Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a successful virtual call with French President Emmanuel Macron, emphasizing that there is a great opportunity for the relations between the two countries.
The Russian agency Sputnik reported Erdogan's statement on Telegram: "I had a very good conversation with my French counterpart Macron. We discussed bilateral relations and regional and international issues." Erdogan noted that Turkish-French relations have significant potential, stating, "We want to cooperate with France in many areas, first and foremost in combating terrorism."
It is worth noting that on January 15, Macron expressed his intention to normalize bilateral relations between Paris and Ankara in a message to Erdogan. Erdogan also stated that the two countries could enhance peace in various regions, including the Caucasus, the Middle East, and Africa, adding: "There are steps we can take together in the fight against terrorist groups that threaten our countries as well as the lives and properties of our citizens."
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian previously pointed out positive changes in Turkey's stance toward France. In a discussion with French lawmakers, Le Drian said: "Regarding Turkey, we have noticed positive changes in statements; there are no longer insults, and there are promising speeches. Moreover, there are no Turkish ships in Cypriot waters, and Turkey is also determined to hold talks with Greece."
The minister emphasized that Paris wants to have strong relations with Ankara but added that there are still many disagreements between the two countries and that the current relations are "very fragile" due to a long list of differences.
Ankara and Paris have been in deep dispute over the issue of radical "Islam" since October when Macron pledged to combat the "Islamist threat" amid national discontent following terrorist attacks in France, including the brutal decapitation of a history teacher in Paris and a deadly stabbing in Nice.
In response, Erdogan commented on the French president's mental health and urged the Turkish people to refrain from purchasing French-made products. This dispute coincided with a wave of anger and strong resentment across Muslim countries due to what was considered repeated insults to the Prophet Muhammad by France.
