialogue, trade, economic and cultural ties meets the interests of the peoples of Russia and Croatia.

The Russian President sent a message of greetings to President of the Republic of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel and First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba Raul Castro on the occasion of Cuba’s national holiday, Liberation Day, and on Christmas and the New Year. He noted progress in Russian-Cuban relations in the spirit of a comprehensive strategic partnership:

“Promising joint projects are being implemented as planned. Researchers and doctors from our countries are joining efforts as they continue to fight the coronavirus infection.”

Vladimir Putin also noted that granting Cuba an observer state status at the EAEU opens up new opportunities for expanding mutually beneficial trade and economic ties. The President also expressed hope for continued productive bilateral cooperation in various areas.

The President sent greetings to President of the Czech Republic Milos Zeman on Christmas and the New Year and expressed confidence that bilateral relations based on the principles of mutual benefit and mutual respect would meet the fundamental interests of the peoples of Russia and the Czech Republic.

In his message to President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö, Vladimir Putin noted that Russia and Finland are marking the 100^th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The President of Russia emphasised that the two countries had gained extensive experience of cooperation, and – despite the pandemic-related challenges – Moscow and Helsinki maintain a constructive dialogue in many areas.

“I am positive that further strengthening of friendly and neighbourly Russian-Finnish ties fully meets the interests of the two countries’ peoples,” the President noted.

The President sent Christmas and New Year greetings to President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron, noting that the outgoing year was quite challenging and full of trials ranging from terrorist attacks to the coronavirus pandemic. Given these circumstances, the presidential message says, a direct and candid dialogue, which made it possible to discuss in detail many important issues on the bilateral and international agendas, was of particular importance. Vladimir Putin expressed hope that Russia and France would continue to work together in the interests of promoting bilateral ties and strengthening stability and security in Europe.

The Russian President sent Christmas and New Year greetings to Federal President of the Federal Republic of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Federal Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel. Vladimir Putin noted in his messages that Russian-German relations are very important for both countries and are of the essence for stability and security in Europe. He also expressed hope that in 2021, Russia and Germany would be able to advance bilateral cooperation in various fields, as well as cooperation in solving pressing problems on the international agenda.

In his message of Christmas and New Year greetings to Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Vladimir Putin stressed that Russian-Greek relations rely on centuries-old traditions of friendship, and cultural and spiritual closeness. The Russian leader also expressed hope that in the coming year, the two countries would be able to ensure the constructive development of bilateral ties for the benefit of the peoples of Russia and Greece and all of Europe.

In his congratulatory message to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Vladimir Putin noted:

“It is important that, despite the difficulties associated with the coronavirus pandemic, Russian-Hungarian relations continued to develop successfully; we are maintaining a constructive political dialogue and are implementing significant energy-related projects together.”

The President of Russia expressed hope that in the coming year Russia and Hungary would continue to interact on all current issues on the bilateral agenda.

In his greetings to President of the Republic of India Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, the President of Russia noted that Russia and India were connected by relations of privileged strategic partnership, which, despite this year’s difficulties and problems, including the coronavirus pandemic, are developing confidently. Vladimir Putin stressed that the two countries maintain a substantive political dialogue and carry out promising joint projects in various spheres, while cooperation within the SCO and BRICS yields good results. Vladimir Putin expressed hope that next year Russia and India would continue to work towards stepping up constructive bilateral cooperation as well as coordinating efforts to address topical issues on the regional and global agendas.

In his message of New Year greetings to Prime Minister of the State of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu, Vladimir Putin noted that Russia attaches great importance to friendly relations with Israel. The Russian President expressed hope that in 2021, the two countries will continue to work together to expand the entire range of bilateral ties, as well as cooperate in solving urgent problems on the regional and global agenda. This undoubtedly meets the fundamental interests of the peoples of the two states, and is in line with ensuring security and stability in the Middle East.

Addressing President of the Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister of Italy Giuseppe Conte, Vladimir Putin stressed that Russia attaches particular importance to relations with Italy.

“The outgoing year was quite difficult for our countries as well as for the entire international community. It is crucial that during the escalation of many challenges, including the coronavirus pandemic, Russia and Italy continued to closely cooperate in accordance with the traditions of friendship and mutual assistance that characterise our bilateral relations,” the President of Russia noted in the message.

He also expressed confidence that the development of productive bilateral cooperation in various areas as well as partnership cooperation in international affairs would be in line with the deep-rooted interests of both nations and all of Europe.

In his message to Prime Minister of Japan Yoshihide Suga, the President of Russia noted the importance of maintaining the dynamics of Russian-Japanese relations in the outgoing year. As the President emphasised, the roadmap for stepping up trade and investment cooperation was of great importance in this context. Vladimir Putin reiterated his commitment to a constructive dialogue and joint work in order to address important issues on the bilateral agenda and to strengthen stability and security in the Asia-Pacific region.

Greeting the President of the Republic of Korea Moon Jae-in on Christmas and the New Year, the President of Russia said that the outgoing year marked the 30^th anniversary of Russian-Korean relations, and expressed confidence that acting on bilateral agreements would give a boost to developing constructive cooperation in many areas and partnership to ensure peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia in general. In addition, Vladimir Putin said that he would use the invitation by the President of the Republic of Korea to pay an official visit to Seoul, the sanitary and epidemiological situation permitting.

In his greetings to President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu, Vladimir Putin noted that developing friendly Russian-Moldovan relations and mutually beneficial cooperation in various areas would meet the two countries’ long-term interests.

In his message of greetings to Sovereign Prince of Monaco Albert II, Vladimir Putin expressed his hope that, despite the challenges the two countries had to address, including the coronavirus pandemic, mutually beneficial cooperation between Russia and Monaco would develop successfully.

