In his message, Hero of Russia and Turkmenistan, commander of the cosmonaut squad of the State Corporation for space activities "Roscosmos" Oleg Kononenko congratulated the President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on his birthday.

The letter published today in the newspaper "Neutral Turkmenistan", in particular, States.

"Please accept my most sincere congratulations on the occasion of Your birthday! 63 years old is the age of the Prophet, an important milestone of the passed life path. For a politician, a President is also a milestone in the historical context, in assessing what has been done in this post for his people and state.

In 2007, as a result of a popular vote, You were elected President of Turkmenistan, and Your fate has become inextricably linked with a huge responsibility for the fate of the country. Over these years, You have made important historical decisions that have defined strategic vectors for the development of the domestic and foreign policy of the Turkmen state.

Today, the country and the Turkmen people can be rightfully proud of their national leader – a true patriot, whose thoughts and efforts are aimed at achieving the main goal – ensuring the well-being and prosperity of their homeland.

As a native of Turkmenistan, the land that gave me a start in life, I feel great joy and pride to see how under Your leadership my homeland has become a respected and authoritative member of the international community, a dynamically developing state with a stable political system, a strong economy, a powerful social sector, open to innovation and advanced knowledge. For me personally, the most important event was Your decision to start developing the space industry in Turkmenistan. I consider this a strategic step that lays the Foundation for Turkmenistan's technological leap into the category of developed countries on the planet.

When you reach your 63rd birthday, you keep an enviable physical shape, give examples of regular activities in various sports, and have excellent skills as a rider and motorist. Today, the world sees you as the head of Turkmenistan, a smart, strategic, energetic politician and statesman who clearly sees the goals and ways to achieve them. I am sure that all of them will be achieved, and Turkmenistan will continue to move confidently along the path of progress and prosperity under Your brilliant leadership.

Dear Mr. President, please accept our warmest wishes for good health and new achievements in Your historic mission as the leader of Turkmenistan."