Ankara expresses support for Doha amid GCC crisis

Erdogan criticised the Saudis and others for their allegations against Qatar, saying he would be the first to oppose the country if that were the case

MENA

1 min read

The New Arab & agencies

07 June, 2017

Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan has commended Qatar for its 'cool-headed' reaction [Anadolu]

Turkey’s president is voicing support for Qatar in its dispute with Saudi Arabia and other nations, saying no one will benefit from the policy of isolating the oil-rich nation.

Addressing foreign ambassadors at a Ramadan dinner Tuesday, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan commended Qatar for what he called a “cool-headed and constructive” stance in the dispute and said Qatar is leading an “effective fight” against terrorist groups.

Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Egypt and Yemen have moved to isolate Qatar, accusing it of harbouring extremists and backing Saudi Arabia’s regional rival, Iran. Qatar has denied the allegations.

Erdogan criticised the Saudis and others for their allegations against Qatar, saying he would be the first to oppose the country if that were the case.

He called for resolving the split through dialogue and said Turkey will continue working to end the dispute.

Erdogan also said that Turks “will continue and develop our ties with Qatar."