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Reuters
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Reuters
Pope Leo tells Turkish first lady he might visit Turkey in November, presidency says
ISTANBUL and VATICAN CITY, July 2 (Reuters) - Pope Leo told Turkish First Lady Emine Erdogan that he aims to visit Turkey at the end of November, according to a readout of their meeting at the Vatican on Wednesday by the Turkish presidency. The pope, who held an official meeting with the wife of President Tayyip Erdogan at the Vatican's apostolic palace, told her that officials from Ankara and Vatican were working on the details of the visit, the presidency said in a statement. The Vatican did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the first lady's statement. Leo, elected on May 8 to replace the late Pope Francis, has not yet announced any foreign trips. Francis had been planning a trip to Turkey before his death to celebrate the 1,700th anniversary of an early Church council with Patriarch Bartholomew, the spiritual leader of the Eastern Orthodox Church. Leo has been widely expected to take the trip in Francis' stead. Bartholomew previously told an Italian television station that he and Leo discussed the possibility of the new pope travelling to Turkey in late November.


The Star
11 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
Pope Leo tells Turkish first lady he might visit Turkey in November, presidency says
Pope Leo XIV meets Emine Erdogan, wife of Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan, at the Vatican, July 2, 2025. Vatican Media/Mario Tomassetti/Handout via REUTERS ISTANBUL and VATICAN CITY (Reuters) -Pope Leo told Turkish First Lady Emine Erdogan that he aims to visit Turkey at the end of November, according to a readout of their meeting at the Vatican on Wednesday by the Turkish presidency. The pope, who held an official meeting with the wife of President Tayyip Erdogan at the Vatican's apostolic palace, told her that officials from Ankara and Vatican were working on the details of the visit, the presidency said in a statement. The Vatican did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the first lady's statement. Leo, elected on May 8 to replace the late Pope Francis, has not yet announced any foreign trips. Francis had been planning a trip to Turkey before his death to celebrate the 1,700th anniversary of an early Church council with Patriarch Bartholomew, the spiritual leader of the Eastern Orthodox Church. Leo has been widely expected to take the trip in Francis' stead. Bartholomew previously told an Italian television station that he and Leo discussed the possibility of the new pope travelling to Turkey in late November. (Reporting by Jonathan Spicer and Joshua McElwee; editing by Mark Heinrich)


Time of India
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Why Aamir Khan met Turkish President? Actor addresses controversial photo after Turkey supports Pakistan. 'Galat baat hai'
Bollywood actor Aamir Khan has finally spoken out about the backlash surrounding his past meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and First Lady Emine Erdogan. The controversy, which reignited following Turkey's reported support to Pakistan during its conflict with India under Operation Sindoor, has sparked public outrage, with growing calls to boycott Turkish goods and tourism. In an appearance on Aap Ki Adalat, Khan addressed these concerns in a conversation with journalist Rajat Sharma, expressing deep regret over the situation and aligning himself with national sentiment. Khan Denounces Turkey's Stance Responding to questions on Turkey's alleged support to Pakistan through the supply of drones, Khan did not mince words. He firmly stated, 'Turkey ne bahut galat kiya (Turkey has done the wrong thing), and every Indian is hurt.' He recalled that when Turkey was hit by a devastating earthquake in 2023, it was India that promptly extended humanitarian aid. He emphasised that neither he nor the Indian government anticipated Turkey's later geopolitical decisions, which are now seen as antagonistic to Indian interests. Context Behind Controversial Photos Khan addressed the resurfaced photos of his meetings with Turkish leadership, offering clarification on the timing and circumstances. He stated that his meeting with President Erdogan occurred in 2017, a time when diplomatic relations between India and Turkey were still stable. The widely circulated image with First Lady Emine Erdogan, believed by many to be from 2020 during the filming of Laal Singh Chaddha, was, according to Khan, taken even earlier. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo He said his role as a public figure and informal cultural ambassador often requires him to respond to diplomatic invitations, and added, 'When someone tells me that you will come for tea, it does not feel right for me to say no.' Support for Boycott Campaign The actor voiced support for the nationwide boycott of Turkish goods and travel. He said he understood why citizens were upset and backed their decision, stating, 'They are doing the right thing. We must not support a country that is siding with those who attack us.' Khan described Turkey's recent stance as a betrayal, especially given India's assistance during their time of need. He reiterated, 'Bahut hi galat baat hai.' Khan was clear in distancing himself from any political narrative, stressing that his actions were not politically motivated and that he now views those past meetings in a different light due to shifting geopolitical realities. Throughout the interview, he maintained that his allegiance lies firmly with India and its people.


