Turkey expects Moldova's direct support against FETO

By Burcu Calik and Ali Cura

ANKARA/CHISINAU (AA) – Turkey's president on Wednesday said the country expects the support of Moldova in the fight against Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) “without hesitation “.

“In the joint fight against FETO, the Turkish people expect from their Moldovan friends to show the support needed without hesitation, ” Recep Tayyip Erdogan said at a joint press conference with his Moldovan counterpart Igor Dodon in the capital Chisinau.

Erdogan said that FETO infiltrated into Turkey’s armed forces, police, legal system and all institutions of the state, adding that Moldova is also under risk as the terror group could do the same to the country.

FETO and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016, which left 251 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

Ankara also accuses FETO of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.

Erdogan also said that one or both of the Turkish public lenders Halk Bank and Ziraat Bank will open a branch in Moldova soon followed by inspections of the lenders in the country.

Dodon, for his part, said that Turkey contributed to a “strong and stable ” Moldova.

“Turkey is an important example for the protection of our national interest and to create good relations, ” he added.

Dodon also said he made a pledge to Erdogan to secure the autonomy of Gagauzia Region in the Moldovan Constitution.

The autonomous territory is home to a mostly Gagauz population — an Orthodox Christian, Turkic community.

During his two-day official visit, Erdogan is also expected to meet Prime Minister Pavel Filip and Irina Vlah, president of Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia (Gagauz-Gokoguz Yeri).

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