Hosting dinner in honor of chiefs of foreign missions on the occasion of the 950th anniversary of the Victory of Malazgirt, Erdoğan said: “Malazgirt is the starting point of our nation’s nearly 1000-year-long presence on these lands. The Great Seljuk Sultan Alparslan, with the decisive victory he won against the Byzantine army, which was four times larger than his, opened the gates of Anatolia to our nation in 1071 so as not to be closed ever again. The Turkish presence in Anatolia was acknowledged with the Victory of Malazgirt and Anatolia became a Turkish homeland thereafter.”

“Malazgirt is the starting point of our nation’s nearly 1000-year-long presence on these lands”

Addressing ambassadors at the dinner, Erdoğan underscored that Malazgirt was the starting point of the Turkish nation’s nearly 1000-year-long presence on these lands, and said: “The Great Seljuk Sultan Alparslan, with the decisive victory he won against the Byzantine army, which was four times larger than his, opened the gates of Anatolia to our nation in 1071 so as not to be closed ever again.  The Turkish presence in Anatolia was acknowledged with the Victory of Malazgirt and Anatolia became a Turkish homeland thereafter.”

“The international community must help Afghanistan and display solidarity with the country”

Touching upon the developments in Afghanistan, Erdoğan pointed out that Turkey was displaying a humanitarian stance in Afghanistan which was at a critical juncture, and noted: “Our soldiers and diplomats there make extraordinary efforts for the restoration of the necessary order at the airport and the continuation of the evacuation operations. We successfully maintain under harsh conditions the evacuation of our citizens stranded in Afghanistan. Also, we provide support to international organizations and the diplomatic missions of other countries’ works to evacuate their citizens.”

Drawing attention to the importance of the steps to be taken by the international community regarding Afghanistan, Erdoğan said: “The first priority in Afghanistan must be the normalization of life and the filling of the vacuum of authority to ensure the peoples’ safety. An inclusive and embracive administration that reflects all segments of society should be formed in Afghanistan. For the moment, we look cautiously optimistic to the messages given by the Taliban leaders. Obviously, the upcoming period will be shaped by the practices, actions, and steps of the Taliban rather than their words. The coronavirus pandemic, drought, and economic problems as well as the ambiguity further increase the burden of the war-torn brotherly Afghan people. Today, millions of Afghans are in need of even staple food. No matter who is in charge of the administration, it is a must for the international community to help Afghanistan and display solidarity with the country during its difficult times. As Turkey, we will continue to do what our brotherhood requires.” (ILKHA)