Relations between Russia and Turkmenistan are in fact strategic, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

His remarks came at a meeting with his Turkmen counterpart Serdar Berdimuhamedow in Kremlin.

"We develop relations in all directions, and it is very pleasant to note that they are indeed strategic not formally, but in fact," he said. According to him, the fact that the new president of Turkmenistan chose Russia as the first country to visit abroad speaks of the special nature of relations between the states.

"I am very glad to see you, welcome to Russia. We are very pleased that you make your first foreign state visit to our country. This once again emphasizes the special nature of our relations," Putin said at the beginning of the meeting.

The Russian president said he would accept Berdimuhamedow's invitation to visit Turkmenistan.

Declaration on deepening strategic partnership between Russia and Turkmenistan is expected to be signed at the end of the meeting.