Erdoğan hails ‘superior’ Turkey, UK partnership

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Sunday hailed what he called a “superior” partnership between Turkey and the United Kingdom.

“The partnership established with the U.K. in the fight against terrorism is exceptionally superior to the partnerships we have with our other allies,” he said.

Speaking at the U.K. Tatli Dil Forum, Erdoğan touted 500 years of shared history and ties between Turkey and the U.K.

“The U.K. is a strategic partner that we trust and cherish. As Turkey, we’re ready to cooperate with post-Brexit U.K. in every field.”

“Labeling Daesh as Islamic State is extremely wrong. Islam is a religion of peace at its core,” pointed Erdoğan.

Erdoğan expressed Turkey’s willingness to take part in any joint anti-terror effort.

The Turkish president also noted that both Turkey and the U.K. have a successful partnership in the field of defense industries.

Speaking about the forum, Erdogan said the two countries will bring together highly-qualified delegations from culture, art, politics and business fields.

"We give special importance on developing cooperation with the U.K. The Tatli Dil Forum contributes to that highly."

Erdoğan added that they were aiming for a $20-billion trade volume between the two countries.

Erdoğan left for the United Kingdom on Sunday to attend the closing session of the 7th Tatli Dil (mellifluous) Forum.