Regional forum directed against Turkey, says Aksoy

Turkey has criticized the regional Philia (Friendship) Forum that convened Thursday in Athens, describing it as "an attempt to form an alliance built upon hostility towards Turkey."

"It is not possible for any forum not including Turkey, the key country in its region, and Turkish Cypriots, to constitute an effective and successful mechanism of cooperation and friendship with regard to the challenges in the region," said a statement by Turkey's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hami Aksoy.

"The baseless accusations and slander against Turkey voiced by the Foreign Minister of Greece during the press conference held at the conclusion of this forum, which is allegedly 'not pitted against anyone,' demonstrates that this initiative is in fact an attempt to form an alliance built upon hostility towards Turkey, rather than 'friendship' as stated, Aksoy said.

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