BEIRUT, March 18. /TASS/. Syrian leader Bashar Assad has sent a congratulatory message to Russian President Vladimir Putin for winning the country’s presidential election.
"Allow me to congratulate you on your victory and re-election as Russian president by an overwhelming majority," the message reads, according to the Telegram channel of the Syrian Presidency.
"It confirms the high level of popular trust in you, your national policy and the strategic goals that are in line with the interests of great Russia," Assad added.
"Russia plays an important role in the world, has a profound history and a civilization built on lofty principles and values, including respect for the rights of other countries and nations," the message said.
Assad wished Putin success in carrying out his duties, pointing to the special nature of relations between Syria and Russia. "Our countries are bound together by effective bilateral cooperation that contributes to their further prosperity," the Syrian leader noted.
Russia held its presidential election on March 15-17. For the first time, voting took place over a three-day period and incorporated online voting, which was available in about one-third of the country’s regions. According to the Central Election Commission, incumbent head of state Vladimir Putin has 87.28% of the vote with all ballots cast now counted. An all-time high voter turnout in Russia’s modern history was recorded at 77.44%.