President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev has sent a congratulatory message to his Turkmen counterpart Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on the national holiday of Turkmenistan - Independence Day.

Dmitry Medvedev noted that he attaches great importance to maintaining the high dynamics of Russian-Turkmen relations that have reached a new level in recent years. "Strong traditions of friendship and mutual respect, as well as our trust-based dialogue on a wide range of issues lie at the heart of productive bilateral cooperation. The agreements reached earlier aim to promote the further development of multifaceted ties between our countries, the long-term projects in the economy, energy, cultural and humanitarian areas as well as in the sphere of interregional cooperation. I am confident that continued active contacts at all levels meet the genuine interests of the peoples of Russia and Turkmenistan, and will contribute to strengthening stability in the Central Asian region," the Russian president said.

Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Cyril has sent his congratulations to the President and the people of Turkmenistan, Sedmitsa.RU. reported. The message says that modern Turkmenistan is a country which aspires for harmonization of interethnic and interfaith relations. "The Orthodox Community of Turkmenistan feels your continued support and attention from public authorities," said the Patriarch, expressing hope that bilateral constructive cooperation will continue to develop as productive as in previous years.