Turkish news agency Anadolou reports this week that “Portugal stands with Turkey in its fight against terrorism”, adding that the country received an official parliamentary declaration to this effect following the New Year’s Eve nightclub attack in Istanbul.
But Anadolou adds that “Ankara does not receive enough support from its traditional western allies in its fight against terrorist groups” – at least one of which is supported by the United States.
Quoting Turkey’s defence committee chairman Yusuf Beyazit, the State news agency said Turkey doesn’t “understand the fact that they are talking about fighting against terrorism, yet arming [terrorists]”.
“In that regard”, Bayazit said Turkey is “aware of Portugal’s sincere thoughts and position.”
He also praised Portugal’s support for Turkey’s EU accession process – adding that the country wants to “strengthen bilateral relations with Portugal as well as increase the amount of mutual high-level visits in the future”.
