Unofficial translation Moscow, August 8, 2006

Esteemed Mr. President,

I am glad to send you sincere congratulations on the occasion of the Independence Day of Korea.

The revival of your country as a sovereign and prosperous state is a result of the self-denying struggle of the Korean people for freedom and independence. The Russian people also remember and revere the memory of Soviet warriors who made a ponderable contribution to the liberation of Korea.

The period after establishment of diplomatic relations was marked by dynamic development of cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Korea in all directions. As a result relations between our countries today have reached the level of multifaceted and trustful partnership. I am confident that further deepening of bilateral interaction will promote strengthening of stability and security in the Korean Peninsula and the North-East Asia.

I wish you, Mr. President, sound health and success in your crucial work as well as peace and prosperity to the people of Korea.

Yours respectfully,

V.PUTIN

HIS EXCELLENCY

MR. ROH MOO-HYUN

PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA

Seoul