Putin wishes Obama a happy Fourth of July, calls for improved relations

MOSCOW, July 4 (UPI) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin called for improved relations with the United States in a statement wishing President Barack Obama a happy Fourth of July.

Putin said that he "hopes that ties between the two countries, which have a rich history, will continue successful development on a pragmatic and equal basis despite the current differences and difficulties."

Ties between Russia and the United States soured last March, hitting their lowest point since the Cold War, when Russia sent troops to the Crimean peninsula. The U.S. reacted by imposing sanctions on Russia.

"Russia and the United States are both countries bearing particular responsibility for ensuring international stability and security and should therefore cooperate not just for the benefit of their own peoples but also in the entire world's interest," Putin's statement added.