Russian President Vladimir Putin today congratulated his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko on his "convincing victory" at the polls and his re-election to a seventh term.
The convincing victory in the elections clearly demonstrates your high political authority, as well as the unquestioning support of the population for the course the government is taking in Belarus," Putin told Lukashenko in a congratulatory message published on the website of the Russian presidency (Kremlin).
"I sincerely wish you new successes in your work as head of state for the benefit of the fraternal people of Belarus, as well as good health and well-being," he added.
According to preliminary data from the Belarusian Central Election Commission, Lukashenko, who has been in power since 1994, won 86.82% of the vote. With this victory, Lukashenko remains in power at least until 2030.
Putin highlighted recent progress in strengthening friendly ties between Moscow and Minsk, assuring that joint work will continue to develop Russian-Belarusian cooperation.
