From Vladimir Putin to Joe Biden to Volodymyr Zelensky, Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, heads of state and government congratulated Recep Tayyip Erdogan on his victory in the second round of the presidential election which was held yesterday Sunday in Turkey, which ensures him another five years in power.

“Sane” result

The Russian president, who recently worked closely with his Turkish counterpart, said that Mr. Erdogan’s victory was “a logical result of dedicated work [του]” and “proud proof” of the support of his policy by the Turks.

Mr. Putin made special reference to the “efforts” that, according to him, Mr. Erdogan is making to strengthen Turkey’s “national sovereignty” and to pursue an “independent foreign policy.”

A member of NATO, Turkey has influence in areas of strategic importance to Moscow, notably Syria, while playing a mediating role in the conflict in Ukraine.

“Allies in NATO”

“I look forward to continuing to work together as NATO allies on bilateral issues and global challenges,” US President Joe Biden said via Twitter.

The foreign minister of the government of Anthony Blinken also assured that “I look forward to continuing to work with the government chosen by the Turkish people”.

“To face the threats”

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak noted that “I look forward to continuing the close cooperation” between his country and Turkey.

“Congratulations to Recep Tayyip Erdogan. I look forward to continuing the close cooperation between our countries, from developing trade to addressing security threats within NATO’s ranks.”

“Immense Challenges”

Emmanuel Macron was one of the first European leaders to publicly congratulate Turkey’s strongman, saying their countries have “enormous challenges to face together”.

Among these “challenges” the French president considers “the return of peace to Europe, the future of our Euro-Atlantic alliance, the Mediterranean”. He added that “with President Erdogan, whom I congratulate, we will continue to move forward”.

“Strengthening” relationships

Addressing his congratulations to the Turkish president, his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky expressed the hope that there will be a “strengthening” of relations between Kiev and Ankara in order to guarantee “security” in Europe.

“We hope to further develop our strategic partnership for the good of our peoples and strengthen our cooperation for security and stability in Europe,” Mr Zelensky said via Twitter in Turkish.

Turkey played a key role in renewing the agreement under which Moscow allows Kiev to continue exporting grain.

“New Push”

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said he hoped Mr Erdogan’s re-election would give “new impetus” to relations between the two states to “advance our common agenda”.

The head of the German government described the two countries as “close partners and allies”, recalling that “their peoples and economies are deeply connected”.

“Common Security”

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristerson welcomed the re-election of the Turkish president, stressing that “our common security is a priority for the future”

Sweden, a candidate country for NATO membership, remains facing a veto from Turkey, which accuses it of harboring “terrorists”, especially members of the Kurdish armed separatist movement Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which Ankara, Brussels and Washington describes it as a “terrorist” organization.

“Development of relationships”

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel said they were “looking forward” to the continued “development of relations” between the EU and Turkey.

Turkey is officially a candidate country for joining the European Union, but the accession negotiations that began in 2005 have been at an absolute impasse for years.

The EU’s relations with Turkey are characterized as difficult, however Brussels considers Ankara a necessary partner, especially when it comes to the issue of immigration.

“Let’s continue our cooperation”

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said he was “looking forward” to “continuing our cooperation” in preparation for the alliance’s July summit in Vilnius.

“Sincere congratulations”

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent his “sincere congratulations” and “wishes for success” to Mr Erdogan, according to a statement by the monarchy’s official SPA news agency.

Relations between Riyadh and Ankara have been at a nadir for more than three years, following the late 2018 assassination in Istanbul of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. At the time, Mr. Erdogan had denounced that the assassination was ordered “at the highest level.” The closure of the murder case by Turkish justice last year, however, opened the way for a rapprochement.