Turkey interested in all countries in Balkans

Turkish Deputy Premier Bulent Arinc said on Wednesday that Turkey was interested in all the countries in the Balkans, TRT reported.

Speaking at a gathering of the Federation of Rumelian Associations in northwestern Bursa province, Arinc said Turkey attached great importance to the Balkans and the Turkish government paid particular attention to improvement of ties with Turkish communities living abroad.

"No matter where they live, we embrace all the people coming from our origin and we protect their rights and benefits," Arinc said.

Arinc noted that Balkan countries such as Macedonia, Kosovo, Albania, Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina all considered Turkey a brother.

"We all have a close connection with these lands," the deputy premier said, adding that Turkey was in close relations both with Balkan countries and the Western Thrace.


/Trend/