Chechen youth activists have set up a patriotic club in honor of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, who turned 58 years old on Thursday.
"When the Chechen people faced hard times, Vladimir Putin extended a helping hand to us. His support to the first president of the Chechen Republic, Akhmat Kadyrov, became the first step towards establishing peace and stability in the republic," Chechen Parliament speaker Dukuvakha Abdurakhmanov said.
During his presidency, Putin said many times that the Chechen people should not be blamed for the volatile situation in the North Caucasus as there is nothing in common between Islam and terrorism, Abdurakhmanov said.
Adam Delimkhanov, a deputy in Russia's State Duma, wished the activists good luck and success.
A horse race dedicated to Putin's birthday will be held in Gudermes at Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov's residence on Thursday.
GROZNY, October 7 (RIA Novosti)
