Erdogan meets CHP’s mayoral candidate for Istanbul

By Zafer Fatih Beyaz and Aynur Ekiz

ANKARA

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday met main opposition Republican People's Party’s (CHP) mayoral candidate for Istanbul at the Presidential Complex in capital Ankara.

“It was a pleasant chat in which we certainly talked about Istanbul and I listened to his experiences, suggestions and advice. In my opinion, he told precious anecdotes [...],” Ekrem Imamoglu said after the meeting.

“Our aim is to start an impeccable period with minimum mistake. In this sense, it has been a beneficial and pleasant meeting. I thank Mr. President for providing this opportunity,” he added.

Imamoglu said he has been visiting the previous metropolitan mayors that have served in Istanbul and his meeting with Erdogan was arranged in this context.

Imamoglu added that they talked about their wish for a fair, respectful and civilized election environment.

He also spoke over the phone with Binali Yildirim, parliament speaker and the ruling Justice and Development Party’s mayoral candidate for Istanbul in local elections set for March 31.

He said he plans to visit CHP chairman Kemal Kilicdaroglu and Deniz Baykal, former chairman of the party.

The Istanbul mayor’s office is an important post, as the metropolis includes nearly one in five of Turkey's population.

*Dilan Pamuk contributed to this story in Ankara