Chad, Turkish leaders as one on Jerusalem, terrorism

By Alaattin Dogru, Ugur Cil and Ayse Aktas

N'DJAMENA, Chad (AA) – In a joint declaration and talks between Turkish and Chadian leaders and their delegations, the two countries spoke in unison on a host of international issues -- including Jerusalem and terrorism -- and the will for closer relations.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his host, Chadian President Idriss Deby, held private talks followed by the delegations’ meeting.

Idriss expressed his pleasure at the historic visit, the first-ever by a Turkish president to the Central African nation, while both presidents unconditionally condemned terrorism and jointly vowed to fight terrorism, and expressed sympathy with Palestine.

In meetings, Chadian officials expressed expectation that Turkish firms will take part in the construction of two major projects -- an airport and a bridge -- as well as oil research and management in the country.

During their meetings, the two countries’ delegations touched on bilateral cooperation and important regional and international issues.

On recent developments concerning Jerusalem, the delegations stressed that the unilateral U.S. decision to recognize the holy city as Israel’s capital is unacceptable and null and void.

They also called on for a just, lasting, and comprehensive peaceful solution for Jerusalem, on the basis of a two-state vision.

They stressed that a Palestinian state, one which is independent, sovereign, and has a geographical integrity, with East Jerusalem as its capital and within the 1967 borders, is the main condition for peace and stability in the region.

The delegations also expressed approbation at last week’s rejection by the UN General Assembly of the U.S. move on Jerusalem, stating that it showed a commitment to UN resolutions and international law on Jerusalem.

They also expressed deep concern over the current Mideast tensions and urged the parties to act with moderation as the crisis there is a serious threat to global security.

In the declaration, the delegations also invited the international community, especially the UN, to combat serious threats and to find a just and equitable solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

During the visit, the two countries signed pacts on avoiding double taxation as well as cooperation in youth and sports, technical and development cooperation, mutually encouraging and protecting investments, cooperation in information technology, and cooperation on hydrocarbons, minerals, mines, and energy.

The declaration also said Chad’s president has been invited to pay an official visit to Turkey at a date to be settled later.

Erdogan’s visit to Chad is the second stop on his three-nation African tour, starting with Sudan and ending with Tunisia.

Erdogan is being accompanied by a large delegation, including Turkish Chief of General Staff Gen. Hulusi Akar, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, National Education Minister Ismet Yilmaz, Agriculture Minister Ahmet Esref Fakibaba, Energy Minister Berat Albayrak, Culture and Tourism Minister Numan Kurtulmus, Transport, Maritime Affairs, and Communications Minister Ahmet Arslan, Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci, National Defense Minister Nurettin Canikli and some 150 Turkish businesspeople.