Turkish Premier Recep Erdogan stated that the permission for annual liturgies at Surb Khach church on Akhtamar Island is evidence of Turkey’s tolerance toward other religions.

At a press conference following the 10th Summit of Turkic states in Istanbul the Turkish Premier and the Azerbaijani President made statements, Zaman reports.

An Azerbaijani journalist asked a question about the church. Erdogan said that the permission for annual liturgies shows Turkey’s attitude to the world. Armenians reside in Turkey. What is Turkey’s attitude to their spiritual monuments, and what is their attitude, asked Erdogan. Nothing of the kind took place before “we came to power,” Erdogan said. “We were the first to launch this initiative, order renovation and issue permission for annual liturgies. It shows Turks’ tolerance,” the Turkish Premier said.

According to him, Turkey has the right to expect the same tolerance from other religions of the world. “We hope they will show a similar approach to us, and what we have done will not remain unnoticed. We have shown our tolerance. We hope they will understand it,” the Turkish Premier said.