Putin congratulates Bush on birthday

Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated President Bush on his 55th birthday today and said he looked forward to meeting him again at this month’s G-8 summit in Italy.

‘‘With pleasure, I remember our meeting in Ljubljana and the frank and friendly nature of the talks we had,’’ Putin said, referring to the first meeting between the two Presidents in Slovenia last month.

‘‘I feel that our dialogue started on a very successful note,’’ Putin said in the message. ‘‘I look forward to continuing mutually beneficial cooperation for the good of our countries and nations.’’

In spite of the friendly atmosphere, the brief summit in Slovenia made no breakthroughs in disputes that have strained Russian-US relations in recent years.

Bush is celebrating his birthday at the family home in Kennebunkport, Maine.