Türkiye surpasses Europe in overall deportation rate: Interior minister

By Merve Aydogan

ANKARA (AA) - The Turkish interior minister on Tuesday said his country surpassed Europe in overall deportation rate, adding that the issues of irregular migration and illegal border crossings will not end.

Suleyman Soylu, addressing Turkish envoys on the second day of the 13th Ambassadors Conference in Ankara, criticized the West's stance on migration, the energy crisis, and economic processes.

Türkiye has deported 361,000 people in the last five years, Soylu noted, saying the total deportation rate of Europe is 18%, with Türkiye's 57% as the country has prevented 2.65 million people from "illegally" crossing through borders.

Issues related to irregular migration will not end and will even evolve into a different situation, leading to many other social incidents, he said.

Global actors are unable to find solutions to major issues such as "the pandemic and after effects, migration, energy crisis, and economic challenges," Soylu added.

On Türkiye's fight against terrorism, Soylu said the number of terrorists that entered the country in 2018 was 408, while the figure is currently 46.

He further vowed to continue his country's efforts in fighting terrorists and terror groups.

For his part, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said global stability is under threat in many respects.

"Organized crime, in particular terrorism, continues to be the leading threat to regional and global security, and stability. Irregular migration is a reality of our geography and even for the world today, and stands as a test before us," Cavusoglu added.

Foreign and Interior ministries will continue their cooperation, Cavusoglu stressed, noting: "Türkiye's responsibility is not only for itself. We will continue to contribute to the security and stability of our region, including the security of Europe."