Writing an article for former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, which started with the words “My friend Berlusconi” in the Italian newspaper Il Messaggero, Erdoğan reminded that his first contacts with Berlusconi took place after the November 3, 2002 elections. Erdoğan stated that when the AK Party came to power, he was banned from politics because of a poem he recited, and that his right to engage in politics was unlawfully blocked, even though the Party he was the Chairman of was victorious in the election.
“BERLUSCONI CALLED ME AND SAID IT WAS UNACCEPTABLE”
Stating that Berlusconi was the first leader in the world who objected to this “while trying to make this strangeness seem normal” in Turkey, Erdoğan continued his article as follows:
“My friend Berlusconi called us and congratulated us on our election victory, stated that our political ban was unacceptable and invited us to his country as the Prime Minister of Italy. We met with Mr. Berlusconi in Rome, we had a comprehensive discussion from Turkey-Italy relations to European Union issues. My friend Berlusconi, “You are now at your best friend’s house in Europe. I will call my prime minister friends in the EU and act as your lawyer.” During his duty, he always supported our country in our EU membership process.
“VERY SERIOUS PROGRESS MADE”
The strong stance and fairness of my dear friend also played a decisive role in taking the date of full membership negotiation. We had really fruitful, sincere and friendly relations with Mr. Berlusconi as the two prime ministers. We have deepened the Türkiye-Italy relations in every field and enabled them to reach the highest level in history. Türkiye-Italy partnership has also made significant progress in the defense industry. With the signing of the contract for the Atak helicopter, Mr. Berlusconi provided serious support for our Blue Stream Natural Gas Pipeline project.”
“HE WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED AS A TRUE FRIEND”
President Erdoğan stated that Berlusconi, whom he frequently met in international organizations such as NATO, G-20, G-8, Arab League Summit, and Nuclear Security Summit, and whom he hosted many times in Turkey, is a person who deserves the concept of “friend”, and that his personal friendships He also stated that he is a statesman who loves and respects the Turkish nation and gives great value to Turkey.
Emphasizing that they have always maintained their human ties with Berlusconi after leaving office, Erdoğan said:
“We met with him many times on the occasion of watching football matches in Turkey and in different countries. My friend Berlusconi’s witnessing of my son’s wedding in 2003 has a different place in our personal story. We have never forgotten this graciousness of him. Mr. Berlusconi, since I was elected President in 2018. He also honored us by being among the leaders who attended the Inauguration Ceremony we organized.Mr. Berlusconi was a truly unique politician with his unique attitude and his achievements in different fields from the business world to politics.
I believe that Berlusconi, who dominated Italian politics for many years, left an indelible mark behind. When I heard the news of the death of my dear friend Silvio Berlusconi, with whom we worked for many years, I felt great sadness. As a token of our friendship, I sent my Foreign Minister and Party Spokesperson to represent us at the funeral. He will always be remembered as a true friend with the beautiful memories he left in us. I heartily share the pain of Mr. Berlusconi’s family and loved ones, and convey my condolences to the people of Italy on behalf of my country and nation.”
Source: AA