Mexico stands with Turkey against defeated coup

By Sinan Dogan and Muhammed Ikbal Arslan

ANKARA (AA) - Mexico was one of the first countries to condemn the 2016 terrorist coup attacking Turkey’s democratic and constitutional systems, Mexico's ambassador to Ankara said Thursday.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Bernardo Cordova reaffirmed Mexico’s dedication to respecting democratic principles and the constitutional order.

He emphasized that all state institutions obeying the legally constituted civil authority is a pillar of democracy.

The Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) and its U.S.-based leader, Fetullah Gulen, is accused if orchestrating the July 15, 2016 defeated coup which left 251 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured in Turkey.

Ankara also accuses FETO of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police and judiciary.

- 'All measures for boosting ties'

The ambassador said the bilateral trade and economic relationship between Mexico and Turkey falls short of their potential.

"We’re working for the second meeting of the High-Level Bilateral Commission this year -- a mechanism created in 2013 to discuss political, commercial and economic issues, legal and internal affairs and cooperation issues," he said.

The commission, chaired by the Mexican and Turkish foreign ministers, will analyze measures for strengthening ties in all areas, Cordova said.

He said dialogue between the two countries is continuing towards possibly resume talks on a free trade agreement.

*Writing by Beyza Binnur Donmez