MOSCOW, February 26 Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus' Kirill congratulated President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan on his 70th birthday, noting his diplomatic talent and “the high level of trusting friendly relations that have developed between the peoples of Turkey and Russia.”
«For many years, you have been working selflessly for the benefit of the Turkish people, taking care of preserving the country's rich spiritual heritage, its prosperity and progressive socio-economic development. Thanks to your diplomatic talent, ability to achieve your goals and balanced position on important foreign policy issues, the Republic of Turkey “Today occupies one of the leading positions in the international arena and has great authority among partners,” says the patriarch’s congratulations, published on Monday on the Russian Orthodox Church website.
Patriarch Kirill especially noted the strong business and cultural ties, as well as the “high level of trusting and friendly relations” that have developed between the peoples of Turkey and Russia.
He wished Erdogan good health and success in his future work in the public sphere, and peace and prosperity to the people of Turkey.
Erdogan was born on February 26, 1954 in Istanbul. He has held the post of President of Turkey since August 28, 2014. Previously, from 2003 to 2014, he served as Prime Minister of Turkey, and from 1994 to 1998, he was the mayor of Istanbul. Erdogan is the founder of the ruling Justice and Development Party in Turkey.