Turkish president congratulates Obama over U.S election victory

Source: Xinhua | 11-06-2008 11:05

ANKARA, Nov. 5 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Abdullah Gul Wednesday sent a congratulatory letter to Barack Obama on his election as the new President of the United States.

Gul said, "your message of change and hope is one that meets the expectations of our day. It is a message that Turkey embraces."

Turkish president said that Obama has been elected to lead the United States at a time when the world is being tested politically and economically. Although it may be difficult times, Gul believes that it is also time for Obama to create new opportunities to bring a brighter future for mankind.

"As two close allies and partners, Turkey and the United States have established a strong friendship based on vital interests. This friendship is founded on universal values such as freedom, democracy, respect for human rights and rule of law and constitutes an important asset for our countries. We value this friendship highly," Gul noted.

Gul also said that their partnership not only serves the best interests of their two countries, but also has particular importance as it contributes significantly to the preservation of peace, stability and security in a wide geography which includes the Middle East, the Caucasus, the Balkans, Central Asia and beyond.

"I would like to reiterate our firm commitment to further enhancing our strategic partnership and cooperation with the United States, particularly in our common fight against terrorism, as well as to the promotion and dissemination of our shared valuesand culture of peace in our region and at the global level," Turkish president mentioned.

Meanwhile, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan also congratulated Obama for his election victory. "I believe that Turkish-American relations should be defined by the strategic ties between Turkey and the United States, not by government changes there," said Erdogan.

Editor:Zheng Limin