President Erdoğan: We will not leave the 'Türkiye without terrorism' process to its own devices

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan answered journalists' questions about current affairs on the plane after returning from his visit to Azerbaijan. Erdoğan, reminding that the main theme of the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization was the 'New Vision for a Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Future', said, "The geography where our organization is spread is one of the regions most affected by the climate crisis. At the summit, views were exchanged on green transformation, efficient use of energy resources, sustainability and climate change. Another important issue was increasing the effectiveness of the organization. We also made some suggestions on this issue. At this point, we evaluated measures that will reinforce the role our organization plays in areas such as trade, connectivity, economic integration and efficient use of energy resources. We want the organization to support economic and commercial cooperation among its members without losing its basic focus and to transform into a result and project-oriented structure. We saw that there was a consensus on this issue as well. We held consultations on determining the framework of the 2035 Vision Document, which is expected to guide the transformation of the organization on this basis."

Erdoğan, who stated that they evaluated the outputs of the business, women and youth forums held just before the summit as member countries, said, "Increasing tourism cooperation within the organization was also on the agenda. We continue various activities in Erzurum, which was selected as the 2025 Tourism Capital of the Economic Cooperation Organization. In this context, we have organized and are organizing nearly 50 events such as the Winter Games, Palandöken Economic Forum and Gastronomy Fair. Hopefully, we will continue our work on tourism cooperation together in Shusha, which was selected as the 2026 tourism capital."

'WE RE-DEMONSTRATED OUR SOLIDARITY WITH AZERBAIJAN'

In the context of regional developments, Erdoğan said that they evaluated Israel's aggressive stance and the situation in Iran and Gaza, and added, "We also consulted with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian within this framework. I reiterated to him that as Turkey, we are ready to make every effort to transform the de facto ceasefire into permanent calm. I once again offered my condolences for our brothers who lost their lives in Israel's bandit attacks. I will continue to be in touch with him about the developments. We also had detailed talks with my brother Ilham Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan, and my dear friend Shahbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan. We also had sincere conversations with the leaders of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Of course, the fact that the summit was held in Khankendi, which Azerbaijan liberated, and that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was represented at the summit by President Ersin Tatar as an observer, had a special meaning for us. As you know, I recently visited Lachin on the occasion of Azerbaijan's Independence Day and attended the opening of the airport with my brother Ilham Aliyev. "We did it together. This time, we gave our stance and messages on the path of peace, stability and development in Khankendi and once again demonstrated our solidarity with Azerbaijan," he said.

'WE AIM FOR REGIONAL DURABILITY'

Referring to the efforts to increase cooperation among the member countries of the Economic Cooperation Organization, Erdoğan said, "First of all, as one of the founding members of the Economic Cooperation Organization, we see this platform not only as an economic tool, but also as a geopolitical tool. One of the aims of our organization is to contribute to the development of member countries. Cooperation is essential for developing together and gaining together. Especially in an atmosphere where commercial costs and risks are increasing, increasing this cooperation becomes vital. I emphasized at the summit in Khankendi that economic growth will be built on more solid foundations with regional cooperation. We have always advocated and continue to advocate the evaluation of cooperation opportunities and the creation of new opportunities both in the Economic Cooperation Organization and in all platforms we are involved in. We have already strongly supported and continue to support steps such as the liberalization of trade, as well as the integration of logistics infrastructure and the simplification of customs, which are among the recent goals of the Economic Cooperation Organization. In addition to all these, we aim to increase our trade volume with members such as Central Asian countries, Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan, and We also aim to increase regional resilience with alternative finance models. The balances in the world are changing very quickly now. It is also important to manage this dynamic process skillfully and keep up with the change. If you cannot adapt your commercial activities and collaborations to the changing conditions, you will be the one who will lose. We are working for our friends to win along with us. In other words, we defend and will defend the win-win thesis in this area as well," he said.

