Turkish leader congratulates Iran's president-elect

By Ferdi Turkten

ANKARA (AA) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday congratulated Ebrahim Raeisi for his success in Iran's presidential election.

According to the statement by Turkey's Communications Directorate, Erdogan wished that the poll results will lead to a more prosperous Iran.

Erdogan hoped that Turkey-Iran ties will further strengthen during Raeisi's presidency, saying he is ready for cooperation.

He added that he will be pleased to visit Iran for the forthcoming term meeting of the High Level Cooperation Council once the COVID-19 pandemic ends.

Raeisi, the ultra-conservative judiciary chief, garnered 17.92 million votes in Friday's election, defeating his three rivals in a landslide victory. Overall voter turnout was 48.8%, the lowest in Iran’s history.

*Writing by Dilan Pamuk in Ankara