Turkey's president voices support for Qatar
Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan talks to members of the ruling Justice and Development party (AKP) as he arrives to address them in Ankara, Turkey, Tuesday, May 30, 2017. Erdogan addressed the party for the first time since returning to lead the party following an April 16 referendum on constitutional reforms. AP/Burhan Ozbilici
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Turkey's president is voicing support for Qatar in its dispute with Saudi Arabia and other nations, saying no one will benefit from the policy of isolating the oil-rich nation.
Addressing foreign ambassadors at a Ramadan dinner Tuesday, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan commended Qatar for what he called a "cool-headed and constructive" stance in the dispute and said Qatar is leading an "effective fight" against terrorist groups.
Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Egypt and Yemen have moved to isolate Qatar, accusing it of harboring extremists and backing Saudi Arabia's regional rival, Iran. Qatar has denied the allegations.
Erdogan criticized the Saudis and others for their allegations against Qatar, saying he would be the first to oppose the country if that were the case.
He called for resolving the split through dialogue and said Turkey will continue working to end the dispute.
Erdogan also said that Turks "will continue and develop our ties with Qatar."
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