The President of Russia extended New Year and Christmas greetings to President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic, emphasising the importance of the relations of strategic partnership between the two countries that allow them to join efforts to stand up to today’s threats and challenges, including the coronavirus pandemic. He expressed the hope that Russia and Serbia would continue to cooperate closely in all key areas and would be able to successfully implement existing agreements and carry out joint projects.

Addressing President of the Republic of Slovenia Borut Pahor, Vladimir Putin noted that relations between Russia and Slovenia were based on the good traditions of cultural and spiritual affinity. The Russian President expressed his belief that in the new year Russia and Slovenia would ensure constructive development of the dialogue and cooperation between the two countries which would undoubtedly meet the interests of their countries’ peoples and all of Europe.

In his message to President of the Republic of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa, the Russian President noted, “Despite the fact that the international community faced a serious challenge in the outgoing year – the coronavirus pandemic – Russia and South Africa continued constructive interaction, including in the context of implementing the agreements signed following our meeting in Sochi.”

The President expressed confidence that Moscow and Pretoria would continue to build up productive cooperation in the political, trade, economic, cultural and other spheres, as well as to coordinate their efforts within BRICS, G20 and other multilateral organisations.

The President of Russia sent season’s greetings to King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain expressing hope that the next year would be good for bilateral cooperation and would open new opportunities for developing mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.

In his message of greetings to Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Sweden Stefan Löfven, the President noted that 2020 was a challenging year for Russia and Sweden as well as for the rest of world, and expressed confidence that joint efforts would make it possible to effective cope with the coronavirus pandemic and other challenges.

“I hope that Russian-Swedish relations will expand constructively in the coming year,” Vladimir Putin added.

In his message of greetings to President of the Syrian Arab Republic Bashar al-Assad, the Russian leader expressed his hope that the next year would bring long-awaited stability to Syria, along with new achievements in the peaceful development of the country. Vladimir Putin noted that Russia was committed to further providing all possible assistance to Syria in securing a final settlement of the crisis in that country and addressing its consequences, and also to working jointly to further foster the diversified cooperation between Russia and Syria.

In his New Year greetings to President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Vladimir Putin noted with satisfaction the progress in Russian-Turkish relations across all key areas. The President of Russia said that despite the challenging sanitary and epidemiological situation, a meaningful political dialogue is being maintained, important joint energy projects are being implemented as scheduled and high level of cooperation in trade, the economy, defence and other areas is being maintained. The Russian leader expressed confidence that in the coming year, Moscow and Ankara would continue to productively interact on important issues on the bilateral, regional and international agendas, which fully meets the interests of the peoples of Russia and Turkey and is in line with strengthening stability and security in Eurasia.

In his congratulations to Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and to Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson, the Russian head of state stressed that the development of Russian-British relations based on the principles of equality, mutual respect and consideration for each other's interests would help solve many key problems of our time, as well as strengthen security and stability in Europe and in the world as a whole.

The Russian President extended Christmas and New Year greetings to President of the United States of America Donald Trump and wished him and his family good health, high spirits and well-being, and happiness and prosperity to all people in the United States.

In his Christmas and New Year greetings to President-elect of the United States of America Joseph Biden, Vladimir Putin noted that the coronavirus pandemic and other challenges which the world faced in the outgoing year testified to the importance of broad international cooperation. The Russian President expressed the hope that by building a relationship in the spirit of equality and consideration for each other’s interests, Russia and the United States could contribute much to enhancing stability and security at the regional and global levels.

In his Christmas and New Year greetings to His Holiness Pope Francis, the President noted that the outgoing year had not been easy, but Russia and the Holy See continued to conduct a meaningful dialogue based on similar approaches to key topical problems. Vladimir Putin expressed confidence that thanks to their joint efforts, Russia and the Vatican would be able to do a lot to protect humanistic values and moral principles in world politics, and to strengthen peace and stability in the world.

In his greetings to President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro, Vladimir Putin stated that in 2020 much had been done to strengthen the Russian-Venezuelan strategic partnership. The Russian President noted the implementation of important projects in the energy, trade, economic and other sectors, as well as the two countries’ joint coronavirus response efforts. The Russian leader expressed hope for the continuation of joint work to develop bilateral ties and further coordination of efforts in the international arena.

The President of Russia extended greetings on the New Year 2021 and on the coming Tet Holiday, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, to General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong. In his message, Vladimir Putin noted the importance of maintaining the positive dynamics of Russian-Vietnamese ties in various areas despite the difficulties arising from the coronavirus pandemic. He expressed confidence that through joint efforts of Russia and Vietnam, it would be possible to ensure the further build-up of the comprehensive strategic partnership, which fully meets the interests of the two countries’ friendly peoples and is in line with strengthening peace, security and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

The President sent New Year’s greetings to a number of heads of international organisations, in particular, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund Kristalina Georgieva, President of the International Olympic Committee Thomas Bach, Honorary President of the International Olympic Committee Jacques Rogge and Honorary Member of the International Olympic Committee Jean-Claude Killy. The Russian leader also sent greetings to President of the International Judo Federation Marius Vizer, President of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) Gianni Infantino, President of the International Ice Hockey Federation Rene Fasel, and President of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Aleksander Čeferin.

In addition, Vladimir Putin extended Christmas and New Year greetings to a number of former heads of foreign states and governments as well as political figures, in particular, Shinzo Abe, Silvio Berlusconi, George W. Bush, Robert Kocharian, Romano Prodi, Serzh Sargsyan, Nicolas Sarkozy, Francois Fillon, Tarja Halonen, King Juan Carlos I and Gerhard Schroeder.