Turkish parliament formed friendship mostly with Africa

By Muhammet Emin Avundukluoglu

ANKARA (AA) - Turkish parliament has formed the most inter-parliamentary friendship groups with parliaments in African countries.

During the 27th term of the parliament since June 24, the parliament has formed a total of 46 friendship groups with African parliaments.

Oceania was the region with the least friendship groups formed -- only two.

The parliament has formed inter-parliamentary friendship groups with 38 countries in Asia, 36 countries in Europe, and 19 countries in the Americas.

The Turkish parliament has formed friendship groups with its neighboring countries including Iraq, Iran, Georgia and Bulgaria. However, the parliament has not formed the groups with Greece, Syria and Armenia.

It also did not form groups with Israel, Libya, Egypt and the Netherlands.

Relations between Turkey and the Netherlands plunged ahead of the April 2017 presidential referendum in Turkey, when Dutch authorities canceled the flight permit of a plane carrying Cavusoglu.

Rallies by Turks there in favor of constitutional changes to shift Turkey to an executive presidential system also faced tremendous restrictions from both central and local governments.

Turkey held elections on June 24, and the lawmakers of 27th term of parliament were elected.