As relations between Turkey and the European Union continue to deteriorate, Omer Celik hit back at increasing criticism towards President Erdogan’s crackdown on opponents following last year’s failed coup.
Mr Celik said statements made by some European leaders, notably German Chancellor Angela Merkel, are being issued to divert attention away from some of the EU’s pressing issues including migration, financial reform and Brexit.
He said: “They put all those aside and they stoke antagonism towards Turkey in order to cover up their vital internal problems.
“We are indeed disappointed by Merkel and some others in the EU: at one of the hardest times in our history we were left alone by our friends and allies.”
Asked if Turkey felt betrayed, he responded with a definitive: “Yes”.
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Despite frustrations with EU leaders, Turkey still maintains hopes of one day becoming a member of the bloc.
Turkey’s bid to join the EU began 30 years ago in 1987 with an application to join what was then the European Economic Community. Turkey’s accession negotiations began in 2005.
Mr Celik raged: “The EU has failed to keep all of its promises whereas Turkey has delivered on all of the promises it made.”
On Wednesday, EU chief Jean-Claude Juncker used his annual State of the Union address to announce he saw no prospect of Turkey becoming a member of the bloc for “the foreseeable future”.
Mr Celik hit back: “What has Mr Junker done, what giant strides has he made, to find solutions to bring the EU and Turkey closer? That is my question for Mr Juncker.
“If Germany keeps giving orders to the EU institutions – such as cutting negotiations with Turkey – then it will strengthen the hand of racist groups in Europe.”
Last month, President Erdogan delivered a stinging attack on Mrs Merkel when he called for Turks living in Germany not to vote for the 63-year-old chancellor in the upcoming election.
Speaking in Istanbul Mr Erdogan said: “I am calling on all my countrymen in Germany: the Christian Democrats, SDP, the Green Party are all enemies of Turkey.
“Support those political parties who are not enemies of Turkey.
“I call on them not to vote for those parties who have been engaged in such aggressive, disrespectful attitudes against Turkey, and I invite them to teach a lesson to those political parties at the ballot box.”