President al-Assad congratulates Putin on victory in Russian presidential election

Damascus, President Bashar al-Assad congratulated Monday President Vladimir Putin on his victory in the presidential election. 'I congratulate you on your victory and your re-election as President of the Russian Federation with a large majority,' President al-Assad said in a congratulatory cable. President al-Assad added that this victory confirms the great confidence of the Russian people in Putin and his national policies and strategic visions that are based on the interests of the people and the great position that Russia has long occupied in the world. His excellency noted that Russia has a long history and civilization based on principles and values and on respect for the interests and rights of other countries and peoples, not on occupation, domination and plunder. President al-Assad wished his Russian counterpart success in his responsibilities and tasks and the distinguished relations and bilateral cooperation that bring Syria and Russia further prosperity. Source: Syrian Arab News Agency