I am sure that thanks to a peculiar manner of behavior and success in many areas: from business to politics, Silvio Berlusconi left an indelible mark in the history of Italian politics, where he was considered a dominant figure for a long period. This is stated in an article by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, widespread on Saturday Italian Il Messaggero under the heading “My Friend Berlusconi”.
The Turkish leader said that the first personal acquaintance with Berlusconi took place with him shortly after the election on November 2, 2002 in Turkey. “Although the party of justice and development, whose secretary general, then won the elections in Turkey, my personal political activity was prohibited. Some in Turkey tried to present the situation as” something ordinary “, but the first of foreign leaders that exalted it to exaltation The voice against injustice became Berlusconi, ”recalls the Turkish leader.
“My friend Berlusconi called me and congratulated me on the victory. He announced the inadmissibility of the ban on political activity addressed to me and invited Italy as prime minister to Rome, where we met. Berlusconi said then:” Today you are in the house of His best friend from Europe. I will call other friends in Europe and speak in the role of your lawyer, ”the publication says.
Turkish President noted that Silvio Berlusconi took all the necessary steps to deepen the Turkish-Italian ties, which allowed them to take them to an unprecedented level.
“Throughout his activities, he also constantly supported Ankara’s efforts to enter the EU. Agreements on the project of ATAK helicopters and the Blue Stream gas pipeline were reached with the active support of the Berlusconi,” said Erdogan.
Erdogan later wrote that he often contacted Berlusconi at the sites of various international events, and also repeatedly accepted in Turkey.
“Berlusconi was not just my friend. This statesman considered himself a friend of the whole Turkish people who sincerely loved our country,” the Turkish leader emphasized, recalling that in 2003 Berlusconi was a witness at the wedding of his son.
“Sylvio Berlusconi will always remain in our hearts as a true friend,” Erdogan assured, expressing his condolences to the relatives and friends of the Italian politician.