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Russian President Vladimir Putin said Saturday that Russia and the United States, as the world's two largest nuclear powers, share a special responsibility for global security and stability.
According to the Kremlin, Putin made the remarks in a message to U.S. President Donald Trump marking the 250th anniversary of American independence.
Putin said the signing of the Declaration of Independence marked not only the birth of the United States but also "a significant milestone in world history."
He said Russia had "unconditionally supported the North American colonists in their struggle for freedom from British rule" and noted that Moscow and Washington had been allies in both world wars.
"We were allies in two world wars, together we freed humanity from the horrors of Nazism, and then played a vital role in laying the foundations of the modern world order," Putin said.
"And today, Russia and the United States, as the two largest nuclear powers, bear a special responsibility for ensuring security and stability on a global scale."
Putin said he was confident that "constructive, equal and mutually beneficial" relations between Moscow and Washington would serve the interests of both countries and the broader international community.
His message came as the United States marked 250 years since the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
The anniversary comes amid deep political divisions in the United States and a severe heatwave that has placed about 160 million Americans under major or extreme heat warnings.
The high temperatures disrupted planned parades and public celebrations in towns and cities across much of the country.
President Donald Trump was scheduled to hold a large campaign-style rally Saturday evening on the National Mall in Washington, accompanied by military flyovers and what he described as the world's largest fireworks display.
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