'WE BELIEVE THAT WE WILL REACH THE GOAL OF A TERROR-FREE Türkiye'

President Erdoğan, regarding the meeting he will hold with the DEM Party delegation, said, "We believe that we will achieve our goal of 'Terror-Free Turkey'. Just as we have made many dreams of our nation come true, we will also realize this dream that will strengthen our brotherhood, strengthen our home front and accelerate our march towards civilization. The steps towards 'Terror-Free Turkey' are being taken one after the other in a controlled manner. Our stance is clear, we have expressed this from the very beginning. We said, 'Laying down arms must be unconditional and the organization must dissolve itself structurally' and this point has been reached step by step. The process will gain a little more speed when the terrorist organization starts to implement its decision to lay down arms. A brand new door will open wide before us with the complete removal of arms, blood and tears from our nation's agenda. Our relevant institutions are meticulously following every step, every move and taking the necessary steps. We will not leave this process to its own devices and we will not allow provocations. We are working meticulously and moving forward with sure steps. We have continued to this day with the DEM Party delegation to reach the goal of 'Terror-Free Turkey'. We will discuss the steps taken so far and what comes next. Our acceptance will be within the next week. My Private Secretary Hasan Doğan Bey will contact them on this issue and give them an appointment date. On that date, Ms. Pervin Buldan from the DEM Party and Mithat Sancar Bey will come together. Our Deputy Chairman Efkan Ala Bey and our MİT President İbrahim Kalın Bey will be with me at this meeting. We will have this meeting together," he said.

'THE PKK'S DISARMING WILL BE THE BEGINNING OF A NEW ERA'

Emphasizing that they are following the developments, Erdoğan said, "The terrorist organization PKK laying down its arms will be the beginning of a new era for Turkey in terms of security, democracy and development. There is no problem with the title of 'Turkey Without Terrorism'. The DEM Party group is already expressing this right now. God willing, we will carry out this 'Turkey Without Terrorism' struggle together. We will work together on how to build a 'Türkiye Without Terrorism' throughout our country, in Eastern Anatolia and Southeastern Anatolia. There is no hesitation here. As the People's Alliance, we are already in agreement on this issue. God willing, we will build a 'Türkiye Without Terrorism' together. We are also following the issue of laying down our arms. Both our Ministry of Foreign Affairs and our National Intelligence Organization are following the process."

'WE WERE AMONG THE COUNTRIES THAT LEAD THE CEASE-FIRE'

Erdoğan, noting that there was no time to lose in Gaza and that humanity was suffering, said, "Ignoring the fact that people were condemned to starvation and bombs were rained down on them is incompatible with humanity. We are working to ensure that a ceasefire is reached as soon as possible and that humanitarian aid is delivered there in the most effective way. As Turkey, we have never stopped our diplomatic efforts and we are discussing the seriousness of the humanitarian situation there with every interlocutor. I had a meeting with US President Mr. Trump on the evening of the first day of the NATO Leaders' Summit in The Hague. We also discussed this issue in this meeting. I asked them to intervene in the Gaza process and said, 'You are the one who will manage this process best with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. There are people who are being killed in food queues in particular. You need to intervene here so that these people are not killed.' I also saw their positive approach on this issue. The number of our martyrs in those food queues has reached 55-60 thousand so far. I hope that with these steps we are taking, this "We will also put an end to the situation. In the meantime, there are nearly 100,000 wounded in the region. Among these wounded, there are those who are being sent to our country for treatment one by one. They are being treated in our hospitals. We are continuing with that and will continue to do so," he said.

