President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan penned an article for the late former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi of Italy in the Italian newspaper Il Messaggero.
In the article that starts with the phrase "My friend Berlusconi", President Erdoğan emphasises that his first contact with Berlusconi occurred following the November 3, 2002 elections, adding that when the AK Party came to power, he was banned from politics because of a poem he had recited, and that he was unlawfully prevented from engaging in politics, even though the Party of which he was the chairman emerged victorious from the elections.
Stating that while "some in Türkiye were trying to make this absurdity look normal," Berlusconi was the first world leader to object to this, Erdoğan continues:
"My friend Berlusconi called to congratulate us on our election victory, to express that our political ban was inadmissible, and to invite us to Italy in his capacity as prime minister. We met with Mr Berlusconi in Rome and had an in-depth discussion on a range of topics, from Türkiye-Italy relations to the European Union. My friend Berlusconi stated, "You are currently in the home of your closest friend in Europe." I will contact my PM counterparts in the EU and advocate for you.' He consistently supported our country's EU accession process throughout his entire term in office.
The firm stance and just manner of my dear friend were also decisive in securing the full membership negotiation date. As prime ministers, we had really fruitful, sincere, and cordial relations with Mr Berlusconi. We ensured that Türkiye-Italy relations grew in all spheres and reached a historical high level. The Türkiye-Italy partnership also made significant strides in the defence industry. Mr Berlusconi had provided significant support to the Atak Helicopter and the Blue Stream Natural Gas Pipeline project."
"He will forever be remembered as a true friend"
President Erdoğan states that Berlusconi, with whom they frequently met in international organisations such as NATO, G-20, G-8, Arab League Summit, Nuclear Security Summit, and whom he had hosted many times in Türkiye, was a person who had done justice to the definition of a "friend" and that, beyond their personal friendship, Berlusconi was a statesperson who loved and respected the Turkish nation and held Türkiye in high regard.
President Erdoğan points out that he and Berlusconi had remained friendly even after Berlusconi left office, noting:
"I had the pleasure of meeting him many times on the occasion of attending football matches in Türkiye and other countries. The fact that my friend Berlusconi was a witness at my son's wedding in 2003 was a memorable part of our friendship. We have never forgotten this act of kindness. Mr Berlusconi had also honoured us by being among the leaders who attended the Inauguration Ceremony we held on the occasion of my election as President in 2018. Mr Berlusconi was truly a one-of-a-kind politician owing to his unique demeanour and achievements in a variety of fields, from business to politics.
I believe Berlusconi, who dominated Italian politics for many years, has left an indelible trace. The news of the passing of my beloved friend Silvio Berlusconi, with whom I worked together for many years, left me in a state of profound sorrow. As a sign of our friendship, I sent my Foreign Minister and Party Spokesperson to represent us at the funeral. We will always remember him as a genuine friend who left us with such beautiful memories. On behalf of my country and people, I extend my condolences to the people of Italy and heartfelt sympathies to Mr Berlusconi's family and loved ones."