While CHP Chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu's joke during his visit to a tradesmen's chamber in Gaziantep became a trending topic on social media, his stance on the Mecca Agreement, which envisions joint defense between Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia, also drew attention during the same visit.
During the visit, Kılıçdaroğlu was gifted Kyrgyz attire. Putting on the Kyrgyz hat included among the gifts, Kılıçdaroğlu made a reference to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, saying, "Don't share this, though. If Erdoğan hears about it, he'll say, 'Have you declared your kingdom?'"
The footage containing these remarks spread quickly on social media. It was observed that some accounts close to the government also left positive comments on the posts.
CRITICISM EXISTS, BUT SO DOES SUPPORT
During the visit, Kılıçdaroğlu also answered a question regarding how the CHP would approach the legislative proposal for the ratification of the Mecca Agreement. Stating that they have reservations about the agreement, Kılıçdaroğlu announced that they would nonetheless vote in favor of the proposal.
Kılıçdaroğlu stated that his primary concern was whether the agreement would pave the way for a potential tension or conflict between Turkey and Iran. He noted that he had previously expressed this concern at a meeting held in Bolu.
Mentioning the possibility that the agreement could deepen the Shia-Sunni divide in the Muslim world, Kılıçdaroğlu stated that his assessments changed following Iran's statement that it found the agreement acceptable. Noting that he thinks Turkey may have provided assurances to Iran, Kılıçdaroğlu said that a conflict between the two countries would harm the region and the world.
Kılıçdaroğlu further stated that he believes the Mecca Agreement could be opened to the participation of other countries in the future, and that Iran and Egypt could be included in this structure. The CHP leader said, "We have criticisms, but we will say 'yes' to the Mecca Agreement."
News Source: 12punto
