BAKU - Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday that ''one of the principles of Turkish foreign policy is to establish multi-lateral relations with the North, South, East and West.''
In an interview with Azerbaijani Three Points newspaper, Prime Minister Erdogan said, ''Turkey is striving to create an atmosphere of peace, stability and common values globally.''
Recalling that ''at a time when great discoveries and scientific developments are taking place, we also face terrorist activities based on hatred,'' Erdogan said, ''no country can protect its citizens without international cooperation. Turkey, as a country that has been fighting against terrorism for long years, has lost thousands of its citizens and billions of U.S. dollars in its fight over terrorism.''
Erdogan continued by saying that ''there is no guarantee for any nation to be exempt from terrorism. We can not construct castles around our borders to be protected from terrorist activities.'' ''All nations must get together to fight back at global dangers,'' added Erdogan.
''We are against all forms of terrorism. There can be no justification for any terrorist activity. Terror should be seen as a crime against humanity,'' expressed Erdogan.
-COOPERATION BETWEEN TURKISH REPUBLICS-
Responding to a question on relations with Turkish republics of Central Asia, Erdogan said that they pay high attention to brotherly relations with other Turkish states. ''Better relations with Turkish republics will benefit all of us Turks as well as the Eurasian geography,'' stated Erdogan.
Noting that the 8th Summit of Turkish Speaking Countries that will take place in Antalya on November 22, 2004 ''will help us determine what we need to do in order to develop our ties,'' Erdogan said, ''the steps that will be taken by the Turkish republics will contribute to peace and welfare in the Eurasian region. Relations will get better between the Turkish republics day by day. We share a common heritage, history and cultural values all of which unites us.''
(ES-AÖ) 29.10.2004