RAMALLAH, June 25, 2018 (WAFA) – President Mahmoud Abbas telephoned his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyeb Erdogan, and congratulated him for winning a new term in the Turkish presidential elections held on Sunday.

President Abbas wished Erdogan further success, progress and stability.

President Erdogan stressed his country’s support for the Palestinian people and their just cause as well as their right to be free and independent.

Foreign Minister Riyad Malki also called his Turkish counterpart, Mevlut Cavusoglu, to congratulate him on the win of Erdogan for another term as president of Turkey and the victory of the Justice and Development Party in the legislative elections.

Malki stressed that the victory is a confirmation of Turkey’s support for Jerusalem and Palestine as well as a lesson in democracy that should be taught around the world.

Cavusoglu on his part said the victory was a victory for Jerusalem and Palestine.

The two foreign ministers agreed to continue coordination to protect Jerusalem, the holy places and to defend Palestinian rights.

M.K.