Turkish President Erdogan vows to protect Turkish community in Europe
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Türkiye would not allow the Turkish community in Europe to be marginalized or mistreated, vowing to respond firmly to any attempts to do so.
Speaking at the Presidential Complex in Ankara during a meeting with participants of a capacity-building workshop organized by the Union of International Democrats (UID), Erdogan said overseas Turks were an integral part of the nation and key contributors to Türkiye’s global presence.
“No one can oppress the European Turkish community that walks with us on the path of the ‘Century of Türkiye.’ Those who try will be put in their place,” he said.
Erdogan highlighted the role of the Turkish diaspora, estimated at more than 7 million people worldwide, in strengthening Türkiye’s economy, diplomacy and soft power.
He noted that overseas citizens directly contributed $10.3 billion to Türkiye’s $60.5 billion tourism revenue in 2024, with nearly 10 million expatriates visiting the country last year.
The president praised UID, describing it as one of Europe’s strongest civil society organizations, for supporting Turks abroad, promoting civic participation and countering racism, discrimination and Islamophobia.
He also criticized opposition figures for targeting Turks living abroad, saying the government would continue to stand by expatriates through expanded consular services, voting rights reforms and diaspora-focused institutions.
Calling on overseas Turks to remain united and actively engaged in political, economic and social life in their countries of residence, Erdogan said Türkiye would continue to strengthen ties with its citizens abroad and expand services for them.
Photo:AA
