President Erdoğan: We expect from US to stand with us in our efforts on fighting terrorism
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made a speech at a reception held at Presidential Complex.
“TURKISH ENTREPRENEURS CARRY OUT ACTIVITIES IN ALMOST EVERY COUNTRY”
Delivering a speech during the reception, President Erdoğan said that Turkey and the U.S. have strong political, economic and military relations at every level, and noted: “Despite all the crises and turbulences in its region, Turkey preserves its stability and grows stronger economically and politically. Our country’s economy ranks 13th in the world and 5th in Europe in terms of purchasing power parity. Our entrepreneurs carry out activities in almost every country and region in the world.”
President Erdoğan stated: “The trade volume between Turkey and the U.S., which is around $20 billion, is quite below our true potential. During our last meeting with Mr. Trump, we initially talked about a trade volume of $75 billion, but later on at our meeting in Osaka, we agreed to increase the trade volume up to $100 billion. And we have begun to take concrete steps to achieve this goal.”
Expressing his belief that the process will be conducted in the best way under the leadership of Mr. Ross, President Erdoğan said, “My friend Mr. Trump and I have put on the agenda the issue of commencing negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement, as well,” and added: “We highly value American investors who invest, create added value and generate jobs in Turkey.”
“IT IS NO LONGER POSSIBLE FOR OUR COUNTRY TO SHOULDER A NEW MIGRATION WAVE ORIGINATING FROM SYRIA”
Underscoring that Turkey not only strengthens its own economy but also prevents regional problems from influencing the rest of the world, President Erdoğan said: “Turkey hosts nearly 5 million foreigners of various statuses from different countries of the world, including 3.6 million Syrians. This figure surpasses 9 million considering the people whose security we ensure and whose needs we meet in Syria. We, thus, ensure the security of the entire Europe, that of our NATO allies in particular.”
President Erdoğan further stressed: “It is no longer possible for our country to shoulder a new migration wave originating from Syria. The recently escalating attacks on Idlib put us face to face with such a risk. A lasting solution to the refugee crisis is possible only through the establishment of terror-free zones inside Syria. Like my friend Mr. Trump said, DAESH has been defeated in Syria. At the moment, the biggest obstacle before our country and our region as well as the return of Syrian refugees is such terrorist organizations as the PKK and its extension, the YPG.”
Emphasizing the need for the establishment of a safe zone along the Syrian border without delay, President Erdoğan said: “We expect the U.S. to stand, in a manner that befits our alliance, with us in our fight against terror and in our efforts to establish safe zones that would enable refugees to return home peacefully.”
“WE FOLLOW WITH SORROW THE INCOMMENSURATE REACTIONS DISPLAYED TOWARDS THE STEPS TURKEY TAKES FOR ITS OWN SECURITY”
Voicing Turkey’s frustration about the support of vehicles, ammunition and equipment provided to terrorist organizations in Syria, President Erdoğan underlined that these vehicles, ammunition and equipment are used against Turkey, and added: “It is of course impossible for us, as a strategic partner, to accept this. We follow with sorrow the incommensurate reactions displayed towards the steps Turkey takes for its own security.”
Also touching on Turkey’s expectation for U.S. cooperation on the fight against the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), President Erdoğan, underscoring that the leader of this terrorist organization currently lives in Pennsylvania, from where he runs its operations across the world, said: “Your support to our country concerning these issues is very important to us. We believe that the progress we will make in our bilateral trade volume and mutual investments will also positively affect our relations in other fields.”
