13 February 2017, 05:52 GMT
MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov's victory in his country's presidential elections indicates popular support for his course of action, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a congratulatory note the Kremlin's press service published Monday.
"The results of the vote confirm your highest political authority, testify to the broad recognition of your merits as head of state, as well as support for your course to further strengthen the national economy and improve the living standards of the citizens of Turkmenistan," the Kremlin said.
Putin praised Berdimuhamedov's contribution to forging friendly ties with Russia, and expressed confidence in the continued constructive dialogue and collaboration on the bilateral and international agenda.
Turkmenistan's Central Election Committee said Berdimuhamedov won 97.69 percent of the votes following Sunday's vote, where there was a 97.27 percent turnout.
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