“Russian-Turkish political, trade, economic, scientific-technical, cultural and other ties develop on the line of ascent,” Putin said in his message, according to Russian official news agency ITAR-TASS. “I am confident that the successful implementation of large-scale joint projects in the energy sector will make bilateral relations truly strategic and will contribute to prosperity of the peoples of Russia and Turkey, the strengthening of stability and security in the region,” he was also quoted as saying by the agency. In the same message, the Russian prime minister also congratulated Erdoğan for being reelected as the leader of his ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) in early October, voicing the will to improve relations between his political party, United Russia, and the AK Party.
Another leader who conveyed a congratulatory message to his Turkish counterpart on the 86th anniversary of the founding of the Turkish Republic was Azerbaijani leader Ilham Aliyev, who initiated a telephone conversation with President Abdullah Gül on Thursday. In addition to extending congratulations for the founding of the Turkish Republic, Aliyev also gave his best wishes to Gül for his birthday as the president was born on Oct. 29, 1950, a brief statement released by Gül's office said.
