Erdogan's message: Stability of SDA is important for full representation of Bosniaks

(Patria) - Turkish President and AK Party leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan sent a message to party leader Bakir Izetbegović and members on the occasion of the 8th SDA Congress.

"Dear President of the Party of Democratic Action, my dear friend Mr. Bakir Izetbegović, esteemed members of the SDA, our dear friends from Bosnia and Herzegovina, I greet you with the sincerest feelings and longing. I thank you for your kind invitation and wish that your 8th Congress be held successfully and bring every good to your party," Erdogan began his message.

He then paid tribute to Alija Izetbegović, the founder of the Party of Democratic Action, whom he described as a great politician and idealist.

"There are exceptional relations between Turkey and Bosnia and Herzegovina, with strong human and cultural ties. The late Alija Izetbegović and the SDA he founded are particularly responsible for the development of these relations. The SDA has played an important role not only in protecting the rights of Bosniaks and Muslims, but also in establishing the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina on solid foundations and establishing a balanced structure among the constituent peoples," he said.

He emphasized the view that the stability of the SDA is important for the "full representation of Bosniaks" and for the protection of BiH.

"As the last elections held last year showed, the SDA has maintained its respected and deeply rooted position in the country's politics and remains the party with the strongest base and the most votes in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The stability of your party is important both for the full representation of Bosniaks and for the protection of the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The events after the elections and the challenges the country faces have once again reminded us of the importance of unity, solidarity and consistency among Bosniaks," he said, expressing his belief that "Bosniak brothers will act in solidarity in all fields, especially in politics."

He stressed that Turkey is against attacks on the sovereignty of BiH and that it will oppose any injustice against Bosniaks.

"In this process, we will continue to provide all the support that Bosnia and Herzegovina needs for its peace, prosperity and stability. We continue our open and constructive dialogue with all relevant parties. We oppose any threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and we send the necessary messages to that end. I want you to know that Turkey will always oppose any injustice and lawlessness committed against our Bosniak brothers. With these thoughts, I pray that God makes our brotherhood permanent and our love eternal," he said.

Finally, he wanted to emphasize that cooperation between the SDA and the AK Party continues to develop and expressed hope for the purposefulness of the Congress.

Incidentally, the Congress began after 11 a.m. in Zetra, among the 1,200 attendees are delegates who will elect the new party leadership.