Erdogan criticizes ‘serious accusations’ against Qatar, reaffirms support

ANKARA, Turkey (Kurdistan24) – The President of Turkey on Tuesday criticized recent sanctions imposed on Qatar, adding that his government would resume cooperation in the region.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Ankara would “continue to develop relations with Qatar,” Sputnik reported.

“We do not consider sanctions against Qatar effective,” he said during a meeting with activists of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).

The Turkish President called for unity amid the escalating situation involving the Gulf Arab nations.

“At a time when we particularly need solidarity and cooperation, this situation will not benefit anyone in our region,” Erdogan continued.

“Let me say at the outset that we do not think the sanctions against Qatar are good,” the Turkish leader added.

Erdogan defended Qatar and reaffirmed Turkey would maintain its relationship with “our friends who have supported us in the most difficult moments.”

“Presenting Qatar as a supporter of terrorism is a serious accusation,” Erdogan said.

“I know [Qatar’s leaders] well, and if that had been the case, I would have been the first head of state to confront them,” the Turkish President affirmed.

Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and other nations cut diplomatic ties with Doha on Monday, accusing the country of supporting terrorism.

Qatar denied assertions made against it, labeling the decision from its neighboring countries to sever ties “unjustified” and with “no basis in fact.”

The accusations made against Qatar and the subsequent reaction from other Gulf states is the largest diplomatic crisis in the region in recent years.

Editing by G. H. Renaud