As a country enjoying exceptional historical and human ties with the Arab World, Turkey attaches importance to the peace, security and stability of brotherly Arab countries and provides strong support for the common causes of the Islamic World, particularly Al-Quds. This is very well known.

Turkey’s support to the protection of the political unity and territorial integrity of Syria, its efforts towards achievement of lasting peace and stability in that country and the responsibility it shouldered for more than its 3,5 million Syrian brothers are obvious. The operation of the Turkish Armed Forces towards Afrin has been carried out in order to eliminate the terror threat against our country.

This being the case, it is not possible to understand the statement of the UAE Foreign Minister claiming that Turkey intervenes in Syria and poses a threat for the Arab World. This statement is also far away from any good intention. In fact, it is very well known which sides the UAE officials are trying to serve through the statements of defamation against our history and relations with the Arab world for some time.

What should be done in this critical period for our region is not to sow seeds of discord among the friendly and brotherly peoples who share a common destiny, but to shoulder the responsibility and display the will to solve the problems in the region with a spirit of regional ownership and solidarity.