Japan is interested in Turkey as a strong partner and hopes that the relations between Washington and Ankara will improve in light of the recently escalated tensions, Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono said on Friday.
TOKYO (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 31st August, 2018) Japan is interested in Turkey as a strong partner and hopes that the relations between Washington and Ankara will improve in light of the recently escalated tensions, Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono said on Friday.
Kono held phone talks with his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu earlier in the day.
"Minister Kono, referring to the recent relationship between Turkey and the United States, mentioned that a strong and resilient Turkish economy is important for Japan, and Japan supports the economic stability of Turkey ... Minister Kono stated his hope for stabilization of the relationship between Turkey and the United States, as Japan enjoys friendly relationships with both countries, and expressed his intention to cooperate," the ministry said in a statement.
Turkey is currently experiencing serious economic pressure on the part of the United States over detention of US pastor Andrew Brunson in Turkey about two years ago on suspicion of ties to the Gulen movement accused by Ankara of orchestrating the 2016 failed military coup. Earlier in August, US President Donald Trump announced doubling of steel and aluminum tariffs on Turkey, up to 50 and 20 percent, respectively.
