Recep Erdogan has assured that Ankara's policy towards Russia will not change after the second round of presidential elections scheduled for May 28 in Turkey. Erdogan made such a statement against the background of the united opposition candidate Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, that in case of his victory, Ankara will give priority to the development of relations with the West, particularly NATO.
“We do not intend to change our position regarding Russia, USA, China and the West. We are in constant contact with them, and we will continue to do so,” Erdogan emphasized.
He also noted that the first round of presidential elections held in Turkey on May 14 took place in democratic conditions. Erdogan expressed confidence that he will get more votes in the second round.
The OSCE discussed the elections in Turkey. Michael Georg Link, special coordinator of the short-term observation mission of the organization, said that the elections were competitive, but there were limitations, as the detention of some opposition politicians and other violations hindered political pluralism and violated the right of some to participate in the elections.
