Türkiye in contact with Japanese authorities over FETO's terror threat: Envoy

By Ahmet Furkan Mercan

TOKYO (AA) - Türkiye is in close contact with relevant Japanese authorities regarding a determined fight against the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), said the Turkish ambassador to Tokyo.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Korkut Gungen talked about the political, cultural and economic relations of the two countries as well as the FETO presence in Japan.

Stating that the enemies of democracy should not be tolerated anywhere in the world, he stressed the Turkish diplomatic mission in Tokyo informs the Japanese government about illegal activities of the terror group that attempted to overthrow the Turkish government in 2016.

"It should not be forgotten that groups like FETO, which take advantage of weaknesses, are a threat to every country they are in, and that such structures may act in contact and cooperation with similar illegal organizations wherever they are located," Gungen added.

He stated that they also held a discussion on what roles the Turkish Maarif Foundation could play in Japan on the fight against FETO.

FETO and its US-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup, which left 251 people dead and 2,734 injured.

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.

The Turkish Maarif Foundation, established in 2016, is undertaking an important role in the fight against FETO's leg in the education sector.

With 46 countries, 92 different protocols were signed with the aim of transferring FETO-linked schools and opening new ones under Maarif's banner.

- Economic, cultural ties

Noting that Japan is Türkiye's largest investment partner in the Asia-Pacific region, the Turkish ambassador underlined that the trade volume between the two countries rose by 17% last year despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bilateral trade between Ankara and Tokyo should be enhanced, noted Gungen, adding access to Japan's market should be eased.

There is also the need for diversifying Turkish goods in the market, he stated.

Gungen went on to say that a partnership deal with Japan like the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TTP) or Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), would bring important opportunities to Türkiye in the region.

Touching on the Turkish Japanese Science and Technology University, an ongoing project, he said that this would enhance the educational, scientific and cultural cooperation.

Gungen recalled that 2023 marks the 100th anniversary of Türkiye's foundation and 2024 the 100th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Efforts continue with Japanese partners to mark both anniversaries, he concluded.