Putin congratulates Venezuela’s Maduro for winning 3rd term as president

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) — Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday congratulated Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro for his victory in the presidential election held the previous day.

"Russian-Venezuelan relations are of a strategic partnership nature. I am confident that your activities as head of state will continue to contribute to their progressive development in all areas," Putin said in a letter published by the Kremlin.

Saying that the win fully meets the interests of the Russian and Venezuelan people and is "in line with building a more just and democratic world order," Putin expressed his readiness to continue working with Maduro on current bilateral and international issues.

"Remember that you are always a welcome guest on Russian soil. I wish you success, as well as good health and well-being," he added.

Maduro, 61, secured 51% of the vote against 44% by opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez, according to the National Electoral Council. The results, however, have been disputed by the opposition.

In his victory speech, Maduro, who won a third term, said his reelection would bring peace and stability.