Georgian prime minister Irakli Garibashvili and the country’s ruling party on Sunday congratulated Recep Tayyip Erdogan on his winning the May 28 presidential election runoff, claiming Turkey had made “impressive progress” under his rule over the past two decades. 

“Turkish people have spoken and we join in their celebration. We are eager to further enhance the bonds of friendship and strategic partnership between Turkey and Georgia”, Garibashvili tweeted. 

The ruling Georgian Dream party said the election results in which Erdogan garnered 52.14% of the vote, while Kemal Kilicdaroglu received 47.86%, had confirmed Turkey’s “impressive progress”. 

“We wish the strategic partner and friendly people of Georgia peace, stability and prosperity for the progress of both Turkey and the region”, the GD said. 

The ruling party added it expected further strengthening of bilateral ties under Erdogan’s administration.