(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Agencies/ The Peninsula online
Doha, Qatar: A number of world leaders have sent their congratulations to the re-elected Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on his victory in the country's historic runoff elections.
On Sunday, May 28, Erdogan extended his presidential term by winning 52.16 percent of votes, while his main rival Kemal Kilicdaroglu received 47.84 percent of votes.
Head of the Supreme Election Council, Ahmet Yener, stated that with a gap of more than two million votes between two candidates, the rest of the uncounted ballots will not change the results.
In a speech addressing his supporters in Istanbul, Erdogan thanked "each and every member of the nation who once again conveyed to us responsibility for governing Turkiye for the next five years."
This handout photograph taken and released by the Turkish Presidency Press Office on May 28, 2023 shows Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressing supporters gathered outside his residence following his victory in Turkish presidential election at Kisikli district in Istanbul. Photo by Murat Cetin Muhurdar / Turkish Presidential Press Service / AFP
"We have completed the second round of the presidential elections with the favor of our people," Erdogan said.
The Turkish President also added: "God willing, we will be worthy of your trust as we have been for the last 21 years."
Over 60 million Turks were entitled to vote in this year's elections including the 4.9 million first-time voters.
Here are some reactions from world leaders and prominent organizations:
Qatar
The Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani sent a cable of congratulations to the President of the Republic of Turkiye HE Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the occasion of winning a new presidential term, wishing him success and the strategic relations between the two countries' further development and growth.
Saudi Arabia
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, according to its state agency also sent a cable of congratulations to the President of the Republic of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan on his re-election for a new presidential term.
The Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud also extended in the cable his sincere congratulations and best wishes of success to President Erdogan.
United States
US President Joe Biden said in a tweet: "Congratulations to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Türkiye on his re-election. I look forward to continuing to work together as NATO Allies on bilateral issues and shared global challenges."
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, said in a tweet: "Congratulations to President Erdogan on re-election and to Türkiye's voters on high turnout, reflecting a long democratic tradition. Türkiye is a valued @NATO Ally and partner. I look forward to our continued work together with the government chosen by the Turkish people."
Russia
In a message to the Turkish President, according to the Kremlin, Russian President Vladimir Putin said:“The election victory was a natural result of your selfless work as the head of the Republic of Turkey, clear evidence of the support of the Turkish people for your efforts to strengthen state sovereignty and conduct an independent foreign policy.”
“We highly appreciate your personal contribution to the strengthening of friendly Russian-Turkish relations and mutually beneficial cooperation in various areas,” Putin also said.
Germany
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also congratulated the Turkish President. In a tweet, he said: "Germany and Türkiye are close partners and allies, our people and economies are deeply intertwined. Congratulations to President Erdoğan - together we want to advance our common agenda with a fresh impetus!"
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France
French President Emmanuel Macron, wrote on Twitter to congratulate the re-elected Turkish President. He said: "France and Turkey have huge challenges to face together. Return of peace to Europe, future of our Euro-Atlantic Alliance, Mediterranean Sea. With President Erdogan, whom I congratulate on his re-election, we will continue to move forward.”
United Kingdom
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Rishi Sunak, said on Twitter: " Congratulations to @RTErdogan. I look forward to continuing the strong collaboration between our countries, from growing trade to tackling security threats as NATO allies."
European Union
President of the EU Council Charles Michel congratulated Erdogan on winning the historic runoff elections. On Twitter, he wrote: "Congratulations @RTErdogan for your reelection as President of Türkiye. I look forward to working with you again to deepen relations in the years to come."
On the other hand, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also tweeted, stating: "I congratulate @RTErdogan on winning the elections. I look 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."
Sweden
The Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson extended his congratulations to the Turkish President via Twitter. He wrote: "Congratulations @RTErdogan on your re-election. Our common security is a future priority."
Hungary
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban praised Erdogan's 'unquestionable election victory' via a congratulatory message on Twitter. He tweeted: "Congratulations to President @RTErdogan on his unquestionable election victory! Tebrikler, Sayın Cumhurbaşkanı!"
Pakistan
In a message on Twitter, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said: "Heartiest congratulations to my dear brother H.E. President @RTErdogan on his historic re-election as President, Republic of Turkiye. He is one of few world leaders whose politics has been anchored in public service."
He added: "He has been a pillar of strength for the oppressed Muslims & a fervent voice for their inalienable rights. His presidential victory & that of AKP in parliamentary elections is significant in so many ways, reflecting the trust & confidence of the Turkish people in his dynamic leadership."
"The bilateral relations between Pakistan & Turkiye will continue to stay on an upward trajectory. I keenly look forward to working with him to further deepen our strategic partnership in line with the excellent brotherhood between our two peoples," the Pakistani Prime Minister added.
Brazil
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva extended his congratulations to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan via Twitter. He also said that Erdogan can "count on Brazil's partnership in global cooperation for peace and in the fight against poverty and development in the world."