President Vladimir Putin has sent a massage of greetings to President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov on the occasion of the 2,750th anniversary of the city of Samarkand, the presidential press service reported Monday.

"This city played a unique role in the development of civilization. Samarkand is linked with legendary historic events and names of outstanding statesmen, philosophers and architects. Samarkand is the place where Amir Teymur laid the foundation of the Uzbek statehood, and Mirzo Ulugbek made his fundamental scientific discoveries. The beauty and the grandeur of architectural monuments gave inspiration to Uzbek legendary poets Alisher Navoi and Abdurrakhman Jami.

"It is pleasant to see that today’s Samarkand is looking into the future, the city has been dynamically developing and is becoming even more beautiful and grand.

"It is noteworthy that this city heralded a new modern stage in the development of Russo- Uzbek contacts that are based on the principles of strategic partnership and the relations of allies. I shall always cherish warm reminiscences of our meeting on the hospitable land of Samarkand in 2003 and a sincere and hospitable welcome given by the Samarkand residents.

"I take advantage of the opportunity and with all my heart congratulate you, dear Islam Abduganiyevich (Karimov), on the jubilee of your home city. I wish you good health and success in your activities for the benefit of the state. I wish happiness, prosperity and peace to the people of Samarkand and the entire multinational Uzbekistan," Putin said in the message.