Russian Federation has become one of the first foreign states that welcomed the results of presidential and provincial council elections held in Afghanistan on the 20th of August.

A Foreign Ministry statement posted on its official website on Thursday points to the leading position of the incumbent President. “According to the Central Elections Commission of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, incumbent President Hamid Karzai is leading with a wide margin and has a good chance to be elected for the second term,” Russian Foreign Ministry statement says.

“Moscow hopes for a speedy completion of all necessary procedures that paves the way for the formation of a new Afghan government that will have to do a huge work to bring the situation in the country to normal leaning on the international community’s support when the United Nations plays a key role in coordinating efforts”.

“The fact that elections ended successfully amid attempts by extremist groups to disrupt Afghan people to express their will, witnesses irrefutably that the citizens of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan confirmed their adherence to develop strong, independent and democratic Afghanistan,” the Russian Foreign Ministry says.   

The statement says Russia continues to make its contribution to these efforts. “Russia confirms its readiness to promote cooperation further with the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in political, economic, and humanitarian areas and in fighting terrorism and drug trafficking,” the statement says.

According to preliminary results released by the Election Commission, Hamid Karzai has been elected as new President. He won 55% votes in the first round. The final results will be announced after the commission ends the examination of all claims and complaints.