'A CEASE-FIRE THAT ISLAEM WILL COMPLY WITH MUST BE BUILT'

Erdoğan stated that they have been putting the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza on their agendas at both political and diplomatic levels since the very beginning, and said, "Since the first days of the war, we have described Israel's attacks in Gaza as 'genocide' and have been among the countries that have pioneered the ceasefire through diplomatic channels. We have also taken an active role in areas such as opening humanitarian aid corridors and evacuating patients through our Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Turkish Red Crescent. We have provided direct support to the mediation mechanism that works through Qatar and Egypt. With Mr. Trump's initiatives, a temporary 60-day ceasefire plan has now come to the agenda. The influence of the US on Israel will be decisive in this process. It is very important at this point that Western countries, especially the US, increase their pressure on Israel to force it to agree to a ceasefire. We believe that the ceasefire between Iran and Israel has also opened a door for Gaza. The Hamas side has repeatedly demonstrated its good will on this issue. However, due to Israel's violation of the ceasefires, a permanent calm has not been achieved in the region. We are working to prevent the same from happening this time. We are working to ensure that a ceasefire that Israel will fully comply with is not abolished." It needs to be built. To ensure this, there is a need to establish a strong negotiation basis. The issue of guarantees to be given for the ceasefire is especially important. The issue of uninterrupted access of humanitarian aid is also vital. The shipment of this aid must be secured. On the other hand, the infrastructure of Gaza has been destroyed by Israel. We are revealing what needs to be done to rebuild the infrastructure, to restore Gaza and make it livable again. Nearly a million people have been displaced, people are living below the hunger line. In the event of a ceasefire, the international community needs to invest rapidly in reconstruction projects. If a permanent ceasefire can be achieved, a path to permanent peace in the region can be opened. For this, a strong and permanent ceasefire that will be fully observed is essential. The two-state solution is the only key to solving this chronic problem in our region," he said.

'GREECE'S WORRIES ARE UNREASONABLE'

President Erdoğan stated that Türkiye wanted the F-35s for its own security and made the following assessment regarding Greece's concerns:

"We want the F-35s primarily for our own security. The F-35 issue is not only a military technology issue for us; it is also a strong partnership issue on international platforms such as NATO. But of course, this issue has allowed us to take matters into our own hands and has accelerated our breakthroughs in the defense industry. Strengthening our security infrastructure is not a threat to anyone. Especially not to our friends and allies. At the latest NATO summit, a decision was made for the allies to increase their defense spending. In other words, it was said; 'NATO countries should strengthen their own defense infrastructures, meet their needs, and this should also strengthen NATO's defense.' Therefore, it is unnecessary and meaningless for Greece to be concerned about the steps we have taken in the field of defense. Turkey is not a threat to any country that does not threaten its security and interests and does not stand in its way with a hostile attitude. On the contrary, Turkey is a country that makes the utmost effort to ensure peace, tranquility and security in its region and in the world, and is extremely reliable for its friends. There is no conflict in our environment that Turkey does not try to end with a peaceful approach. We have discussed the F-35 issue among ourselves and we are following up on it. I believe that Mr. Trump will remain loyal to the agreement we made on this issue. I think that the gradual delivery of these F-35s to Türkiye will take place during his term," he said.

'PEACE AND TRANQUILITY IN SOUTH CAUCASUS WILL BE A GAIN FOR EVERYONE'

Erdoğan stated that the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan has been completed within the diplomatic framework and said, "Our law with Azerbaijan is different from the relations between other countries. We are not only connected to Azerbaijan with friendship but also with brotherhood. The phrase 'two states, one nation' is not a phrase that is uttered casually. It contains deep meanings and has a concrete counterpart. We have proven this many times throughout history. Therefore, we cannot look at the events in this region from the outside. Peace and tranquility in the South Caucasus will benefit everyone. The diplomatic framework of the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia has also been completed. An agreement was reached on the final text of the peace agreement at the end of 2024 in the talks held in Brussels, Moscow and Tbilisi."

