Israel's 1 year genocidal war in Gaza is common shame for all humanity, says Turkish President Erdogan

By Talha Ozturk

BELGRADE, Serbia (AA) – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday that Israel's genocide in Gaza, which has been ongoing for a year, is a common shame for humanity.

Erdogan made these remarks at a joint press conference with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama following their meeting in the Albanian capital of Tirana.

"The genocide that has been going on in Gaza for a year is a common shame for all humanity. For this reason, we need to make every effort as the international community to ensure a permanent cease-fire, deliver humanitarian aid, and apply the necessary pressure on Israel,'' said Erdogan.

“I sincerely believe that Albania will also do its part in this regard,” he added.

Erdogan is in Tirana as part of a mini Balkan tour, having already met with Albanian President Bayram Begay earlier in the day.

Erdogan and Rama also presided over the second High-Level Cooperation Council meeting and witnessed the signing of the cooperation agreements.

"I especially appreciate the president's (Erdogan) gift of giving the Army of the Republic of Albania a significant number of drones," Rama said.

In the capital city, Erdogan will inaugurate the Grand Mosque of Tirana, also known as the Namazgah Mosque, in a ceremony, which is expected to be attended also by Rama.

- Türkiye, Albania sign 4 cooperation agreements

Türkiye and Albania signed four cooperation agreements in the fields of communication, education and agriculture.

Erdogan said the agreements confirm the two countries' willingness to cooperate.

"With the four agreements we have signed in the fields of cooperation, communication, education, and agriculture, we have confirmed our will to cooperate," said Erdogan.

He emphasized that Türkiye will provide the necessary support to their strategic partner Albania's armed forces in terms of military equipment and training.

"We continue our joint efforts to increase our trade volume with Albania to $2 billion in the first phase."

He said the meeting discussed a joint fight against terrorist organizations such as FETO.

"We discussed the joint fight against terrorist organizations, especially FETO, with Albanian Prime Minister Rama. We will continue our fight against terrorist organizations,'' the Turkish president said.

Erdogan and Rama signed a joint declaration to deepen the strategic partnership formed by the formation of the two governments' high-level cooperation councils.

The two countries' agriculture and forest ministries also signed a declaration of intent to cooperate in the field of state-sponsored agricultural insurance.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) for collaboration in public relations and communication was also signed.

In addition, a protocol was signed to establish academic branches and programs of Istanbul Technical University in Albania.

Erdogan's regional visits are expected to include a comprehensive review of bilateral relations with both countries.

Following his visit to Albania, Erdogan will travel to the Serbian capital Belgrade later on Thursday.