Turkish Foreign Ministry: Macron's remarks reflection of "distorted mentality"

The Turkish Foreign Ministry responded to French President Emmanuel Macron's remarks on Friday about foreign powers, including Turkey, inciting anti-French sentiments in Africa.

Macron said during his recent visit to Algeria:

"Many political Islam activists have an enemy: France. Many of the networks that are covertly pushed by Turkey, Russia, China, have an enemy: France."

Tanju Bilgic, spokesperson for the Turkish Foreign Ministry, responded to the French President's words on Saturday:

"It is extremely unfortunate that French President Emmanuel Macron made statements targeting Turkey, along with some other countries, during his visit to Algeria. It is unacceptable that Macron, who has difficulties in confronting his colonial past in Africa, especially in Algeria, tries to get rid of his colonial past by accusing other countries, including Turkey."

He continued:

"To claim that these reactions are caused by the activities of third countries, instead of confronting and solving the problems related to their own past, is not only to deny a sociological phenomenon and history, but also reflects the distorted mentality of some politicians. We hope that France will reach as soon as possible the maturity to face its colonial past without blaming other countries, including Turkey."