ISTANBUL

Having no designs on territories and resources of other countries, Turkey also does not allow others to step on its interests, the country’s president said on Saturday.

“We do not have designs on anyone’s right, law, territory, sea, and natural resources. But, we do not allow anyone to step on our own right, law and interest,” Recep Tayyip Erdogan told the opening ceremony of the Amasya Beltway via a video link.

Underscoring that Turkey defended the right, law and interests of both its nation and friends on the land, at the sea and in the air, Erdogan said it disappointed those who expected Turkey to “bow down.”

Erdogan added that if there was any threat towards Turkey, whether it was in Iraq, Syria, Libya or the Aegean Sea, Turkey showed its strength and determined stance against them without any hesitation.

“The reason why those who loudly objected Turkey’s steps but could not make any presence in the field is that they see the power our country has in every field,” Erdogan added.

Regarding the Amasya Beltway, he said it will shorten the 30-minute-route to 7-8 minutes.

Besides traffic safety and comfort, 110 million Turkish liras ($16 million) will be saved from fuel and time annually, he added.

*Writing by Gozde Bayar