Putin congratulates President Erdogan on victory in runoff elections

By Ceyhun Alizade

ANKARA (AA) - Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday congratulated his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan on his victory in the presidential election.

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

"The victory in the elections was a natural result of your selfless work as head of the Republic of Turkiye, clear evidence of the Turkish people's support for your efforts to strengthen state sovereignty and pursue an self-sustaining, independent foreign policy," he said.

Russia attaches great importance to the further implementation of joint projects with Türkiye, including the Akkuyu nuclear power plant in southern Türkiye and the creation of a gas hub in the country, Putin added.

With 75.42% of the votes counted, Erdogan is leading in the runoff election with 53.41%, while opposition candidate Kemal Kilicdaroglu has 46.59%, according to Ahmet Yener, chairman of the Supreme Election Council (YSK).

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 date his electoral alliance also won a majority in parliament.