By Ayhan Simsek and Ahmet Gurhan Kartal
BERLIN/LONDON (AA) – German Chancellor Angela Merkel congratulated President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday on his presidential election win and expressed Germany’s readiness to further improve ties with Turkey.
In a message sent to Erdogan and released by her office, Merkel underlined that both countries were facing similar challenges due to the conflicts in the region.
“The upheavals in the Near and Middle East, and the consequent refugee flows, are significantly affecting our two countries. In that respect, Turkey has taken great responsibility,” she said.
Merkel underlined the traditionally friendly relations between Berlin and Ankara and also expressed support for stability and democracy in Turkey.
“I am looking forward to working with you to further enhance and deepen cooperation between our countries,” she said.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier also applauded the Turkish president and mentioned a potential probable high-level visit to accelerate bilateral ties.
British Prime Minister Theresa May also congratulated Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on his latest election victory on Monday.
May called President Erdogan and said she looked forward to further strengthen the bilateral relations between Turkey and the U.K., according to Turkish presidential sources.
Erdogan and May agreed to meet at the upcoming NATO summit in July in Brussels.
In another telephone call, Turkish leaders received congratulations from Greece Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras.
