Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Monday called on European politicians to stop their anti-Islam political campaigns, saying the European Union would be desperate without Turkey.
“We are waiting for European leaders to stop targeting Turkey and to return to common sense. There is no benefit for anyone in escalating xenophobia. Dreaming of getting power by means of anti-Islam campaigns will not be useful,” said Erdoğan during a speech at a program commemorating Bosniak leader Aliya İzzetbegovic in İstanbul
“A Europe without Turkey is destined to loneliness, desperation and internal conflict. Turkey does need Europe, but Europe needs Turkey. Although they don’t want to see it, Turkey is the cure for their chronic problems,” added Erdoğan.