Answer
In 2001, Berdimuhamedow held the role of Vice-president. He was elected to this position after the death of Saparmurat Niyazov, who had been the President of Turkmenistan since 1990. Berdimuhamedow served as Vice-president for two years before being elected President in 2006. He has been re-elected twice since then, and is currently serving his fourth term as President.