Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan makes a speech during a meeting in Ankara, Turkey October 26, 2020. Presidential Press Office
ANKARA: Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan called on Monday for Turks to boycott French goods and urged European Union leaders to halt French leader Emmanuel Macron's "anti-Islam" agenda.
"Just like they say 'Don't buy good with Turkish brands' in France, I am calling to all my citizens from here to never help French brands or buy them," Erdogan said.
France is the 10th biggest source of imports into Turkey and the seventh biggest market for Turkey's exports, according to Turkey's statistical institute. Among major French imports, French autos are among the highest selling cars in Turkey.
"European leaders with foresight and morals must break down the walls of fear," Erdogan said in a speech.
"They must put an end to the anti-Islam agenda and hate campaign that Macron is leading."
Turkey and France are both members of the NATO military alliance, but have been at odds over issues including Syria and Libya, maritime jurisdiction in the eastern Mediterranean, and the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh.
