'Turkey fighting Mideast terror aids Balkans, Europe'

By Talha Ozturk,

SARAJEVO, Bosnia and Herzegovina (AA) - Turkey's counter-terrorist efforts in the Middle East benefit not just itself, but the welfare and security of Europe and southeastern Europe as well, said Turkey’s prime minister on Thursday.

"Turkey's fight against terrorism in the Middle East, in Syria and in Iraq not only secures our own citizen, it also prevents an influx of refugees into the Balkans and in Europe as well as terrorist activities," said Binali Yildirim.

Yildirim's remarks came at a joint press conference with Denis Zvizdic, chairman of the Council of Ministers in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

He added that Turkey's banner economic growth of 7.4 percent in 2017 was no shock.

"It was no surprise for us. We already have projects for sustainable growth in 2018,” he said.

On the current situation in the Balkans, Yildirim said that stability and security in the Balkans means security for Europe and the Middle East.