Türkİye, Europe

'Turkey to remain true friend to Moldova, Gagauzia'

President Erdogan says Turkey sees Moldova as 'neighbor' regardless of geographical location

Merve Aydoğan  | 18.10.2018 - Update : 18.10.2018
'Turkey to remain true friend to Moldova, Gagauzia'

Ankara

By Merve Aydogan and Sibel Ugurlu

ANKARA

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday praised relations with the Moldovan people and Gagauz Turks during his visit to Comrat, the capital of the country’s autonomous Gagauzia region.

In his address to the Gagauz Turks, Erdogan said: "In 1994 you chose to live in fraternity while other states were struggling with internal conflicts. While many European countries were pessimistic about their future, you chose peace and solidarity in this land." 

Erdogan called this "an example of democracy and civilization."

Gagauzia is an autonomous region in Moldova that is home to a mostly Gagauz population -- an Orthodox Christian, Turkic community. In 1994, Moldova’s parliament gave "the people of Gagauzia" the right of "external self-determination."

Decrying rising racism and xenophobia in Europe, Erdogan said: “Ethnic and cultural differences are being incited in many parts of the world, especially in Europe. There are efforts to split apart societies that share the same land, breathe the same air, and share a common past and future. Many problems such as Islamophobia, xenophobia, ethnic nationalism, and terrorism are impeding our coexistence. Our brothers here must never fall into such a trap."  

'Turkey's neighbor' 

Erdogan said Turkey would "resolutely" continue to be a true friend to the people of Moldova and the Gagauz Turks.

"We place great importance on Moldova’s territorial integrity. We follow developments in both Moldova and Gagauzia very closely, just like the events in our neighbors," he said.

Erdogan called Moldova Turkey’s neighbor, regardless of the Black Sea and countries lying between the two.

"Our two countries are closer than ever before. Although we don't share physical borders, we see Moldova as a neighboring country," Erdogan said.

Erdogan called his two-day visit to Moldova "fruitful," saying the two countries decided to boost bilateral relations to the strategic partnership level.

During his official visit, Erdogan met with Moldovan President Igor Dodon and Prime Minister Pavel Filip.

He also met Irina Vlah, president of the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia.



Anadolu Agency website contains only a portion of the news stories offered to subscribers in the AA News Broadcasting System (HAS), and in summarized form. Please contact us for subscription options.