Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy have joined world leaders in congratulating Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan on his election win.
In a letter to president Erdogan celebrating his slender run-off victory on Sunday, Mr Putin addressed the Turkish chief as “Pricey Pal” and praised his efforts at strengthening Russian-Turkish relations.
“From the underside of my coronary heart I want you new successes in such a accountable exercise as the pinnacle of state, in addition to good well being and well-being,” he added.
Mr Zelensky additionally provided his congratulations to Mr Erdogan and spoke of the necessity for the “additional strengthening” of Ukraine and Turkey’s “strategic” partnership.
He was joined by Western leaders, corresponding to Rishi Sunak, Joe Biden and Emmanuel Macron, who took to Twitter to share congratulate Mr Erdogan on his election win.
Turkey holds an necessary place in world politics, partly due to its geographical location because the junction between Europe and Asia – particularly the Center East.
With Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Turkey additionally holds rising significance because the gatekeeper to the Black Sea and has been central in negotiating essential offers to take care of the export of Ukrainian grain.
Although a NATO nation – and one which has prior to now pushed for European Union membership – Turkey maintains diplomatic relations with Russia.
In his letter of congratulations to Mr Erdogan, Mr Putin talked concerning the improvement of the joint Turkish-Russian Akkuyu nuclear energy plant and the creation of a fuel hub in Turkey.
‘Russia should return land to Ukraine’
Mr Erdogan, nevertheless, has additionally prior to now talked concerning the significance of sustaining Ukraine’s territorial integrity and securing a peace deal to finish the battle.
In September final 12 months, when requested whether or not Russia ought to be capable of preserve its territorial beneficial properties, he instructed US public broadcaster PBS: “No, and undoubtedly no.
“If a peace goes to be established in Ukraine, after all, the returning of the land that was invaded will turn into actually necessary. That is what is anticipated.”
Turkey election newest:
Erdogan thanks crowds as election officers declare him winner
Western leaders, together with the UK’s prime minister, have additionally been eager to push the thought of a “sturdy relationship” between Turkey and the West.
In a press release, a Downing Road spokesperson stated Mr Sunak and Mr Erodgan had spoken since his election victory was confirmed.
“The prime minister reiterated the sturdy relationship between the UK and Turkey, as financial companions and shut NATO allies,” a spokesperson stated.
“The leaders agreed to proceed working carefully collectively to deal with shared challenges.”
5 extra years
With 99% of the votes counted, Mr Erdogan, who served as prime minister from 2003 to 2014, received with a share of 52.1%.
It means he has secured a record-breaking third time period as president and can serve a minimum of 5 extra years in energy.
Polls closed at 5pm native time (3pm BST) and whereas votes have been counted quick, for hours it remained too near name. At one level, lower than a share level separated the incumbent from his rival, Kemal Kilicdaroglu.
Shortly after 8pm native time (6pm BST) Mr Erdogan stepped out of his house and thanked individuals for “giving us the accountability to rule for the following 5 years”.
Opponent refuses to confess defeat
Kemal Kilicdaroglu took the stage earlier this night, and in a rousing speech, he refused to confess defeat.
“I wasn’t in a position to defend your rights,” Kilicdaroglu started by saying. “I didn’t shirk in opposition to an unjust construction, I couldn’t be a silent satan and I used to be not.
“I couldn’t stand quiet in opposition to hundreds of thousands of individuals changing into second-class residents on this nation.
“I couldn’t allow them to stand throughout your rights. In your kids to go to mattress hungry. For farmers to not to have the ability to produce. I couldn’t enable this stuff.”
He concluded by thanking the 25 million individuals who voted for him – and says the “battle continues”.
First presidential run-off in Turkey’s historical past
The pair have been compelled to go head-to-head when neither reached the required 50% of the vote within the first spherical on 14 Might and Mr Erdogan’s win may have profound penalties for Turkey, and the broader world.
The 2 candidates provided sharply totally different visions of the nation’s future and its current previous.
Mr Erdogan’s authorities vetoed Sweden’s bid to hitch NATO and bought Russian missile-defence techniques, which prompted the US to oust Turkey from a US-led fighter-jet challenge.
But it surely additionally helped dealer an important deal that allowed Ukrainian grain shipments and averted a world meals disaster.
In the meantime, Mr Erdogan’s 74-year-old challenger promised to revive a extra democratic society.