News18
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Aamir Khan Supports 'Boycott Turkey' Calls For Backing Pakistan: 'Bahut Galat Kiya'
Last Updated: Aamir Khan addressed backlash over meetings with Turkish leaders, criticising Turkey for supporting Pakistan during Op Sindoor despite India's aid during the 2023 earthquake. Turkey and Azerbaijan strained ties with India and faced boycott calls for backing Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. This was around the same time that Bollywood actor Aamir Khan's photos from his past meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and First Lady Emine Erdogan emerged, leading to massive backlash. Aamir finally addressed the pictures and slammed Turkey for siding with Pakistan even after India was one of the first ones to help the country during the 2023 earthquake. Aamir Khan, who seldom makes a political comment, spoke about Turkey's alleged backing to Pakistan by supplying combat drones during Operation Sindoor. Speaking to Rajat Sharma on Aap Ki Adalat, the actor said, 'Turkey has done the wrong thing (Turkey ne bahut galat kiya), and every Indian is hurt. During the 2023 earthquake in Turkey, the Indian government was the first to send humanitarian aid. At that time, neither I nor our government knew what Turkey would do later." Khan clarified that his meetings with the Turkish leaders in 2017 and 2020 were held in good faith, at a time when there were no signs of the geopolitical shifts that would later unfold. 'When I met President Erdogan, I did not know that his country would support actions against India seven years later," he said. When asked about a viral photo of him meeting Turkish First Lady Emine Erdogan, Aamir said, 'As a public figure representing India abroad, it is customary to accept diplomatic courtesies. When invited for tea, I couldn't refuse. But let me reiterate — what Turkey has done now is completely wrong, and it has deeply hurt us. I was angry too." Aamir Khan also spoke about India's rising boycott calls for Turkey. 'They are doing the right thing. We must not support a country that is siding with those who attack us. We extended friendship during their time of need, and in return, they supported Pakistan. Bahut hi galat baat hai," he said in the same interview. All you need to know about 'Boycott Turkey and Azerbaijan' movement While the rest of the world condemned the heinous terror attack in J&K's Pahalgam on April 22, 2024, Turkey not only sided with Pakistan, but Turkish Songar drones were also deployed by the Pakistan Army to target India's military bases and civilian infrastructure. This support from Turkey came after the global condemnation of the terror attack in J&K's Pahalgam, with Turkish Songar drones being used by the Pakistan Army against India's military and civilian targets. Shiv Sena UBT MP Priyanka Chaturvedi posted a video on X, urging citizens to boycott Turkey and Azerbaijan for their support of Pakistan after the Kashmir attack. She also advised against visiting these two countries, which heavily rely on tourism, and suggested travelling to nations that support India in its fight against terrorism. First Published:


The National
09-05-2025
- Politics
- The National
Sheikha Fatima visits historic Istanbul palace during official trip to Turkey
Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, on Friday visited Istanbul's historic Dolmabahce Palace as part of an official three-day trip to Turkey. Sheikha Fatima, who is also chairwoman of the UAE General Women's Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, was accompanied by Emine Erdogan, wife of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. She toured several halls of the palace, which is one of Istanbul's most famous landmarks and once served as the main administrative centre of the Ottoman Empire. Sheikha Fatima viewed sections of the palace overlooking the Bosphorus, exploring a collection of rare artefacts including works of art and furniture celebrating Islamic culture, state news agency Wam reported. She arrived in Turkey on Thursday and also attended a fashion show held at the palace. Ms Erdogan hosted a luncheon in honour of Sheikha Fatima and her accompanying delegation, attended by several prominent Turkish women figures. Turkey's first lady said the visit represented a significant opportunity to advance co-operation between the two countries in social and humanitarian fields, women's empowerment and child and family support. Sheikha Fatima expressed her pleasure at visiting Turkey, highlighting the strong bilateral relations between the two friendly countries. Accompanying the Mother of the Nation were sheikhas and ministers, including Sheikha Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan, wife of President Sheikh Mohamed; Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Co-operation; Shamma Al Mazrui, Minister of Community Enpowerment; Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of Education; Dr Amna Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment; Sana Suhail, Minister of Family; Maryam Al Hammadi, Minister of State and Secretary General of the UAE Cabinet; Dr Maitha Al Shamsi, Minister of State; Ohood Al Roumi, Minister of State for Governmental Development and Future; and Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of State.