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Russian President Vladimir Putin, a dog lover, received an adorable puppy as a belated birthday gift from Turkmenistan's president. Turkmenistan is looking to Russia for boosting exports, especially of Turkmen gas. (Reuters)
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President Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov before talks with Putin said that this was the world's most unique dog. (Associated Press)
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Berdymukhamedov seen pulling the pup out from a portable cage and holding it up. (Associated Press)
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Vladimir Putin took the puppy, called Verny which means "faithful" in Russian, and kissed it on its forehead. Putin celebrated his 65th birthday on October 7. (Reuters)
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Both Putin and Berdymukhamedov held talks at the Black Sea resort of Sochi, on the sidelines of a summit of ex-Soviet states. (Associated Press)
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Putin previously received a Bulgarian shepherd named Buffy from Bulgaria's premier and an Akita named Yume from a Japanese official. (Associated Press)
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Some other foreign leaders too have given Putin puppies of rare breeds as gift. (Reuters)
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