Erdoğan calls on Europe to welcome more migrants
TIRANA – The Associated Press
DHA Photo
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has called on Europe to take in more migrants and refugees from Syria and Iraq, saying his own country has borne the brunt of the refugee crisis and has been sheltering about 2 million people.During a visit to Albania on May 13, Erdoğan said Turkey has spent $5.6 billion to care for 1.7 million Syrians and 300,000 Iraqis in refugee camps or living in Turkish cities.
Speaking after meeting with his Albanian counterpart Bujar Nishani, Erdoğan said developed countries should do their “duty” and offer solutions for the migration crisis. Hundreds of migrants have died so far this year in sea crossings trying to reach Europe.
Erdoğan is visiting Albania to discuss increasing economic ties with the small Balkan nation, heading a delegation of about 100 businessmen.
During his visit, Erdoğan will to inaugurate the start of construction on a 20,000-square-meter mosque to be built next to the parliament building in the capital Tirana. The Namazgah Mosque will put an end to praying on the main Boulevard Martyrs of the Nation during Muslim religious ceremonies.
Albania’s 3.2 million population is predominantly Muslim.
