KIRCAALI - Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Friday the Turks living in Bulgaria experienced great discomfort in the past.
"However, we must leave historical problems to history," Erdogan told.
On the last day of his official trip to Bulgaria, Erdogan paid a visit to Kircaali city and held talks with Turks living there.
Erdogan met Kircaali Mayor Hasan Aziz on Friday. After his meeting with Aziz, Erdogan proceeded to the Public Theatre across from the mayor's office and attended a conference.
Speaking at the conference, Erdogan stressed that "Kircaali carries an important role model to the whole world. Humans from different religions and cultures are living here in peace side by side."
Reminding that he is the co-chair of the Alliance of Civilizations initiative, Erdogan indicated that "difference should be viewed as a unifying force rather than one that divides societies."
"We love humans not based on their ethnicity, religion or culture but as beings created by God," Erdogan stated.
"Turks living in Bulgaria are loyal citizens of Bulgaria and establish a bridge of friendship between Turkey and Bulgaria. I believe that the Balkans have a lot to learn from the Kircaali model," Erdogan said.
At the conclusion of his speech in the conference, Erdogan thanked Bulgarian authorities for the warm hospitality displayed to him and his delegation.
A standing crowd of Turks applauded Erdogan for minutes.
After completing talks in Kircaali, Erdogan proceeded to Filibe city (Plovdiv). Erdogan will depart from Filibe on Friday night in private jet "ANA" and will head to Istanbul.
(SOL)