Trump congratulates Turkish President Erdogan on 'well deserved' reelection victory

By Servet Gunerigok

WASHINGTON (AA) - Former US President Donald Trump congratulated Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on his "well deserved" victory in Sunday's presidential runoff.

"Congratulations to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on his big and well deserved victory in Turkey," said Trump on his Truth Social media platform.

"I know him well, he is a friend, and have learned firsthand how much he loves his Country and the great people of Turkey, which he has lifted to a new level of prominence and respect!" Trump wrote.

Erdogan has been reelected Türkiye's president in runoff elections, the chairman of the country's Supreme Election Council (YSK) announced.

Speaking to reporters in the capital Ankara, YSK head Ahmet Yener said Erdogan won Türkiye's presidency over opposition challenger Kemal Kilicdaroglu in the second-round runoff vote.

According to unofficial results, the Turkish incumbent won the race with 52.14%, while Kilicdaroglu got 47.86% of the vote, he said, adding that 99.43% of the ballot boxes have been opened so far.