Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has stated that the unity of Syria and Iraq, whose relations with Ankara have been strained, is as important as the unity of Turkey, Todays Zaman reported.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Fifth Annual Ambassadors' Conference on Wednesday, Davutoglu addressed Turkey's ambassadors serving abroad and at the Foreign Ministry in Ankara and briefed the participants regarding Turkey's foreign policy and objectives.
Touching upon the recent tension between Turkey and the Iraqi central government, Davutoglu stated that he wished Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki had followed more inclusive policies in Iraq without excluding some actors. "I wish he had followed a policy open to all parts of Iraq following the withdrawal of American forces," said Davutoglu.
Regarding the Syrian crisis, which has become a tough ordeal for Turkey, Davutoglu stated that he wished embattled President Bashar al-Assad had paid attention to Turkey's calls. "I wish Assad had listened to the calls of his real friends," said Davutoglu.
The foreign minister said that Turkey was hosting Syrian people as part of humanitarian diplomacy, adding that closing the door to those who knock on the country's door is not a part of Turkish culture.
"As a part of our humanitarian diplomacy, we hosted our Syrian brothers and sisters in our country. We will do the same if needed again. We will open our doors to whoever needs it without looking at their religion, sect or ethnicity," said Davutoglu.
Davutoğlu stated that outside actors are warning of horrific scenarios in Syria just like they warned in Libya last year. "They [these actors] want Syria to continue under the same regime or for Syria to delve into such chaos that Turkey gets in trouble, too. There is a community that would be pleased if Turkey gets into trouble," said Davutoglu.