President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who made a joint press statement with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, marked that only a few days are left until the Eid and said, "We hope that Palestinian children will also feel and enjoy the Eid. We currently use every means available for this purpose. Our institutions, mainly TİKA, AFAD, Yunus Emre Enstitüsü, and official organizations like Kızılay carry out their projects aimed at Palestine. Our NGOs also work in the field.”

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan issued a joint statement with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Wishing for Palestinian children to feel and enjoy the Eid, Erdoğan marked that they use every means available for this purpose. President Erdoğan stated that official institutions such as Yunus Emre Enstitüsü, TIKA, AFAD, Kızılay continue their projects aimed at Palestine.

The statements made by President Erdoğan at the joint press conference with Palestinian President Abbas, are as follows:

"In recent weeks, there was a crisis in the Harem-i Sharif that affected the entire Islam world. We heavily invested in diplomatic talks in the process during which we held meetings with my brother Abbas, the Israeli President and also with King Abdullah II of Jordan. As Term President of the Islamic Summit, we issued a statement expressing the common sensitivity and expectations of Muslims.

“We strongly demonstrated our reaction on every platform. Thanks to determined struggle of our Palestinian brothers, the crisis was overcome. We discussed our sensitivity regarding protection of Jerusalem with President Abbas. In my visit to Jordan, we came to a mutual agreement also with my brother King Abdullah.

“The path to establish lasting peace in the region is apparent. This is through formation of an independent sovereign Palestinian state within 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. Not only our Palestinian brothers and sisters, but also the Israelis will benefit from finding a solution to the issue and establishing peace. 

“Increasing the tension does not benefit anyone. As Turkey, we have been and will always be ready to make efforts to revive the peace process.

“Israeli state must put an end to occupation attempts. Another issue that stands out about Palestine is the unity among our Palestinian brothers and sisters, and establishment of solidarity.”

THE PATH TO LASTING PEACE IN THE REGION IS AN INDEPENDENT PALESTINE

“We express the same desire and expectation as the Term President of the Islamic Summit to all our Palestinian brothers and sisters. In today's talks, we discussed the current situation and the steps that can be taken with President Abbas. As Turkey, we will focus on this issue and on talks in the coming period.”

PALESTINE CHILDREN NEED TO FEEL AND ENJOY THE EID TO THE FULL

“Only a few days left to the Eid. We wish for Palestinian children to also feel and enjoy the Eid. We currently use every means available for this purpose. Mainly TİKA, and other official organizations such as AFAD, Yunus Emre Enstitüsü, Kızılay continue their projects for Palestine. Our NGOs also work in the field.

“We attach great importance to Palestinian economy gaining a growth momentum by mobilizing own manpower. For this purpose, TOBB runs an industrial region that will become a centre to provide five thousand Palestinian brothers and sisters with job opportunities. Jerusalem's historical city centre and the preservation of the cultural heritage here, particularly concern us. In this context, the decision taken by UNESCO is also of great importance.

“We will soon grant 10 million dollars to be utilized for the urgent needs of Palestinian government. We will also integrate Palestine into electronic visa system. This will facilitate travelling. As you know, Mr. Abbas visited Turkey to support us in FETÖ subject. I would like to thank Palestine for their clear stance against FETÖ on my and my nation's behalf."

ABBAS: OUR SOLE DESIRE IS TO REVERT TO 1967 BORDERS

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas stated the following:

"I would like to express my gladness in being with you, my dear brother Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, once again in the Presidential Complex and thank you for your official welcome in particular. We would also like to thank for the special attention you pay to the Palestinian cause and for your support to Palestine's desire for freedom and independence.

“Our sole desire is the right to live in an independent country, in Palestine within 1967 borders as East Jerusalem is the capital. I thank you for your clear stance, statements and interventions in response to Israel's actions in Masjid al-Aqsa.

“We care about Turkey's term presidency at the Islamic Summit. We attach importance to the role of Turkey for all member states to move collectively about Jerusalem.”