Japanese PM thanks Erdogan for saving reporter in Syria

By Nilay Kar Onum and Ilkay Guder

ANKARA (AA) - President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Japanese Premier Shinzo Abe on Wednesday spoke over the phone on captured journalist Jumpei Yasuda, who was brought to Turkey from Syria, according to presidential sources.

The sources said that Abe thanked Erdogan for Turkey’s efforts to rescue and bring Yasuda, who was taken hostage by terrorists in Syria in June 2015, to Turkey safe and sound.

During the phone conversation, the two leaders expressed their gratitude over the cooperation between the related agencies and units during the operation.

They also confirmed their dedication to carry the relations between the two countries further in every field, the sources added.

Meanwhile, Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono thanked his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu over phone for Turkey's efforts in rescuing and bringing Yasuda.