President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov expressed deep condolences to the family and close ones of the President of Turkmenistan Saparmurat Niyazov, who passed away on 21 December.

In a letter to Gurbanguli Berdymukhamedov, temporarily acting President of Turkmenistan, Islam Karimov said: ?The news on untimely passing away of the President of Turkmenistan Saparmurat Niyazov, distinguished leader, faithful son of the Turkmen people, who gave all efforts to serving his country, was accepted with deep sorrow.?