TURKISH President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is in a very comfortable position to again clinch the presidential elections. After winning the first round of elections with 49. 5 per cent and now the very decision by the third place candidate to endorse him, he is all set to continue on the seat of presidency for the next five years. Erdogan has clearly proven himself an election winner and this is why his supporters call him reis – ‘chief’.
The election results clearly indicate the trust and confidence that the Turkish people have on President Erdogan under whose leadership, Turkiye undoubtedly has seen phenomenal transformation and growth. Over the last twenty years, he reshaped his country more than any leader since Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the revered father of the modern republic. Ever since 2003 during which he also served three terms as the Prime Minister, Erdogan has steered the country on the path of steady economic growth and won praise internationally as a reformer. As Erdogan prioritized giant infrastructure projects to modernize Turkiye, this really saw the expansion of the middle class in the country with millions coming out of poverty. It was a holistic approach through which Erdogan developed his country in all sectors be it the healthcare, education or defence. Most recently, we saw the unveiling of a fifth generation fighter jet by Turkiye which is yet another manifestation of the country keeping pace with the developed world. In addition, President Erdogan has always remained very vocal on important international matters. Especially his unflinching and categorical stance on the Palestine and Kashmir dispute has earned him praise in the Muslim world. He indeed has proven himself a fearless leader having the spine to ruffle the feathers of someone like Israel. The people of Pakistan also see Erdogan with great love and respect. This affection is mutual and time and again President Erdogan has proven himself a true friend of Pakistan. We are confident that after his re-election, the process of strengthening Pakistan-Turkiye relations will be taken forward with special focus on greater people to people contacts.
