QA-20, 16 July 2022, Statement of the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Tanju Bilgiç, in Response to a Question Regarding Claims Which Relate to Türkiye in the United Kingdom Press With Reference to the United Kingdom Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs Liz Truss

Republic Of Türkiye Ministry Of Foreign Affairs 16.07.2022

There were news in the United Kingdom press that Elizabeth Truss, United Kingdom Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs may demand an agreement with Türkiye similar to the agreement done with Rwanda on asylum partnership. We hope that these claims that were published in reference to Ms. Truss are baseless.

Türkiye is already hosting the largest number of refugees in the world for the last 8 years. It is therefore out of question for Türkiye to shoulder more burden or to be a part of an initiative, at third countries' request, that does not comply with international regulations on right to asylum. Türkiye will neither be a refugee camp nor a border guard for any country. Türkiye will in no circumstances take over third countries' international obligations. Besides, we had already shared our position publicly last year following similar news published on Afghan refugees.

Accordingly, we invite all countries to fulfill their international obligations and assume equal responsibility on migration issues.

Atatürk

Metin Feyzioğlu Ambassador
Monday - Friday

09.00 - 13.00 / 14.00 - 18.00

1/1/2026 1/1/2026 New Year's Day
3/20/2026 3/20/2026 Eid al-Fitr
4/3/2026 4/3/2026 Good Friday
4/6/2026 4/6/2026 Easter Monday
5/1/2026 5/1/2026 Labour Day
5/8/2026 5/8/2026 Liberation Day
5/27/2026 5/27/2026 Eid al-Adha
7/5/2026 7/5/2026 St. Cyril and St. Methodius Day
7/6/2026 7/6/2026 Jan Hus Day
9/28/2026 9/28/2026 Czech Statehood Day
10/28/2026 10/28/2026 Independence Day
10/29/2026 10/29/2026 National Day
11/17/2026 11/17/2026 Freedom and Democracy Day
12/24/2026 12/24/2026 Christmas Eve
12/25/2026 12/25/2026 Christmas Day
12/26/2026 12/26/2026 St. Stephen's Day