Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan (R) meeting Boyko Borisov, then Bulgaria's PM, in March 2012. Photo by BGNES
Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan has phoned former Bulgarian PM Boyko Borisov and wished him victory at upcoming general elections in Bulgaria May 12, according to Vezhdi Rashidov, Minsiter of Culture in Borisov's cabinet.
"It was a very warm call. Erdogan called Borisov as a friend. He called him "brother"," said Rashidov.
Bulgaria's former Minister of Culture said he was present at the conversation and served as a translator.
The Turkish PM called his former Bulgarian counterpart Saturday evening, on the eve of the greatest Christian Orthodox holiday Easter.
He described his past cooperation with Borisov as "excellent" and stressed that relations between Bulgaria and Turkey have never been so good.
"Erdogan sincerely wished Borisov victory at the elections," said Rashidov.
The Turkish PM also expressed hopes that the vote will be free and fair, both in Bulgaria, and among the Turkish-Bulgarian diaspora in Turkey.
On his part, Borisov stressed that he has learned from past mistakes and is resolute to lead on Bulgaria to greater prosperity.