Turkey will decide on the steps needed to secure its borders regardless of criticism and hindering from abroad, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said Saturday.
"Some might want Turkey to stay aside and wait while a terror corridor is being established in front of our eyes throughout our 911 kilometer border with Syria, 350 kilometer border with Iraq. It's not important what they want, what matters is what we want as a country and nation," Erdoğan said.
Erdoğan's remarks came in western province of Balıkesir during a graduation ceremony of 1,518 sergeant candidates to be assigned in Turkey's land forces. In his speech, Erdoğan wowed to increase Turkey's defense capabilities and eradicate terror groups threatening the country's unity.
The president also said that it is an obligation to do what is best to stop the bloodshed of Muslims and the destruction of the ancient civilizations in the region by Daesh terrorist group and by the fighting that uses this group as a pretext.
The summit in Sochi is a product of efforts aiming to prevent humanitarian tragedies in Syria and build the region's future in fairest conditions possible, he added.
Erdoğan also touched upon the heinous terror attack targeting a mosque in Egypt's Sinai, which left 305 people dead and 128 people injured.
"Yesterday, during Friday prayers, more than 250 Muslims were martyred in Egypt in the massacre committed by Daesh terror organization. How can we call them Muslims? They are murderers. They have no relations with Islam whatsoever," Erdoğan said.
"I wish mercy from God to all of our brothers martyred in this treacherous attack and a speedy recovery to all those who were wounded. Turkey stands next to the brotherly people of Egypt and share their pain," he added.
Erdoğan added that Turkey needs to take the steps in defense to prevent new terror groups to be formed in the region.
