KONYA - "Council of Ministers has a priority to get along well with Turkey's neighbours and solve problems by peaceful means and diplomacy" said Turkish National Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul on Sunday.
Gonul answered questions on a local TV channel during his visit to central Anatolian city of Konya.
Stating that Council of Ministers prioritizes getting along well with Turkey's neighbours, Gonul said diplomatic channels will be used for establishment of peace in the region.
Upon a question on whether development of nuclear weapons (of which Iran is being accused) pose a threat to Turkey, Minister Gonul said, "Turkey has established good relations with all of its neighbours. We do not expect any clash with any country in the region. However we continue be ready for war at all times because 13 of 18 conflict zones in the world are in our region."
Gonul who affirmed his support for a central government in Iraq, said "people are so unhappy that almost 2 million citizens fled to neighbouring countries. Peaceful solution to the conflicts in the region is our earnest desire."