London: Former British minister Sir Alan Duncan, the first European politician to visit Trkiye following the July 15, 2016 failed coup attempt orchestrated by the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), emphasized the critical importance of supporting Turkey's elected government and democratic institutions in the aftermath of the coup bid.

According to Anadolu Agency, Duncan, who served as the UK's minister of state for Europe and the Americas between 2016 and 2019, shared his reflections during a visit to the agency's London office on the 10th anniversary of the coup attempt. He recounted learning of the events on his first day in office and deciding to travel to Ankara after a conversation with then-British Ambassador to Trkiye Richard Moore, taking the initiative to show solidarity with the country.

Duncan described the urgency with which he acted, recalling how he insisted on speaking with Ambassador Moore despite the unusual nature of the request. "I don't need anyone to tell me what to do," he asserted, underscoring his determination to visit Trkiye. Despite potential resistance from the UK government, which was in disarray at the time, Duncan embarked on the trip to Ankara to express support for Turkish democracy.

During his visit, Duncan became the first European minister to travel to Trkiye after the coup attempt. He criticized the slow response of many European countries, some of whom dismissed the events as staged. Duncan had no doubt about the authenticity of the coup attempt and stressed the importance of supporting an elected government against violence and rebellion.

Visiting the Turkish Grand National Assembly and witnessing the damage firsthand left a lasting impression on Duncan. He emphasized the symbolic significance of the attack on parliament, the heart of any democratic system. To convey the magnitude of the coup attempt to the British public, he likened it to an imagined rebellion by part of the British military attacking key institutions in London.

Duncan praised the Turkish people's response to the coup attempt, highlighting their composure and determination to support democracy. The way they rallied to express a clear view and uphold democratic principles was particularly inspiring to him.

Reflecting on the past decade, Duncan noted that Trkiye has emerged stronger, becoming an increasingly important regional power with a more stable economy. He expressed hope for continued success for Trkiye in the future.