Uighur Muslims Must Be Equal to Chinese Citizens

ANKARA – President Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan told his colleagues from China , President Xi Jinping , it is important for Turkey that Muslim Uighur living in peace as a citizen on par with China. Even so, he said, Turkey still respects China’s sovereignty.

Erdogan made the remarks during a phone call with Xi in which the two leaders discussed bilateral and regional issues.

UN experts and rights groups estimate more than one million people, mainly from the Turkic-speaking ethnic Uighurs and other Muslim minorities, have been detained in recent years in the sprawling camp system in China’s western Xinjiang region.

China initially denied the camp existed, but later acknowledged its existence, saying it was a training center and designed to fight extremism. The country denies all allegations of abuse.

“Erdogan pointed out that it is important for Turkey that the Uighur Turks live in prosperity and peace as equal citizens of China. He voiced Turkey’s respect for China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the Turkish presidential statement read. Reuters, Wednesday (14/7/2021).

According to the statement, Erdogan told Xi that there was high potential for commercial and diplomatic relations between Turkey and China. The two leaders also discussed areas including energy, trade, transportation and health.

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