MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Secretary General Zhang Ming and Chinese Special Representative for Eurasian Affairs Li Hui have conveyed their congratulations to incumbent Russian President Vladimir Putin on his election win through Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

"In light of the preliminary election results announced by Russia’s Central Election Commission, the SCO secretary general and the Chinese government’s special envoy asked to convey their congratulations to Vlaidmir Putin on winning the vote. They highlighted his great personal contribution both to the founding and development of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the vigorous and comprehensive strengthening of Chinese-Russian strategic partnership," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The ministry added that Lavrov thanked the heads of observer missions from the SCO and China for visiting Moscow. "Zhang Ming and Li Hui, in turn, expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and full cooperation, commending the successful holding of the election and the high level of organization. They also confirmed that the vote had been held in an open, impartial and nationwide manner," the statement added.

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%.