Today, New Zealand designated PKK as a terrorist organization through a declaration made by Prime Minister John Key. We certainly welcome and appreciate this decision.

New Zealand’s reiteration of the terrorist identity of the PKK/KONGRA-GEL, designated as such by many countries and international organizations, constitutes a new step in the international fight against terrorism.

This decision once again underlined that the terrorist character of this organization, that carried out bloody assaults and caused great sufferings of the civilian population in our country, is clearly understood worldwide. We find this step by New Zealand significant in the sense that it also demonstrates that terrorism will lead nowhere.

Turkey and New Zealand enjoy a special relationship rooted in history. Throughout the years, our friendship has developed on the basis of mutual respect and fruitful cooperation, in an exemplary way for many countries.

It is pleasing to see that the two countries share the same perspective on global issues, understand and support each other.