Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Armenian ex-President Robert Kocharyan on his birthday while Kocharyan remains in pretrial detention.

In a message published by the Kremlin, Putin highlighted Kocharyan’s personal contribution to strengthening what he described as friendly and allied ties between Russia and Armenia, according to Sputnik Armenia.

“Russia has not forgotten your personal contribution to the development of friendly, allied relations between our countries,” Putin said.

The Russian president also wished Kocharyan good health, strength and resilience as he faces what Putin described as challenges affecting him and his family.

Kocharyan, who served as Armenia’s president from 1998 to 2008, is currently being held in a detention facility as his legal proceedings continue.