UPDATE 2 - World leaders extend birthday wishes to President Erdogan

ADDS BIRTHDAY GREETINGS FROM OTHER WORLD LEADERS, REVISES HEADLINE, DECK

By Esra Tekin and Necva Tastan

ISTANBUL (AA) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan received birthday greetings from several world leaders, including his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, on Monday, according to the country’s Communications Directorate.

Putin conveyed his congratulations to Erdogan on his 70th birthday and expressed gratitude for Erdogan's contributions to fostering friendly Turkish-Russian relations, said the directorate on X.

In separate phone calls, President Erdogan received birthday wishes from Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who also commended him for his efforts in advancing the development and defending the rights of Turkic peoples.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis also wished Erdogan a happy birthday in a phone call.

Furthermore, Erdogan received birthday greetings from United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in separate phone conversations, the directorate said.