Russian President Vladimir Putin was the first world leader to congratulate Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan over his ruling Justice and Development Party's (AKP) victory in the local elections, Hurriyet Daily News reported.
Despite disagreements between Moscow and Ankara over Syria and Crimea, Putin was the first leader to convey his messages of congratulations, according to Anadolu Agency, which added that the Russian strongman spoke of his "satisfaction" for Erdogan's victory.