Dutch, Turkish ministers hold talks as integration row heats up

The foreign ministers of Turkey and the Netherlands have reportedly spoken on the phone about escalating tension over the integration of Turkish and Muslim immigrants in the northern European country.

Diplomatic sources said Dutch Foreign Minister Bert Koenders called his Turkish counterpart Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu on the night of Nov. 26 to discuss the row, which has been provoked by Dutch politicians' concerns over the Turkish community's integration into Dutch society, state-run Anadolu Agency reported on Nov. 27.

While Turkey has been irked by "aggressive and racist policies" toward the Turkish community living in
the Netherlands and the depiction of Turks as jihadist sympathizers, the Netherlands has expressed concern over Turkey's interference in the matter.

"Direct interference by a foreign power in a democratic debate within the Netherlands is inappropriate," Koenders was quoted by Dutch news agency ANP as telling Çavuşoğlu during the conversation.

For his part, the Turkish minister reportedly denied allegations that the Turkish government has taken steps to impede Turks' integration into Dutch society.

However, the two ministers agreed that "integration does not mean assimilation" and that a thriving Turkish community in Netherlands would be a success for both countries, according to sources.
They also reportedly agreed to have an official meeting as soon as possible to discuss bilateral relations in detail.

Turkey concerned over ‘xenophobia'

Turkey's Foreign Ministry had previously released a statement that complained to Dutch authorities about "aggressive and racist accusations" being made against the Turkish community in the Netherlands, and warned that the issue could harm bilateral...