Answering reporters’ questions in Istanbul, Erdoğan said: "We may take such a step as to particularly suspend diplomatic relations with the Abu Dhabi administration or recall our ambassador. That is so because we stand by the Palestinian people."

"We will not let even the slightest attack targeting our civilian vessels go unanswered"

In answer to a question about the Greek frigate’s harassment of the Oruç Reis in the Eastern Mediterranean, Erdoğan drew attention to the troublesome developments in the area and described the Oruç Reis as one of the most important vessels conducting seismic exploration there. Underlining that the Oruç Reis will maintain its activities in the Eastern Mediterranean until August 23, Erdoğan stated: "We will not let even the slightest attack targeting our civilian vessels go unanswered. Such an incident was in question yesterday and the Kemal Reis duly responded to it." 

In response to a question about the exclusive economic zone agreement signed between Greece and Egypt, Erdoğan said: "I have difficulty understanding Egypt on this issue because it is, via its intelligence organization, telling something different to our intelligence organization. It is saying ‘there are misunderstandings.’ It is saying, ‘We had better correct these misunderstandings.’ Our intelligence organization is having, and will continue to have, talks with their intelligence organization."

"We may take such a step as to suspend diplomatic relations with Abu Dhabi"

Concerning the UAE-Israel agreement, Erdoğan noted that Palestine will probably shut down its embassy or recall its ambassador to the UAE, and said: "The same goes for us, as well. I have given instructions to our foreign minister. I told him, we, too, might take such a step as to particularly suspend diplomatic relations with the Abu Dhabi administration or recall our ambassador. That is so because we stand by the Palestinian people." (ILKHA)