Turkish policy for Mediterranean is hostile: French President Emmanuel

Paris: Egyptian President Abdel Al-Sisi is on a visit to France. He held discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron. Before the visit of President Sisi, the French President showered strong criticism on the Turkish policies in the Mediterranean. The French President retorted that Turkish policies in this region are of antagonism. During the visit of President Sisi, both the leaders assured that France and Egypt would be making joint efforts to establish stability in the Mediterranean Sea region.

Tension is reigning in the Mediterranean Sea region since the last few months. Turkey has started oil exploration in the marine territory of Cyprus. Whereas, Turkey sent its warships into the Greek maritime region. France, along with Egypt, lashed out at the Turkish bullying in the area. NATO had appealed to Turkey, who is a NATO member, not to turn hostile against Greece and Cyprus, who also are members of NATO. But there has been no change in the Turkish stand.

A Turkish warship had attempted disruption in the recent war exercises held in the Mediterranean Sea. But the Egyptian warship participating in the activities chased the Turkish warship away. Greece, along with France, welcomed the Egyptian action. At the same time, the French President lashed out at the Turkish policies in the Mediterranean Sea.

French President Macron criticised that the Turkish policies in the Mediterranean Sea sector are hostile. At the same time, President Macron launched an attack saying that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan should respect the human rights of the country’s population. While showering this criticism on Turkey, the French President made extensive preparations to welcome the Egyptian President. President Macron announced unconditional military assistance to Egypt, after meeting Egyptian President Sisi. An intense reaction is expected from Turkey on the announcement of the French President.