US President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blanken congratulated Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on his re-election as president after a historic run-off vote.
Biden expressed his willingness to work with Erdogan as a NATO ally on bilateral issues and global challenges.
Congratulations to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Türkiye on his re-election.
— President Biden (@POTUS) May 28, 2023
I look forward to continuing to work together as NATO Allies on bilateral issues and shared global challenges.
Blanken also offered his congratulations, emphasizing Turkey’s value as a NATO ally and partner. He praised the high turnout rate and Turkey’s long-standing democratic tradition.
Congratulations to President Erdogan on re-election and to Türkiye’s voters on high turnout, reflecting a long democratic tradition. Türkiye is a valued @NATO Ally and partner. I look forward to our continued work together with the government chosen by the Turkish people.
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) May 28, 2023
Despite recent tensions in the bilateral relationship, both Biden and Blanken stressed the importance of continued cooperation.
Erdogan’s victory over opposition rival Kemal Kelikdaroglu in a closely contested election marked a landmark moment in Turkish history. Relations between Turkey and the United States have been challenged in recent years by a variety of issues, including a crackdown on dissent, military operations in Syria, and Erdogan’s relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin amid the Ukraine conflict. , and include Ankara’s objections to Sweden’s NATO bid.
Congratulations President @RTErdogan on your re-election. I look forward to continuing our work together & preparing for the #NATOSummit in July.
— Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) May 28, 2023
In addition to messages from top American officials, Erdogan received messages from other world leaders, including Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif. These messages of support reflect recognition of his leadership, achievements and contributions in various fields including international relations, security and regional stability.
Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Erdogan for his victory, stressing that it was a testament to the Turkish people’s appreciation for his dedicated efforts and independent foreign policy. Putin praised Erdogan’s commitment to strengthening state sovereignty and conducting an independent foreign policy, while recognizing the importance of their countries’ friendly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation.
The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, expressed his hope for development, prosperity and strong bilateral relations between the two countries and expressed his best wishes to Erdogan. This message highlights the importance of their ongoing partnership and its positive impact on both countries.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated Erdogan and emphasized the importance of strengthening the strategic partnership between their nations.
Cumhurbaşkanlığı seçimlerindeki zaferinden dolayı Cumhurbaşkanı @RTErdogan kutluyorum.
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) May 28, 2023
Avrupa'nın güvenliği ve istikrarı için işbirliğimizin geliştirilmesini ve ülkelerimizin yararına stratejik ortaklığımızın daha da güçlendirilmesini umuyoruz.
Zelenskyy expressed his desire to increase cooperation in areas related to security, stability and Europe’s interests in particular. This gesture reflects the recognition of Turkey’s important role in regional affairs and its potential for cooperation on important issues.
German Chancellor Olaf Schulz acknowledged the deep ties between Germany and Turkey and vowed to renew their joint agenda.
Deutschland und die Türkei sind enge Partner und Alliierte – auch gesellschaftlich und wirtschaftlich sind wir stark miteinander verbunden. Gratulation an Präsident Erdoğan zur Wiederwahl. Nun wollen wir unsere gemeinsamen Themen mit frischem Elan vorantreiben.
— Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz (@Bundeskanzler) May 28, 2023
This sentiment highlights the significance of their partnership and alliance, which spans multiple areas of mutual interest and cooperation.
Congratulations to @RTErdogan. I look forward to continuing the strong collaboration between our countries, from growing trade to tackling security threats as NATO allies.
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) May 28, 2023
International reaction to Erdogan’s re-election extended beyond individual leaders. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg expressed his expectation to work closely with Erdogan and prepare for the alliance summit in July. Stoltenberg’s message underscores Turkey’s important role within NATO and its commitment to collective security.
European Commission President Ursula van der Leyen echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of advancing EU-Turkey relations for the benefit of both sides.
I congratulate @RTErdogan on winning the elections.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) May 28, 2023
I look forward to continue building the EU-Türkiye relationship.
It is of strategic importance for both the EU and Türkiye to work on advancing this relationship, for the benefit of our people.
His message reflects the strategic importance of cooperation between the EU and Turkey, emphasizing the need for continued dialogue and cooperation.
Congratulations @RTErdogan for your reelection as President of Türkiye.
— Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) May 28, 2023
I look forward to working with you again to deepen 🇪🇺-🇹🇷 relations in the years to come.
Other world leaders, including Saudi Arabia, France, Great Britain, Palestine, Israel, and Libya, congratulated Erdogan on his re-election. These messages of support demonstrate Turkey’s influential role and the global recognition of Erdogan’s leadership.
La France et la Turquie ont d'immenses défis à relever ensemble. Retour de la paix en Europe, avenir de notre Alliance euro-atlantique, mer Méditerranée. Avec le Président Erdogan, que je félicite pour sa réélection, nous continuerons à avancer.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) May 28, 2023
Congratulations to President @RTErdogan on his re-election. Looking forward to continuing working together towards full normalisation of relations between our countries.
— Nikol Pashinyan (@NikolPashinyan) May 28, 2023
Congratulations @RTErdogan on your re-election. Our common security is a future priority.
— SwedishPM (@SwedishPM) May 28, 2023
Congratulations to President @RTErdogan on his unquestionable election victory! Tebrikler, Sayın Cumhurbaşkanı! pic.twitter.com/I1IR7g3EWe
— Orbán Viktor (@PM_ViktorOrban) May 28, 2023
As Erdogan takes on another five-year term following his election victory, the international community’s response underscores the importance of acknowledging his achievements and continuing to support him.
Heartiest congratulations to my dear brother H.E. President @RTErdogan on his historic re-election as President, Republic of Turkiye. He is one of few world leaders whose politics has been anchored in public service. He has been a pillar of strength for the oppressed Muslims & a…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 28, 2023
The congratulatory messages reflect a shared commitment to cooperation on issues of mutual interest such as regional stability, security and global challenges. The unanimous response of world leaders underscores the importance of Turkey’s role on the global stage and signals a willingness to work together for the benefit of all.
