Erdogan draws parallel between massacre in Palestine to Bosnia, Herzegovina

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Saturday strongly condemned the ongoing atrocities in Gaza, drawing direct comparison to the 1995 Srebrenica genocide.

He made these remarks when he met Bosnian Presidency Council Chairman Denis Becirovic in Istanbul at the Dolmabahce Working Office.

Türkiye’s support for Bosnia, Herzegovina

The meeting, held behind closed doors after an official welcoming ceremony, focused on bilateral relations, regional issues and ongoing conflicts in Gaza.

During a joint press conference following the meeting, Erdogan reaffirmed Türkiye’s longstanding support for Bosnia and Herzegovina and discussed the importance of maintaining stability in the Balkans.

Bosna-Hersek Devlet Başkanlığı Konseyi Başkanı Denis Becirovic ile Ortak Basın Toplantısı https://t.co/3eEIuC1QCw

— Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (@RTErdogan) September 14, 2024

“Any negative development in Bosnia and Herzegovina threatens the stability of the entire Balkans,” Erdogan said, adding: “Since the declaration of its independence, Türkiye has always stood by Bosnia and Herzegovina, and we will continue to do so.”

Erdogan condemns violence in Gaza

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hosted a joint press conference with Bosnian Presidency Council Chairman Denis Becirovic.

In a strong condemnation of the ongoing violence in Gaza, Erdogan drew a direct comparison to the 1995 Srebrenica genocide.

“In the 1990s, we witnessed atrocities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and now we are seeing a similar massacre in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories,” Erdogan stated.

He emphasized that just as the perpetrators of the Srebrenica genocide were held accountable in international courts, those responsible for the violence in Gaza would also face justice.

Erdogan also underscored Türkiye’s determination to seek justice for Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a Turkish citizen killed in Gaza, along with over 41,000 Palestinians who have lost their lives.

“We will make sure that those responsible for these heinous acts, including the death of our sister Eygi, are held accountable before the law,” Erdogan said.

Bosnian leader Becirovic echoed Erdogan’s sentiments, condemning the violence in Gaza and calling it “one of the world’s greatest shames.”

‘Bilateral trade volume to reach $1B’

President Erdogan also highlighted the growing trade relationship between Türkiye and Bosnia and Herzegovina, projecting that the bilateral trade volume will reach $1 billion by the end of this year.

“We do not find this figure sufficient and discussed ways to further increase trade,” Erdogan stated.

He emphasized Türkiye’s continued support for infrastructure projects, including the Sarajevo-Belgrade Highway and expressed optimism about Bosnia’s economic development.

Erdogan further noted that Turkish tourists were the largest group visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina in the first seven months of 2023, outpacing visitors from neighboring countries and mentioned the process about the Turkish citizens to travel with ID’s to Bosnia and Herzegovina in near future.