President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov received a congratulatory New Year message from President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev. The text of the message was published in the central Turkmen media.

"Russian-Turkmen relations are based on the long-standing and strong traditions of friendship and mutual respect, the message says. Our joint efforts taken in the passing year to promote multi-faceted mutually beneficial cooperation between Russia and Turkmenistan are clear evidence of the enormous potential of our countries."

According to the Russian president, "the implementation of major new projects will be a significant contribution to strengthening the interaction between the two countries."

Dmitry Medvedev noted the productivity of private meetings with Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and expressed confidence that in 2010 "a trusting dialogue between the two countries will continue to the benefit of the two nations, in the interests of strengthening stability and security in Central Asia."