'ZENGEZUR CORRIDOR WILL BRING NEW OPPORTUNITIES'

Erdoğan stated that Armenia, although initially opposed to the Zangezur Corridor, has adopted a more flexible approach to participate in economic integration, and said, “The development of this region is an opportunity not only for Azerbaijan, but also for Armenia, for us, Iran and other countries. The Zangezur Corridor will bring new opportunities not only for Azerbaijan but also for the entire region. We see this line not only as a geopolitical but also as a part of a geoeconomic revolution. The opening of the Zangezur Corridor will also be a strategic development for the Middle Corridor. When the corridor is opened, Turkish goods will cross the Caspian Sea and reach Central Asia and China faster, and goods going from Europe to China will also start passing through Turkey. The opening of the Middle Corridor covers many countries from the south to us and Azerbaijan. Apart from that, it is also integrated with the road coming from China. It has such importance. We are taking all our steps in the best way possible during this process. The most important thing here is the Zangezur line. That line also includes a rail system. For this reason, the importance of the Zangezur line in freight transportation is increasing greatly and will increase. The Middle Corridor draws all its power from here. It is important for the Middle Corridor to integrate with the Zangezur line and to function in such a way in freight and passenger transportation after it integrates with it. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev attaches great importance to this. Iraq also attaches importance to this. It will be a line that passes through Iğdır and continues by integrating with Nakhchivan. I believe that with the construction of this line, we will have taken an important step in freight transportation. In addition, Türkiye's Kars-Iğdır-Nakhchivan railway line and construction investments in Karabakh will operate more effectively when the Zangezur Corridor is opened. The world is changing and this situation necessitates taking new steps. Keeping up with change means activating potential and opening doors to profit. The peace that Armenia and Azerbaijan will sign will change the climate of the region. We will witness new and historical windows of opportunity opening one after another with the embrace that will be achieved. With the activation of the potential of the region that has been idle due to conflicts and wars, another rare example of the winning model will emerge."

'WE CALL FOR MODERATION IN BOTH COUNTRIES'

Stating that Türkiye has deep diplomatic and strategic relations with both Azerbaijan and Russia, Erdoğan said, "We are closely following the tension and calling on both countries to exercise moderation. We believe that the issue will be resolved more easily and reasonably with statements that will ease diplomatic tensions. I hope that the negative developments between the two countries will end as soon as possible. Our greatest wish is that the unfortunate incidents do not cause irreparable damage to the relations between Russia and Azerbaijan. It is possible to resolve the local incidents and their consequences without taking them out of their own context. The issue must be approached with moderation. We know that both of our friends have the level of understanding to overcome this issue. We will continue to support constructive steps to be taken towards resolving the issue. Our priority will be to avoid sudden escalations that will shake the stability of the region, which has been the scene of enough wars and conflicts, and which was achieved with difficulty. The Caucasus has no more patience to endure a new conflict. As Türkiye, we will stand by calmness and resolve the issue through diplomatic processes." "I believe that we will reconcile. The issue came to our agenda during our meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. Ilham Bey is taking a very careful and cautious step here. He is not in favor of pursuing or escalating this matter. I understood from Ilham Bey's statements to me that they will compensate for this," he said.

'SYRIA'S TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY IS VERY IMPORTANT TO US'

Stating that they believe that the Syrian administration will take faster steps towards development after the decision of the US and Europe to lift sanctions, Erdoğan said, "The process of rebuilding bilateral relations between Turkey and Syria is also progressing rapidly. We are developing our cooperation with our neighbors in every field. We believe that a stable, peaceful and strong Syria will also be beneficial for its neighbors and that this will also support the peace and security of its neighbors. The territorial integrity of Syria is very important to us. We have taken an active position in the field with operations such as Euphrates Shield, Olive Branch and Peace Spring in order to ensure our own border security and to end the instability in Syria. The only owner of Syria's resources, opportunities and potentials is the Syrian people. We can implement models such as free trade zones, logistics bases and border markets in northern Syria. We have clearly emphasized our red lines while doing all these. We will not accept a plan that will legitimize terrorist organizations or their extensions. We will do our best to ensure that terrorism is completely neutralized in Syrian territory, all armed elements are abolished and only the Syrian army dominates all of Syrian territory." "We are providing the support that comes our way. Lasting peace and stability in Syria is also in our interest. Those who strive to disrupt this will also find Türkiye against them. As Turkey, we will stand on the side of economic development and evaluate opportunities. In this process, we will increase our gains on the ground at the table by considering our military, diplomatic and economic interests," he said.

