Baku – APA. On the sidelines of his visit to Turkey, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg was received by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday.
Paying his first visit to Turkey after the 15 July coup attempt in the country, Stoltenberg condemned the plot and extended his condolences over the large number of casualties. The NATO secretary general expressed his respect for the bravery demonstrated by the Turkish people.
“Any attack targeting democracy in any of the member countries is an attack on the foundation of our alliance. A mighty and democratic Turkey is vital for the security of Europe and the region,” he said.
Stoltenberg will also meet with Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, and Defense Minister Fikri Isik.
In an interview to the “CNN Turk” TV channel, he remarked that NATO and Turkey are in need of each other. He said Turkey continues to fulfill its obligations after the failed coup attempt.
The NATO secretary general also praised Turkey’s role in countering Islamic State.
"We welcome Turkey's increasing efforts to fight against Daesh. Turkey has a right to defend itself. There have been many terrorist attacks coming from the Syrian side," Stoltenberg told broadcaster NTV.
Follow us on Telegram
t.me/apanewsaz
Follow us on Instagram
Follow us on TikTok
Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on X
