WASHINGTON, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President George W. Bush expressed his sadness over the death of Turkmenistan President Saparmurat Niyazov, National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe said Thursday.

    "We convey our condolences to the family of President Niyazov and to the people of Turkmenistan," Johndroe said in a statement.

    "We look forward to continuing to expand our relations with Turkmenistan, to a bright future for that country and to a government that provides justice and opportunity for its people," the statement said.

    Niyazov, 66, died of a sudden heart failure at 1:10 a.m. local time on Thursday, Turkmenistan's state television reported.