Erdoğan, who stated that Syrian President Ahmed Shara did not have a negative view on the issues shaped around the lifting of sanctions and contacts with the US, said, "His approach is also positive. In the meeting I had with my brother Ilham Aliyev, he also said, 'I am ready to provide all kinds of support' to Syria regarding natural gas. It is very important for Ilham Aliyev to present such an approach. Because Syria's most important problem right now is natural gas. Natural gas will come so that it can be energy. There is a problem with energy. We are also trying to help with energy up to a certain point. But when I received this good news from Mr. Ilham today, I really felt very, very peaceful. I will give that good news to my Minister of Energy as soon as I return. He will inform Mr. Shara about this. God willing, we want to integrate the steps we have taken with the support that Azerbaijan will provide and take this step together. Steps have already been taken to eliminate sanctions. We intend to continue this by strengthening it."

In his assessment of Türkiye's foreign policy, Erdoğan said, "We do not evaluate foreign policy with a belligerent spirit. We are taking steps by highlighting the policy of peace and we will continue to do so. Thank God, we have not fallen into the trap of the ring of fire around us at the moment and we will not fall. We will continue our foreign policy understanding based on peace in cooperation and solidarity with our environment. Developments are already showing this. On the contrary, we approach those who want to trap us by saying, 'A more just world is possible'. We approach by saying, 'The world is bigger than five'. In the foreign policy negotiations we hold on this issue, we are also drawing those countries here. This understanding of ours is highly accepted and thus we are continuing this process and will continue it. In other words, no matter how much our interlocutors try to draw us into a fight, we will not fall into that trap. We continue to explain Türkiye's rightful theses on all platforms without stopping and resting. We are pleased that the number of those who accept Türkiye's rightfulness is increasing day by day. 'A more just world is possible' and 'The world is bigger than five' Our statements of 'the greatest' have now become our country's foreign policy vision. This vision has also found serious response in the domestic public opinion. Our country's independent stance in foreign policy has become a source of pride and trust for our citizens. This motivates us to tell more and make our voices heard more. We are working to be the voice of oppressed and victimized geographies and to show that the masters-slaves order is not dominant in the world. We will continue to tell that the source of injustice in the world is that the powerful are seen as right. We will tell that the foundation of a more just world can be laid by separating the right from the wrong in the most fair way. We express the values ​​we believe in, the rights and interests of our country in a loud tone on all platforms and we can make our rightness accepted. As the rising power of diplomacy, Turkey has also consolidated its place among the countries of the world as a 'stabilizing power'. We will shout out that decisions regarding the future of the world can be made equally not by a handful of decision makers, but by all the nations that make up the world. It is now more understood that this distortion lies at the root of the system crisis we have been experiencing in recent years. This increases our responsibility. We must raise our voices more strongly and tell more people these facts. We must explain. For this, we must use new communication tools as well as conventional methods. We will endeavor to use new media tools that will carry and spread our voice and words in the most effective way. As Turkey, we aim to rise to the top ranks in the global league by reinforcing our regional leadership with a strong moral argument. And we support all of this not only with rhetoric but also with concrete projects in the axis of infrastructure, education, economy, defense and diplomacy."

