Putin turns 55, celebrates last birthday as president in Kremlin

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Source: CCTV.com | 10-08-2007 11:08

Russian President Vladimir Putin celebrated his 55th birthday with a small group of close friends and allies at the Kremlin. Since Putin will end his presidential term next year, the birthday party looked like a farewell party.

Putin told guests he was proud to be surrounded by the people who have increased the respect of Russia and the army. Putin has presided over eight years of uninterrupted economic growth and sharply rising incomes, making him the most popular politician in Russia. The constitution does not allow Putin, who has served two full terms to run for another.