UPDATES WITH MORE REMARKS BY TURKISH PRESIDENT ERDOGAN; REVISES HEADLINE, DECK
By Muhammed Enes Calli
ISTANBUL (AA) - It is a "conscientious obligation" to stand against the "state terror" practiced by Israel, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of a mosque in Albania's capital Tirana, Erdogan said that by attacking Lebanon, the Benjamin Netanyahu administration has once again demonstrated that it has no intention of seeking peace in the region.
"Once again, I urge all people of conscience, especially Muslims, to take a united stand against Israeli aggression," he added.
"The religion of peace, Islam, must not be disconnected from its noble values, nor must we allow interest groups that exploit our sacred faith for personal gain to take advantage," said Erdogan.
Mentioning how over a year has passed since Israel's genocide in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories began, Erdogan said some 50,000 innocent Palestinians have been killed and over 100,000 injured by Israeli attacks.
"Mosques, churches, hospitals, schools, universities, and marketplaces have been bombed, and Israel continues its attacks on Palestinians, regardless of age or gender," he added.
Turning to his current visit to Albania, Erdogan expressed his pleasure and thanked the country for its warm welcome.
He said he hopes the new Namazgah Mosque, the largest mosque in the Balkans, which they laid the foundation for in 2015, will be beneficial for all Muslims.
This largest mosque in the Balkan region will serve as a new symbol of Türkiye and Albania’s shared history and brotherhood, which spans over six centuries – dating back to the Ottoman era – he said.
"I would like to emphasize that deepening our cultural and social relations with Albania, with which we are closely bonded through strong brotherhood ties, is a priority for us," Erdogan said.
"The two nations have supported each other at every opportunity, sharing in each other's sorrows and joys."
Türkiye will continue to stand by Albania alongside its government, institutions, and civil society organizations, he said.
Erdogan on Thursday kicked off a two-day Balkan tour that also includes its neighbor Serbia.