Putin calls to congratulate Erdogan on election victory

By Ilkay Guder

ANKARA (AA) - Russian President Vladimir Putin telephoned Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday to congratulate him on his election victory.

Presidential sources, speaking on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media, told Anadolu Agency that Putin congratulated Erdogan on his victory in Sunday’s elections.

The duo also confirmed their determination to further develop relations between the countries.

Both leaders emphasized the importance of cooperation on regional issues, especially Syria.

Putin's call to Erdogan came after the Kremlin said the Russian leader congratulated Erdogan on his presidential election win.

According to a Kremlin statement, Putin said the outcome of Sunday's vote confirms Erdogan’s great political authority, and broad support for the course pursued under his leadership to solve social and economic issues facing Turkey, and also for enhancing the country’s foreign policy position.

Putin further confirmed his readiness to continue bilateral dialogue and joint regional and international work.

With almost all the votes counted, according to official results, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan won an absolute majority in the presidential election with 52.5 percent of the vote. In the parliamentary polls, the People's Alliance of the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party and Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) won 53.6 percent of the votes.