Turkish President reaffirms Turkey's continued defense of the Palestinian cause at all international forums

Istanbul, August 12 (KUNA) – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reaffirmed on Wednesday that his country will continue to defend the Palestinian cause “with all its might” at all international forums. In a joint press conference held with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas following their meeting in the capital, Ankara, Erdogan also stressed the “continued resolute struggle for the establishment of an independent, geographically contiguous Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.”

The Turkish president noted that supporting Palestine is a responsibility incumbent upon all humanity, “with the Islamic world at the forefront.” He called for the necessary conditions to be provided as soon as possible to launch the reconstruction and rebuilding of the Gaza Strip and to ensure its security.

For his part, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressed his deepest gratitude to President Erdogan and to Turkey for their steadfast positions in supporting the Palestinian people, the humanitarian aid they provide, particularly to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, and their efforts in treating the wounded and hosting Palestinian students.

The Palestinian president said, “We held productive talks with the Turkish president regarding developments in the region and ways to enhance Palestinian-Turkish cooperation. We emphasized the importance of expanding dialogue and understanding among the countries of the region, as well as the significance of the mutual defense agreement recently concluded between Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan.” (End) T.A. / S.A.M.