"In our view, Venezuela holds an important position in our opening policy to Latin America. We are determined to further our relations with Venezuela, preserving the momentum achieved over the past two years in the bilateral ties. We have the resolve to improve our relations in every field including political, military, economic, trade and cultural areas," Erdoğan said.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who is paying an official visit to Venezuela, held a joint press conference with President Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela in Caracas.

"We have the resolve to improve our relations in every field"

During the joint press conference, preceded by a ceremony in which President Erdoğan was decorated with the Order of the Liberator, President Erdoğan reiterated Turkiye's sorrow over the attempted assassination of President Maduro, and said: "In our view, Venezuela holds an important position in our opening policy to Latin America."

Stating that they are determined to further relations with Venezuela, preserving the momentum achieved over the past two years in the bilateral ties, President Erdoğan continued: "We have the resolve to improve our relations in every field including political, military, economic, trade and cultural areas. I believe we have now proceeded to a new phase in our relations with the visit we are paying right now."

Stressing that economies of the two countries do not compete against, but rather complement each other, President Erdoğan stated: "The fact that we are not in competition against one another offers new cooperation opportunities and joint investment potential. We have seen during our talks the presence of the political will to take much further our relations which we have built on the win-win principle."

"The policy of solidarity with the downtrodden is now being maintained by my treasured friend Maduro"

Noting that Venezuela highly values and promotes the Bolivarian tradition not only inside its own borders but also inside all across the world, President Erdoğan said: "The policy of solidarity with the downtrodden all over the world, which was first initiated by President Chavez, is now being maintained by my treasured friend Maduro. As such, Venezuela is today one of the strongest supporters of the Palestinian cause."

Underscoring that this noble stance of Venezuela's disturbs the circles that feed off invasion and exploitation, President Erdoğan stated: "That is one of the reasons why these circles have recently gone as far as attempting the life of Mr. Maduro. However, no pressure, no treacherous act, no threat, and no blackmail will be able to put shackles on the will of the Venezuelan people. They will not be able to extinguish the fire of freedom ignited by Simon Bolivar two centuries ago."

Regarding the FETO-affiliated schools in Venezuela, which have been closed down, President Erdoğan stated that the two such schools were transferred to the Maarif Foundation after he raised the issue with Mr. Maduro and that Turkiye's National Intelligence Organization (MİT) shared information with its Venezuelan counterpart on the latest situation.

Describing all this as a sign of the solidarity and cooperation between the two countries, President Erdoğan expressed his belief that Turkey and Venezuela will continue to act in solidarity and cooperation.

Following the press conference, President Erdoğan attended the official dinner President Maduro hosted in his honor. (ILKHA)