Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday congratulated acting Kyrgyz president Kurmanbek Bakiyev on his victory in Sunday's presidential election, the Itar-Tass news agency reported.

In a telephone call to Bakiyev, Putin also expressed hope for continued progress in the Russian-Kyrgyzstan relations.

Also on Tuesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow "hails the outcome of the July 10 Kyrgyz presidential poll and hopes the country will pursue a development policy based on international norms."

"The victory of Kurmanbek Bakiyev means that this policy will be continued. Russia is very glad the Kyrgyz election was held in compliance with its Constitution and there were no violations of the law", the minister said.

Moscow expects a stable Kyrgyzstan which "will contribute to the stabilization of the Central Asian region in general", Lavrov added.

Source: Xinhua