Serbia's leader congratulates Erdogan's local vote win

BELGRADE, Serbia

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic congratulated his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan for his party's victory in the local elections on Sunday.

Vucic called Erdogan after early unofficial results were released showing the Justice and Development (AK) Party won nearly 45 percent of the vote in local elections.

The president said he looked forward to continuing cooperation between the two countries as Serbia attached great importance to its "true friendship" with Turkey, and is committed to good and solid bilateral relations.

Serbia would remain a reliable partner to Turkey and the two countries would further develop political relations and expand economic and all other forms of cooperation with mutual understanding and respect, he added.

Vucic also said he anticipated Erdogan's next visit his country to commemorate the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Belgrade and Ankara, and to discuss concrete projects.

Earlier, millions of Turkish voters cast their votes in the local elections to choose Turkey’s mayors, city council members, mukhtars (neighborhood officials), and members of elder councils for the next five years.

BELGRADE, Serbia

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic congratulated his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan for his party's victory in the local elections on Sunday.

Vucic called Erdogan after early unofficial results were released showing the Justice and Development (AK) Party won nearly 45 percent of the vote in local elections.

Vucic also said he anticipated Erdogan's next visit his country to commemorate the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Belgrade and Ankara, and to discuss concrete projects.