Erdogan turned world's eyes to Türkiye's transformation: Albanian PM
Türkiye's upcoming elections carry great importance for the Balkans and Europe, says Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama.
Albania’s prime minister has said that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan turned the world's eyes to Türkiye's wonderful and exemplary transformation.
"I would like to express my highest appreciation to President Erdogan, who has turned the world's eyes to the example of Türkiye's wonderful transformation with his vision, courage, will, and tireless work,'' said Edi Rama in a video message released on the eve of Türkiye's parliamentary and presidential elections, set for Sunday, May 14.
According to Rama, Türkiye's exemplary strengthening and the creation of a new awareness of the power of the Turkish nation and state not only add many beauties to Türkiye and its people but also bring great difficulties and strong challenges questioning the integrity of Türkiye's legitimate institutions and even President Erdogan's life.
"Personally for me, President Erdogan is not only a good friend in bad times, but also a very special political leader because he is someone who says what he does and does what he says. Some think he is very tough and sharp,” said Rama.
“Not giving in at this stage in Türkiye's history and in such an unpredictable world, which must decide between the ease of returning, is exactly what a country like Türkiye needs and still will need,'' he added.
Rama added that he wholeheartedly hopes voters consider Türkiye’s indispensable role in their choices in the fragile balances of this difficult period for the Balkans and all of Europe.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says the Turkish people will give the necessary answer to the enemies of Türkiye in the elections on May 14th.
— TRT World (@trtworld) May 7, 2023
During an election rally in Istanbul, Erdogan said that 1.7 million people were there pic.twitter.com/PEGNJvjgcb
The leaders of Türkiye and Albania enjoy friendly relations. They show support to each other in good times and bad such as natural disasters.
Albania and Türkiye supported each other after deadly earthquakes hit both countries.
As of Sunday, over 1.6 million Turkish citizens living abroad had cast their votes to elect the country's new president and parliamentary representatives, according to the Supreme Election Council (YSK).
Voting in Türkiye itself will take place on May 14. Voters will choose between four presidential hopefuls: President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is seeking reelection, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, Muharrem Ince, and Sinan Ogan.