Turkey elections: Putin and Zelenskyy amongst world leaders to congratulate Erdogan on election victory

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 “Dear Friend” and praised his efforts at strengthening Russian-Turkish relations.

“From the bottom of my heart I wish you new successes in such a responsible activity as the head of state, as well as good health and well-being,” he added.

Mr Zelensky additionally provided his congratulations to Mr Erdogan and spoke of the necessity for the “further strengthening” of Ukraine and Turkey’s “strategic” partnership.

He was joined by Western leaders, equivalent to Rishi Sunak, Joe Biden and Emmanuel Macron, who took to Twitter to share congratulate Mr Erdogan on his election win.

Turkey holds an vital place in world politics, partly due to its geographical location because the junction between Europe and Asia – specifically the Middle 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.

Though a NATO nation – and one which has previously pushed for European Union membership – Turkey maintains diplomatic relations with Russia.

In his letter of congratulations to Mr Erdogan, Mr Putin talked concerning the growth 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 previously 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 have the ability to preserve its territorial beneficial properties, he instructed US public broadcaster PBS: “No, and undoubtedly no.

“If a peace is going to be established in Ukraine, of course, the returning of the land that was invaded will become really important. This is what is expected.”

Turkey election newest:
Erdogan thanks crowds as election officials declare him winner

Western leaders, together with the UK’s prime minister, have additionally been eager to push the thought of a “strong relationship” between Turkey and the West.

In a press release, a Downing Street spokesperson mentioned Mr Sunak and Mr Erodgan had spoken since his election victory was confirmed.

“The prime minister reiterated the strong relationship between the United Kingdom and Turkey, as economic partners and close NATO allies,” a spokesperson mentioned.

“The leaders agreed to continue working closely together to address shared challenges.”

Five extra years

With 99% of the votes counted, Mr Erdogan, who served as prime minister from 2003 to 2014, gained with a share of 52.1%.

It means he has secured a record-breaking third term as president and will serve at least five more years in power.

Polls closed at 5pm native time (3pm BST) and whereas votes had 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 responsibility to rule for the next five 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 able to defend your rights,” Kilicdaroglu started by saying. “I didn’t shirk towards an unjust construction, I couldn’t be a silent satan and I used to be not.

“I could not stand quiet against millions of people becoming second-class citizens in this country.

“I couldn’t allow them to stand throughout your rights. For your kids to go to mattress hungry. For farmers to not to have the ability to produce. I couldn’t permit this stuff.”

He concluded by thanking the 25 million people who voted for him – and says the “battle continues”.

First presidential run-off in Turkey’s historical past

The pair had been pressured to go head-to-head when neither reached the required 50% of the vote within the first round on 14 May and Mr Erdogan’s win may have profound penalties for Turkey, and the wider world.

The two candidates offered sharply different visions of the country’s future and its recent past.

Mr Erdogan’s authorities vetoed Sweden’s bid to hitch NATO and bought Russian missile-defence programs, which prompted the US to oust Turkey from a US-led fighter-jet challenge.

But it additionally helped dealer a vital deal that allowed Ukrainian grain shipments and averted a worldwide meals disaster.

Meanwhile, Mr Erdogan’s 74-year-old challenger promised to revive a extra democratic society.