29 August 2019•Update: 30 August 2019
By Zehra Nur Duz, Nilay Kar Onum and Nazli Yuzbasioglu
OSLO/ANKARA
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu arrived in Norway’s capital Thursday for a two-day official visit at the invitation of his counterpart Ine Eriksen Soreide.
Cavusoglu met with Turkish citizens and businesspeople at the Turkish Embassy in Oslo.
He also attended a reception at the embassy to mark the 97th anniversary of Turkey's Victory Day on Aug. 30.
“This victory took its place in history as one of the symbols of the determination of the Turkish nation to protect its independence and future,” Cavusoglu said at the reception.
Underlining that Norway is a valuable ally of Turkey, Cavusoglu said: “We have a strong will to further our excellent relationship.”
Cavusoglu also visited the Al-Noor Islamic Centre in Baerum, around 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Oslo, which was attacked by a 21-year-old gunman on Aug.10.
“Visited #AlNoor Mosque attacked near #Oslo and wished speedy recovery,” Cavusoglu said on Twitter.
Thanking Norwegian authorities for their “wise” messages against Islamophobia, he said: “We can overcome Islamophobia only if we all act together.”
The attack took place one day before the Muslim religious holiday of Eid al-Adha.
The gunman was overpowered by people at the mosque before police arrived. An Afghan national, Mohamed Rafiq, was injured while confronting the attacker.
In a statement, Turkey's Foreign Ministry said Thursday that all aspects of bilateral relations as well as opportunities for further enhancing cooperation between Turkey and Norway will be discussed during the visit.
