Turkmenistan's President Saparmurat Niyazov died early Thursday, the central Asian country's state television reported.

Niyazov, 66, died of a sudden heart failure at 01:10 a.m. local time, the television said.

An official statement broadcast by the television said Niyazov, as the country's first president, was the founder of an independent and sovereign Turkmenistan.

During his rule, Niyazov showed his outstanding leadership and genius on diplomacy, the statement said, adding that he granted equal treatment to all ethnic groups in Turkmenistan, which contributed to the country's unity and mutual trust among all groups.

All national principles and political lines drawn up by Niyazov will be preserved and steadfastly followed, the statement added.

The funeral will be held on Sunday, the television said.

Source: Xinhua