Türkiye concerned by 'increasing anti-Islamic rhetoric, actions in Europe': President Erdogan

By Faruk Zorlu

ANKARA (AA) – Growing anti-Islamic rhetoric in Europe, especially in Scandinavian countries, is a cause for concern for Türkiye, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday.

“We are concerned about the increasing anti-Islamic rhetoric and actions in Europe, especially in Scandinavian countries,” Erdogan said in a televised interview in Ankara, referring to recent attacks on Islam’s holy book the Quran in Sweden, Denmark, and the Netherlands.

Türkiye expects “sincere steps from Sweden in the fight against Islamophobia,” he said.

“We expect Sweden and Finland to fully comply with their commitments in the tripartite memorandum,” Erdogan said, referring to the agreement signed last June between Türkiye and the two Nordic states for their NATO membership.

Terming the memorandum of understanding a “roadmap,” he said it is essential that the countries fulfill their promises, especially in the fight against terrorism.

Apologies from Sweden will not fix the issues, he said, adding that the country has become “a safe haven for terrorist organizations.”

Turning to the Ukraine war, Erdogan said: “I cannot say that sending tanks to Ukraine could be an element of a solution. All of this is risky and only benefits gun barons.”

Erdogan asserted that he will continue talks with the leaders of Russia and Ukraine to find a way to secure a lasting peace.

On tensions with Greece, he said Türkiye “will not just stand by as Greece takes actions that threaten its security,” vowing that Ankara “will respond both legally and in the field.”

Greece’s recent attitude toward Türkiye is against the spirit of good neighborly relations and the NATO alliance, he said.

He reiterated that Athens is arming islands in the East Mediterranean in violation of international law.