Muslim societies would never produce nuclear and biological weapons of mass destruction, Turkey's minister of industry and trade said Wednesday,dpa reported
Nihat Ergun was quoted by the state-run Anatolian Agency as saying that scientists based in an Islamic society would not allow such weapons to be developed.
"Our civilization is based on an understanding that focuses on being constructive, not destructive, attaches importance to ethical values and aesthetics as well as welfare, and regards justice above everything," Nihat Ergun said, according to the agency.
He was speaking during a panel discussion at an Istanbul conference organized by the Independent Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association (MUSIAD), a Turkish trade group.
Iran, Turkey's neighbour to the east, is suspected of working to develop a nuclear military programme. There are additional concerns that some Arab countries would develop their own nuclear weapons should Tehran acquire a bomb.
Israel is also accused of having dozens of nuclear weapons