World leaders congratulate Turkish President Erdogan on reelection victory

ISTANBUL:

World leaders on Sunday took to social media and public platforms to congratulate Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan after his historic reelection.

US President Joe Biden congratulated President Erdogan on his reelection, saying he looks forward to continuing to work together on bilateral issues and global challenges.

Russian President Vladimir Putin also congratulated Erdogan on his victory.

Putin praised Erdogan's contribution to strengthening "friendly" relations between Moscow and Ankara and expressed his readiness to continue "constructive dialogue" on bilateral, regional, and international issues, the Kremlin said in a statement.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak congratulated Erdogan on his reelection, saying: “I look forward to continuing strong collaboration between our countries.”

French President Emmanuel Macron also congratulated Erdogan, saying: "We will continue to move forward together."

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz congratulated President Erdogan, saying: "Together we want to advance our common agenda with a fresh impetus!"

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg extended his congratulations to the Turkish president, saying: "I look forward to continuing our work together & preparing for the NATO Summit in July."

Türkiye has been a member of NATO for more than 70 years, and boasts its second-largest army, after the U.S.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also congratulated Erdogan, saying she "looks forward to continue building the EU-Türkiye relationship."

"It is of strategic importance for both the EU and Türkiye to work on advancing this relationship, for the benefit of our people," she said on Twitter.

Congratulating Erdogan, European Council President Charles Michel said he is looking forward to working with him again to deepen ties.

Separately, the European Union congratulated Erdogan in a joint statement by EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell and European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi.

"The EU has a strategic interest in continuing a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship with Türkiye and all its people, as well as in a stable and secure environment in the Eastern Mediterranean," said the statement.

'Common security'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated the Turkish president on his reelection and said he hopes to develop cooperation for the security and stability of Europe.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog congratulated Erdogan on his reelection, saying the two countries will "continue to work together to strengthen, expand good ties."

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh congratulated the Turkish president and Turkish people on their "election victory."

Pakistan’s President Arif Alvi congratulated Erdogan and said: “His win is reflective of the trust posed in him by the people.”

In a congratulatory note, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also described Erdogan as "one of (the) few world leaders whose politics has been anchored in public service."

Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev also congratulated Erdogan on his reelection in a phone call and invited him to pay a visit to the capital Baku.

Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh said Erdogan's victory shows the renewal of the people's confidence in his successful projects and policies.

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also congratulated Erdogan and said that together, the two countries could "do more for global growth and stability."

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte congratulated the Turkish president, saying he wishes Erdogan "every success in the years ahead."

"I look forward to continuing to strengthen Dutch-Turkish relations and working together as friends and allies," he said on Twitter.

Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson also congratulated Erdogan, saying, "Our common security is a future priority."

Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva celebrated the Turkish president’s reelection, wishing him a "good mandate."

Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani said on Twitter: "My dear brother, congratulations on your victory, and I wish you success in your new term, and that you achieve in it what the brotherly Turkish people aspire to in terms of progress and prosperity.”

United Arab Emirates President Mohammed bin Zayed also congratulated the Turkish president on his reelection victory, saying he is “looking forward to working together to further enhance the strategic partnership between our two countries.”

Hungarian President Katalin Novak also congratulated Erdogan, saying she is looking forward to working on strengthening their bilateral partnership

"Türkiye's stability is crucial for Europe, and it can play an important role in achieving peace in Ukraine," she added on Twitter.

Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban also congratulated President Erdogan "on his unquestionable election victory!"

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi congratulated Erdogan on his victory in Sunday’s runoff.

Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus President Ersin Tatar and Prime Minister Unal Ustel separately extended congratulations and stressed the importance of Erdogan's victory for their island nation.

'A world leader with politics anchored in public service'

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic also congratulated Erdogan and the Turkish nation on their election victory.

In a phone call with Erdogan, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev also congratulated the Turkish president.

Georgia's Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili congratulated his "great friend" Erdogan "on his convincing reelection as the leader of Türkiye."

"We are eager to further enhance the bonds of friendship & strategic partnership," he said on Twitter.

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune was also among the leaders congratulating the Turkish president on his reelection victory.

Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi also congratulated Erdogan, calling it a "sign of the continued valuable trust of the Turkish people."

In a phone call, Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati congratulated the Turkish president.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro celebrated the "triumph" of "brother and friend" President Erdogan in Türkiye's runoff election.

“Congratulations to President Erdogan @RTErdogan on his election win. I believe that the dynamic relations between Bulgaria and Türkiye will contribute to the good neighborliness, trust and cooperation in Southeast Europe,” said Bulgarian President Rumen Radev.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on Twitter: “Congratulations to President @RTErdogan on his re-election. Looking forward to continuing working together towards full normalisation of relations between our countries.”

Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani also said on social media: "As you continue to lead Türkiye towards new successes, I look forward to working together to build on our excellent cooperation."

"May the partnership between Kosovo and Türkiye continue to grow stronger," she added in Turkish.

In the Balkans, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and Montenegro’s former President Milo Djukanovic also congratulated Erdogan.

'Historic victory'

Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik congratulated Erdogan's "historic victory" in the country's first-ever presidential runoff.

"Voters again elected you as their leader! This decision of the voters is not important for the Republic of Türkiye only, but for the world!" he said on Twitter.

Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema was among the first sub-Saharan African leaders to congratulate Erdogan on his reelection, saying in a tweet: "We look forward to deepening our strategic partnership for greater peace, prosperity and progress of both our countries."

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko congratulated Erdogan, saying the result is a sign of the trust of the Turkish people.

"Congratulations brotherly and friendly Türkiye," tweeted the office of Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. “I extend heartfelt congratulations to my brother, President @RTErdogan, on his successful re-election!” said Hamza Abdi Barre, Somalia’s prime minister. “This demonstrates the trust and support for your leadership. We look forward to seeing the bonds between our two brotherly nations grow and our nations prosper.”

Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo expressed his "warm and sincere congratulations" to Erdogan, saying relations between Guinea-Bissau and Türkiye will continue to be strengthened.

Senegalese President Macky Sall also sent his congratulations in a tweet, saying: “Warm congratulations to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on his brilliant reelection as President of the Republic of Türkiye. I wish him every success in his new mandate.”

Also read: Turkey's Erdogan claims victory in presidential election

Chad's transitional President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno said he was delighted with the reelection of President Erdogan.

Cuba's President Miguel Diaz-Canel was also among the world leaders celebrating Erdogan's victory, wishing him success in his duties and reiterating his willingness to continue promoting ties of friendship and cooperation between their countries.

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, chairman of the People's Council of Turkmenistan, also made a congratulatory phone call to the Turkish president.

Keeping bilateral ties strong

Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tarik congratulated Erdogan on his new term and wished him and the Turkish people success, progress, and prosperity, and for the friendship and cooperative relations between the two countries to further develop and grow.

"Norway congratulates Recep Tayyip Erdogan on his reelection as President of Türkiye. Türkiye is an important friend and partner to Norway and a vital ally in NATO. I look forward to continuing to strengthen and deepen our relationship @RTErdogan," Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said on Twitter.

Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara also wished the reelected Erdogan all the best, saying their two countries will continue their excellent cooperation in the interests of both their peoples.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also sent a cable of congratulations to Erdogan on his reelection. The crown prince extended his best wishes of success to President Erdogan and wished the brotherly people of the Republic of Türkiye further progress and prosperity.

Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa also sent a cable of congratulations to Erdogan and wished him every success in his presidential duties to achieve the aspirations of the brotherly Turkish people for more progress and prosperity.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also issued a statement congratulating Erdogan on his new term. "I look forward to continuing to work with President Erdogan to strengthen our countries’ ties as long-standing NATO Allies and make progress on shared priorities. Canada also remains committed to supporting Türkiye as it rebuilds after the devastating earthquake(s) in the region earlier this year," it said.

Early Monday, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim congratulated President Erdogan on his reelection.

“Türkiye will continue to play (a) constructive role as an important regional and global player,” Ibrahim said on Twitter.

“Malaysia looks forward to working closely with Türkiye to further elevate our existing excellent bilateral relations,” he added.

Congratulations pour in from around world

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali congratulated the Turkish president on his reelection win in Sunday’s presidential runoff, saying: “I look forward to further strengthening the relations between our two countries.”

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated him, saying: “I am confident that our bilateral ties and cooperation on global issues will continue to grow in the coming times.”

Kyrgyzstan’s President Sadyr Japarov said in his congratulatory message: “Türkiye has shown an example of an open, competitive, and democratic election.”

“Our congratulations to the president @RTErdogan for the electoral victory for a new term and to the Turkish people for this democratic day,” said Marito Abdo, Paraguay’s president.

Argentinian President Alberto Fernandez said: “I wish that we continue working for the benefit of our peoples and that we consolidate cooperation in satellites, nuclear medicine, and mining,” and congratulated Erdogan on his election win.

“We salute the popular and democratic will of the brotherly people of the Republic of Türkiye, in the reelection of the president @RTErdogan, to whom we wish success in his mandate and we ratify our ties of friendship and bilateral cooperation,” said Luis Arce, Bolivia’s president, on Twitter.

