Erdoğan: No European Country Can Afford to Remain Indifferent to Syria

* Photo: Erçin Top - Brussels/AA

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President and ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) Chair Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in Brussels, Belgium yesterday (March 9).

Speaking at a joint press conference following the meeting, President Erdoğan has underscored that "no European country can afford to remain indifferent to the conflicts and the humanitarian tragedy in Syria."

Referring to Turkey as "the only country that fights DAESH and hosts 3.6 million Syrian refugees", Erdoğan has said, "We expect all our allies to concretely support this struggle Turkey is waging by itself with great self-sacrifices. NATO is going through a period of critical importance during which it should display alliance solidarity in a clear manner."

Indicating that Turkey has fought Syrian-based threats for seven years and is the only NATO member state to see soldiers martyred", Erdoğan added:

"What is essential here is that NATO contributes to our country's defense and its fight against terror. Besides, our allies should show their solidarity with our country without any discrimination and any political condition." Concluding his remarks, Erdoğan underlined that it was of "paramount importance that the support that they requested be given without further delay." (EKN/SD)

* Source: Anadolu Agency (AA)