'FIRST PARTY, AK PARTY'

Erdoğan advised CHP administrators to be patient and wait for the decisions of the independent judiciary, saying, "This process should also serve as a mirror for the CHP administration. Instead of contributing to the country's politics and producing projects, the CHP administration is hoping for help from street protests. They are trying to cover up their crimes and exonerate the criminals with street protests in an effort to wear down our judicial institutions. Wait, be patient. Let our independent judicial bodies make their decision, the truth will come out sooner or later anyway. But since they cannot trust either themselves or their mayors, they are trying to distort the issue with street protests. They probably see themselves in a bit of a dream syndrome. There is no question of the CHP becoming the number one party. In other words, we conduct and have our own surveys conducted as much as they conduct surveys. The AKP is currently the number one party in Türkiye. The AKP is walking on this path with sure steps together with the People's Alliance. Especially, is it possible for a party with a corruption syndrome to receive approval from the Turkish nation? No. Right now, the most important city is Istanbul. It is obvious what state Istanbul is in. There are serious bad smells coming from everywhere right now. We, as the ruling party in Türkiye, are continuing on our path with sure steps. God willing, we are holding the Kızılcahamam camp next week. After the Kızılcahamam camp, our organization will be dispersed throughout Türkiye and we will continue our work in every province in Türkiye. Right now, we are just minding our own business. As the AK Party and the People's Alliance, God willing, we will be in a race to serve our nation with effort and we will continue on our path without getting involved in such filth," he said.

'WE HAVE THE BEST AIR AND LAND FLEET IN OUR REGION'

Regarding the forest fires that occurred in the country and the work being done, Erdoğan said, "Turkey has entered the most sensitive period in terms of forest fire risk with the beginning of the summer months. Simultaneous fires broke out in our forests and wooded areas, especially in the Aegean and Mediterranean regions. This year, 3,140 fires broke out, 1,332 of which were in forest areas and 1,808 in non-forest areas. Of the 721 fires that broke out in the last 9 days alone, 720 were brought under control. Work to control the fire in Dörtyol, Hatay is also continuing. I had a meeting with the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry while coming to the plane. Cooling works are currently being carried out in the remaining places. Thank God, we are in a good position. Let's pray for our forest heroes. May they continue this process successfully. Our teams fighting the fires from the air and land are working at the risk of their lives. We have the best air and land fleet in our region in fighting fires. This makes us strong in our fight and the fires are extinguished before they grow. However, the fact that air temperatures reach 45 degrees in some regions, The strong wind and low humidity make it difficult to control the fires. Our helicopters and planes are making sorties one after another. On the ground, our forest heroes are trying to put out the fires with water trucks, water supply vehicles and dozers. Our forest organization has lost martyrs and injured people in these struggles. I pray to God for mercy on our martyrs and recovery for our injured. Wind is very effective in spreading fires," he said.

'OUR STATE'S RESOURCES WERE MOBILIZED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRES'

Erdoğan said, "Our teams are taking effective measures to stop the flames. We had expanded our aircraft fleet. We have an air fleet consisting of 27 aircraft, 105 helicopters, and 14 UAVs. In addition, we can respond to fires immediately with 6,000 land vehicles and 25,000 forest heroes. We conduct meticulous work regarding the cause of each fire. Some of the fires were caused by intent, some by negligence, and some by natural causes. Legal procedures are being carried out swiftly regarding those found to have committed intent or negligence. Allegations regarding whether there was sabotage are being investigated by our security and gendarmerie units. The legal process regarding some suspects who were caught is ongoing. I am constantly receiving information about the fires from both our ministers and governors. I am closely following the interventions by receiving instant updates and status from fire centers. The necessary teams have been sent to the relevant regions to extinguish the fires rapidly. Our state's resources have been mobilized to extinguish these fires. 90 percent of the fires were brought under control within the first 24 hours. Turkey is now a much more prepared country for such fires compared to the past. However, our citizens should be more sensitive, especially in the summer months. Lighting fires outside in agricultural areas causes fires. Unfortunately, an unheeded spark can cause our forests to burn. We are also fighting against those who try to provoke our citizens, whom we see in every forest fire. Forest fires in the summer are not only seen in our country. Extreme heat and low humidity increase the risk of fire all over the world. We hope to get through this season without new fires with more attention and effort," he said.

DHA

Reporter: News Center