World leaders, including Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, have congratulated Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the President of Turkey, following his election victory. In a heartfelt letter, Putin, referring to Erdogan as a "Dear Friend", lauded his efforts in bolstering the relationship between Russia and Turkey. He wished Erdogan continued success as the head of state and good health.

Zelenskyy also congratulated and emphasised the need to strengthen the strategic partnership between Ukraine and Turkey. Western leaders, including Rishi Sunak, Joe Biden, and Emmanuel Macron, congratulated Erdogan via Twitter.

Turkey's strategic position, straddling Europe and Asia, and its role as the custodian of the Black Sea have given it a significant role in global politics. This role has been further amplified by Russia's invasion of Ukraine and Turkey's pivotal role in ensuring the continued export of Ukrainian grain.

Turkey maintains diplomatic ties with Russia despite being a NATO member and having previously sought European Union membership. In his congratulatory letter, Putin highlighted the progress of the joint Turkish-Russian Akkuyu nuclear power plant and the establishment of a gas hub in Turkey.

Erdogan's opponent, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, described the elections as the "most unjust ever," alleging that all state resources were mobilised in favour of Erdogan. However, Erdogan has previously emphasised preserving Ukraine's territorial integrity and achieving a peace deal to end the conflict.

With 99% of the votes counted, Erdogan, who served as prime minister from 2003 to 2014, won with a 52.1% share. This victory grants him an unprecedented third term as president, extending his tenure by at least another five years.

Kilicdaroglu, in a passionate speech, refused to concede defeat. He expressed regret for not being able to defend the rights of his supporters and vowed to continue the fight. He thanked the 25 million people who voted for him and declared that the "battle continues".

The election saw Erdogan's government veto Sweden's NATO membership bid and purchase Russian missile-defence systems, leading to the US removing Turkey from a US-led fighter jet project. However, it also brokered a crucial deal that allowed Ukrainian grain shipments, preventing a global food crisis.

Kilicdaroglu, Erdogan's 74-year-old challenger, pledged to restore a more democratic society. A Downing Street spokesperson stated that UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Erdogan had spoken since the election results were confirmed, with both leaders agreeing to continue working closely together to address shared challenges.

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