PM Yıldırım warns African countries against Gülen movement

ANKARA

The Fetullahist Terror Organization (FETÖ) is a global terror organization, Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım has told representatives from African countries at the Turkey-Africa Agriculture Ministers Meeting and Agribusiness Forum in Antalya, warning about the presence of FETÖ in African countries.

“It is a global terror organization with a presence in more than 160 countries. It is also no secret that it collaborates with imperial international organizations. For this reason, if you delay taking necessary measures against the activities of this organization in your country, you may face the same threat [that Turkey faced on July 15, 2016],” Yıldırım said on April 27, referring to last year’s military coup attempt.

“I am saying this as a prime minister who experienced this. There are countries that have taken immediate steps [against FETÖ] and there are other countries that are taking steps now. We would like there to be no factor poisoning the relationship between African countries and ourselves,” he added, thanking the countries that voiced their support after the coup attempt.

The prime minister also referred to persistent global inequalities in the allocation of resources, saying Turkey’s approach to the issue is based on a “win-win principle” rather than gaining profit. This is why Turkey focuses on sustainable development in African countries with the help of international agencies, as well as projects developed by the Turkish International Cooperation and Development Agency (TİKA).

“Africa does not need a guide, it needs a companion. Turkey will continue to accompany Africa within this process. Turkey also has much to learn from Africa,” Yıldırım said.