Turkey helps Somalia without any political interests

ANKARA (A.A) - February 20, 2012 - Turkey's deputy prime minister said on Monday that Turkey was extending help and assistance to Somalia without any political interests or agenda. Bekir Bozdag said Turkey was helping Somalia with the most sincere feelings and without any political interests or agenda. "We are helping this country for only humanitarian purposes, as we have done to many other countries before," Bozdag said in a statement. Bozdag's remarks came after some press organs published or broadcast stories on aid to Somalia. Deputy Premier Bozdag said Turkey assumed a sensitive stance on Somalia when the entire world only remained a spectator to the tragedy of humanity in that country.  "Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan launched a big aid campaign, and Turkish people backed this campaign," Bozdag said. Bozdag said Prime Minister Erdogan, his spouse and children, ministers, businessmen, intellectuals and members of press visited Somalia and drew attention of the world to the tragedy in that country. "Turkey is helping Somalia and Somali people particularly in areas such as food, health, education, potable water, accommodation, worship, and infrastructure," Bozdag said. Bozdag said Somali students would receive university education in Turkey according to their country's needs and priorities. Somali people appreciated and welcomed Turkey's aid and assistance, Bozdag said. Bozdag said some circles were uneasy about brotherhood between Turkey and Somalia and were trying to harm it with slander and ill-propaganda. "Everybody should know that bridge of brotherhood between Turkish and Somali people is so strong that it cannot be demolished with slander and ill-propaganda," Bozdag said. Bozdag also said Turkey and Turkish nation would continue to extend help and support to Somalia.