But NATO statement insists Turkey's membership was not in question

He blames EU for lack of support over Turkey's failed coup

Turkey's foreign minister has warned the country would consider leaving NATO if the organisation did not come to its defence, following the perceived lack of support following the failed coup.

In an interview with the state-run Anadolu agency, Mevlut Cavusoglu claimed the European Union was fuelled by anti-Turkish sentiment and hostility to President Tayyip Erdogan.

He accused the EU of making grave mistakes in its response to Turkey's failed coup and said the union could only blame itself if the West 'loses' Turkey.

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In an interview with the state-run Anadolu agency, Mevlut Cavusoglu claimed the European Union was fuelled by anti-Turkish sentiment and hostility to President Tayyip Erdogan

Turkey is NATO's second largest military power after the United States and is a crucial ally as the West faces unprecedented conflict and upheaval across the Middle East.

However NATO responded today by saying that Turkey's membership was not in question and that Ankara could count on its solidarity and support after the coup bid, which has triggered deep purges in the alliance's second-largest armed forces.

A statement released by NATO earlier today said: 'Turkey is a valued ally, making substantial contributions to NATO's joint efforts.

'Turkey takes full part in the Alliance's consensus-based decisions as we confront the biggest security challenges in a generation.

'NATO counts on the continued contributions of Turkey and Turkey can count on the solidarity and support of NATO.'

On the issue of support for the Turkish government after the failed coup, the statement added: 'The NATO Secretary General spoke to the Turkish Foreign Minister on the night of the attempted coup and later with President Erdogan, strongly condemning the attempted coup and reiterating full support for Turkey's democratic institutions.

Putin and Erdogan took a big step towards normalising ties on Tuesday, with their leaders announcing an acceleration in trade and energy links

'He expressed support for the elected government of Turkey and respect for the courage of the Turkish people.'

Foreign Minister Cavusoglu also said in his interview that Turkey is building a 'strong mechanism' with Russia to try to find a solution in Syria and a delegation including foreign ministry, military and intelligence officials will go to Russia for talks

Cavusoglu explained that President Vladimir Putin had said Russia would lift embargos on Turkish products and that, if needed, additional agreements would be signed to ensure work goes ahead on the TurkStream gas pipeline project.

Putin and Erdogan took a big step towards normalising ties on Tuesday, with their leaders announcing an acceleration in trade and energy links.