The leader of the Republican People’s Party, Kemal Kılıçdaroglu, turned presidential candidate from the Turkish opposition, intends to build relations with Russia at the institutional level if he wins. This was stated by the party’s deputy leader for international relations, Unal Cheviköz.
The opposition “People’s Alliance” announced on the eve of Kilichdaroglu a single candidate for the presidency of Turkey. The leaders of the five opposition parties that make up the People’s Alliance, as well as the mayors of Ankara and Istanbul, will become vice-presidents if Kılıçdaroğlu wins.
Earlier, in its election manifesto, the alliance promised to strengthen ties with the Russian Federation through a balanced and constructive dialogue at the institutional level and allied relations with the United States – on the basis of mutual trust.
According to Cheviköz, if the opposition comes to power, it will adhere to the principles set out in the manifesto. “We will build relations with Russia at the level of institutions, not leaders,” he said.
“There are long-standing historical relations between our countries”, this factor will certainly be taken into account, the deputy party leader stressed. “At the same time, we will take into account Turkey’s NATO membership,” the politician noted.
General elections in Turkey are scheduled for May 14. The current president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has already presented his Republican Alliance candidacy.
