Erdogan pledges maintain same foreign policy if he wins

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News Agencies
17 May 00:07

Last week, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, Erdogan's chief rival in the presidential elections race accused Russia of manufacturing and spreading "deep fakes" ahead of the general elections.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan gives a speech at his party's headquarters in Ankara, Turkey, early Monday, May 15, 2023 (AP Photo/Ali Unal)

On Tuesday, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the current Turkish president, and running candidate, assured that he would maintain the same foreign policy towards Russia and other countries if he wins the presidential race in the second round.

"To this day we have adhered to the policy of 'embracing' with all countries – with Russia, the US, China, with all Western countries — we have maintained constant ties. As the President of Turkey, I cannot afford to be offended and angry. I have held meetings with everyone in the best possible way and will continue to do so because it is beneficial to the country. When you discard one country, you lose," Erdogan told CNN.

Last week, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, Erdogan's chief rival in the presidential elections race accused Russia of manufacturing and spreading "deep fakes" ahead of this weekend's general elections. The accusations were then categorically rejected by the Kremlin spokesperson. Erdogan also slammed his contender for these allegations against Russia: saying that Kemal Kilicdaroglu should be ashamed for accusing Russia of interference in Turkish elections.

After no candidate won an absolute majority (50% +1) of the votes in the Turkish elections, the head of the nation’s election authority announced on Monday that a runoff will take place on May 28, 2023.

Erdogan closed the first round with 49.51% of the votes, with Kilicdaroglu placing second at 44.88%, followed by Sinan Ogan at 5.17%.

On Sunday, Kemal Kilicdaroglu said that he is certain he will be winning the runoff election against incumbent President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.