Guillermo Lasso, Ecuador’s president, said in his congratulatory message for Erdogan: “Our commitment to continue working together for the well-being of our nations.”

Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei said: “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to @RTErdogan for winning again in the democratic elections in Türkiye. I very much see that the prosperous relations between our countries will continue on the indicated path,” on Twitter.

“Congratulations to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on his re-election. I look forward to further strengthening the longstanding, friendly bilateral ties between Australia and Türkiye,” said Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Kazakhstan’s President Kassym Jomart Tokayev said: “Historical bonds of friendship and solidarity unite our countries. This comprehensive cooperation strategy will be further developed.”

"Warmest congratulations to my dear brother President Erdogan @RTErdogan of Türkiye on his re-election. Ready to continue & strengthen Indonesia-Türkiye long-standing strategic partnership, for the benefit of our peoples," said Joko Widodo, the president of Indonesia.

‘Looking forward to welcoming Erdogan to NATO summit’

Congratulating Erdogan, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said: “Looking forward to welcoming you at the NATO Summit in Vilnius July 11-12 & working together to strengthen Allied security & helping Ukraine to succeed! Alliance unity is our power!”

Kubanychbek Omuraliev, secretary general of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), also congratulated Erdogan on his historic runoff victory.

"I offer my sincere congratulations to President Erdogan for his victory in the 2nd round of the Presidential Elections of the Republic of Turkiye, May this result bring the best for the Republic of Turkiye, the brotherly Turkish nation and the whole Turkic world," Omuraliev said on Twitter.

China on Monday extended greetings to Erdogan, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told reporters in Beijing. "We support Turkey to follow the development path in line with its own national realities, and we believe that it will achieve new successes in development under the leadership of President Erdogan."

Greek caretaker Prime Minister Ioannis Sarmas on Monday congratulated Erdogan on his election victory.

Bangladesh’s President Mohammed Shahabuddin also congratulated Erdogan on winning the presidential election, according to the state news agency.

"Your re-election to the highest position in the Republic of Turkiye is testimony to the trust and confidence that the people of Turkey have in you and in your charismatic leadership," he said.

South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol congratulated Erdogan through Twitter, saying he is looking forward to “continuing to work with you to further enhance South Korea – Türkiye Strategic Partnership and deepen the brotherhood of our people.”

Tajik President Emomali Rahmon also congratulated Erdogan on his reelection, saying that this is another proof of “Turkish society's trust in you and its broad support for your constructive policy.”

“I believe that during your new mandate in this high office, we will continue the constructive interstate dialogue of the parties, and for the benefit of our people, we will further enrich the contents of the long-term partnership relations of the two countries with new practical measures,” Rahmon said.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida sent a "letter of congratulations" to Erdogan on his re-election, according to the country's Foreign Ministry

"Despite being far apart in the west and east, Japan and Türkiye have historically been linked by strong ties," he said in the letter.

The two nations will mark the 100th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2024.

"Based on the friendship that we have nurtured so far, I would like to work hand in hand with Your Excellency to develop strong relationships in all fields and walk together toward the next 100 years," said Kishida, addressing Erdogan.

"At the same time, we intend to work together with your country to resolve various issues facing the region and the world, including the various problems arising from Russia's aggression in Ukraine," the Japanese prime minister added.

Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said: “Congratulations to @RTErdogan on the re-election as President of the Republic of Türkiye. I look forward to continuing the strong and constructive cooperation between our two countries, including as NATO allies,” said Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.

Extending greetings to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on his historic reelection on Sunday, China’s President Xi Jinping Monday said he is willing to “promote sustained, healthy, and stable development” of China-Türkiye bilateral relations.

In a Telegram message to Erdogan, Xi stressed that China and Türkiye are both “major developing countries and emerging market countries and share extensive common interests.”

Also, Taiwan's Foreign Ministry extended greetings to Erdogan.

"The government and people of Taiwan congratulate @RTErdogan on his successful reelection as president of Türkiye," the ministry of the island nation said.

"We look forward to taking bilateral relations to new heights as cooperation between our countries continues to flourish," it added.

According to unofficial results, the Turkish incumbent won the race with 52.16%, while opposition candidate Kemal Kilicdaroglu received 47.84% of the vote, and around 85% turnout.

More than 64.1 million Turkish citizens were registered to vote, including over 1.92 million who earlier cast their ballots at overseas polling stations.

Nearly 192,000 ballot boxes were set up for voters across Türkiye.

On May 14, no candidate won the required 50% in the first round, triggering the presidential runoff, although Erdogan took the lead with 49.52%.​​​​​​ On that day, Erdogan’s electoral alliance also won a majority of seats in parliament.