Latest News from Turkey
Defense, foreign ministers to brief MPs on Evros border developments
Greece's ministers for Defense Nikos Panagiotopoulos and Foreign Affairs Nikos Dendias are on Tuesday to brief lawmakers on the situation at the country's northeastern land border with Turkey.
Top diplomat calls for solidarity with Africa amid pandemic
Solidarity with Africa is more essential than ever as the world struggles with the novel coronavirus, Turkey's foreign minister said May 25 while marking Africa Day, the anniversary of the foundation of the African Union.
Erdoğan exchanges Eid wishes with counterparts
Turkey's president on May 24 exchanged greetings with his counterparts from Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Iran, Oman and Turkmenistan for Eid al-Fitr, the Muslim holiday following the holy month of Ramadan.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan spoke on the phone with his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev, said Turkey's Communications Directorate.
Tea harvest continues during holiday
Tea producers in northern Turkey continued their harvest on May 24, which marked the beginning of Eid al-Fitr, the three-day festival following the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Turkey has imposed a four-day round-the-clock holiday curfew as part of its measures against the coronavirus pandemic, which has claimed over 4,200 lives in the country.
Turkey evacuates 4 COVID-19 patients from Bangladesh
Turkey on May 24 evacuated four COVID-19 patients including an expatriate from Bangladesh, officials said.
"Tuba Ahsan, a Turkish citizen, her Bangladeshi husband Mossaddique Ahsan, and their 3-year-old twins Huma and Ziyad were evacuated in an air ambulance," a statement by the Turkish Embassy in Dhaka read.
Turkey sends aid to Venezuela during Ramadan
Turkey delivered 400 aid packages to needy families in the Venezuelan capital Caracas during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, Turkish officials said on May 24.
Avoiding the trap
Ankara is not being secretive about what it wants, putting all its claims on the table and increasing its activities in the Aegean. What we once saw as excessive has become routine. Overflights above big Greek islands, for example, did not used to be part of the Turkish repertory but now they are a common occurrence.
Erdoğan offers condolences to Pakistan over plane crash
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on May 24 telephoned his Pakistani counterpart Arif Alvi to offer condolences over Friday's deadly plane crash in Karachi that killed 97 passengers, state-run Pakistan Television (PTV) reported.
Assuring his counterpart that Ankara stands with its longtime ally Islamabad at this trying time, Erdoğan expressed sympathy with the bereaved families.
Turkey's Akar slams Greece for unspecified 'provocations'
Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar has accused Greece of harassing Turkish forces in the Aegean over the previous days, calling it "a very serious provocation."
Akar, who was on board frigate "Barbaros" at a Turkish naval base when he made his statement Sunday, said he "could not explain" Greek "provications" but could offer no specific examples, either.
Turkish aid agency distributes food in Ghana
Turkey's state-run aid agency on May 24 distributed food to needy families in Ghana, a West African country.
The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) delivered 1,000 packages to institutions and organizations in the country.
Spain encouraging visitors from abroad starting in July
Spain will be not just welcoming, but encouraging international tourism starting in July, the prime minister said on May 23.
"Tourists, as of July, Spain will be expecting you," Pedro Sanchez told a weekly televised press conference. "Foreign visitors can now start planning their holidays to Spain."
Preacher powers through pandemic by helping others
As Muslims all over the world celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the festival marking the end of Ramadan, many still carry a certain sadness over being unable to pray in mosques during the holy month.
However, a Turkish preacher in Istanbul did not let the restrictions imposed due to the coronavirus pandemic dampen his spirit, finding solace and meaning in charity work throughout Ramadan.
Virus lockdowns stifle Eid celebrations as infections rise
Muslims around the world began marking a sombre Eid al-Fitr on May 24, many under coronavirus lockdown, but lax restrictions offer respite to worshippers in some countries despite fears of skyrocketing infections.
Amid US withdrawal, Turkey supports Open Skies Treaty
With the pact under threat, Turkey wants to see continuation of the Open Skies Treaty for global stability and security, the country's Foreign Ministry said on May 23.
"The Open Skies Treaty, which Turkey is a party to, is one of the main pillars of Euro-Atlantic conventional security architecture," ministry spokesperson Hami Aksoy said in a written statement.
Defense Chief Akar inspects troops at Syrian border
Turkey's defense minister and top force commanders on May 23 carried out inspections along the border where southern Turkey meets northern Syria, according to security sources.