MOSCOW, December 20. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent his sincere congratulations to the newly installed Emir of Kuwait, Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah, on the occasion of his accession to the throne of the Persian Gulf state. The president’s congratulatory message was uploaded to the Kremlin website.

"Your Highness, please accept my sincere congratulations on the occasion of your accession to the throne," Putin’s message reads. "I heartily wish you every success in the execution of your official state functions, as well as good health and well-being."

Putin described the relations between Russia and Kuwait as traditionally friendly.

"I am certain that these relations will continue to develop fruitfully in various areas to the benefit of our peoples and in the interests of strengthening peace and security in the Middle East," the Russian leader said.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Emir of Kuwait took the oath of office in the National Assembly, the country's unicameral parliament. Sheikh Meshal succeeded Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, who died on December 16. Under the Kuwaiti Constitution, after the death of the Emir, the Crown Prince takes over, but he can assume power only after the oath of office in parliament.