Tony Abbott admits he was surprised to see first-hand just how peaceful, prosperous and pluralist the Turkish nation is, while acknowledging many Australians have "particular attitudes" towards Muslim countries.
The prime minister is mid-way through a four-day visit to Turkey for high-level security talks and the centenary Anzac commemorations. It's his first trip to Turkey.
Mr Abbott told a group of business leaders in Istanbul that when Australians first came in large numbers to Turkey 100 years ago "we were a little surprised at the extraordinary quality and resolve of the people we met in combat on the Gallipoli peninsula".
He went on to confess he was a bit surprised himself after spending Wednesday in Ankara and Thursday in Istanbul.
"A hundred years on and the Australian prime minister has come to Turkey for what happens to be my first-ever visit to this country," Mr Abbott said.
"And I've got to tell you that I am really impressed by what I have seen here."
The PM said it was clear Turkey had a thriving economy, a strong society and "sheer dynamism". It was a country to be reckoned with.
"All of this is tremendously impressive," he said.
"I suppose I shouldn't have been surprised after meeting your prime minister and talking to some of your leaders at the G20 in Brisbane last year but it is one thing to talk, one thing to read, it's another thing to see and to sense and that's what I've been able to do over the last 36 hours.
"I know that so many in Australia, so many in western countries generally, have particular attitudes towards Muslim countries but I have to say that you only have to be here for a few moments to appreciate that Turkey is peaceful, prosperous and pluralist."
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