“Everyone must shoulder responsibility to ensure peace in the Middle East”
“Everyone must shoulder responsibility to ensure peace in the Middle East”
Following the NATO Heads of State and Government Summit, President Erdoğan commented on the ceasefire between Iran and Israel during a press conference, saying: “We hope that the de facto ceasefire will be transformed into a lasting calm as soon as possible. We believe that, including our allies, everyone must shoulder responsibility to ensure peace in the Middle East.”
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held a press conference following the NATO Heads of State and Government Summit, which took place in The Hague, Netherlands.
Stating that the summit had concluded, President Erdoğan thanked King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, and the Dutch authorities for their hospitality and hosting.
He congratulated NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte for his successful leadership and said:“As is closely followed by the public, the key outcome of our summit in The Hague was the decision by allies to increase their defense spending. During the council session, we decided to raise our defense expenditures to 5 percent of our Gross Domestic Products over the next ten years.”
“WE STRIVE TO KEEP OUR COUNTRY AWAY FROM ALL CRISES, HOT CONFLICTS, AND TENSIONS”
Stating that this decision is a necessity for NATO amid a climate in which existing crises are deepening and new ones are emerging every day, President Erdoğan continued: “We are an ally that has suffered the most from the threat of terrorism and is directly affected by many of the crises in our region. Almost all of the events currently dominating the international agenda are unfolding near Turkey. We strive to keep our country away from all these crises, hot conflicts, and tensions.
We attach great importance to strengthening our deterrence and enhancing our defense. The significant progress made by the Turkish defense industry in recent years is being recognized globally. In many areas, especially in the field of armed and unarmed unmanned aerial vehicles, we are among the global leaders.
Our current defense expenditures already exceed the 2 percent target set at previous summits. In fact, in terms of our existing infrastructure, defense industry investments, resources allocated to innovation, and international efforts, we are among the countries closest to reaching the 5 percent level.
I believe it is appropriate for many allies to assume greater responsibility in the face of threats and challenges and align with our stance. Of course, merely increasing defense spending will not be sufficient to enhance the effectiveness of the alliance. It is also essential to sincerely establish mutual understanding and cooperation among allies.”
President Erdoğan said, “In this regard, we took the lead in reflecting in the alliance documents the understanding that barriers to trade in defense industry products among allies must be removed unconditionally—without ‘ifs or buts.’ We hope to see this fully implemented in all its aspects.”
Highlighting that the European Union’s defense and security initiatives should be complementary to NATO, President Erdoğan stated:
“I emphasized that the full inclusion of non-EU NATO allies in the Union’s defense industry initiatives would serve the interests of all of Europe. Ultimately, enhanced defense capabilities in Europe are in the interest of the entire Euro-Atlantic region. Our hope is that this inclusive approach becomes dominant across the continent.”
President Erdoğan underlined that NATO Secretary General Rutte’s approach—centered on the development of the defense industry from Texas to Ankara—is extremely valuable in this regard.
“OUR GOAL IS TO LAY THE FOUNDATIONS FOR A PROCESS LEADING TO LASTING PEACE”
President Erdoğan emphasized that Türkiye is among the leading allies highlighting NATO’s role in the fight against terrorism, stating:
“Indeed, terrorism has been recorded as one of the two main current threats facing NATO. In The Hague, I stressed once again that combating terrorism can only be successful through the sincere solidarity of allies. We ensured that this threat was reflected in the summit declaration.
The war in Ukraine, now ongoing for over three years, has had both regional and global consequences. Casualties and destruction continue to increase on both sides. As Türkiye, we are intensifying our efforts to bring this war to an end through a just and sustainable peace.
Back in March 2022, we hosted talks in Istanbul, which, although left incomplete, yielded tangible results such as the Black Sea grain initiative and prisoner exchanges.
Our belief in diplomacy, combined with the trust placed in us by the parties, enabled us to resume our mediation efforts in Istanbul. In the negotiations we hosted, significant progress was made regarding additional prisoner and body exchanges. Open dialogue also took place regarding a potential ceasefire.
I believe a window of opportunity has been opened for a ceasefire and permanent peace. This must not be squandered. Our aim is to support the parties in taking further concrete steps and thereby lay the foundations for a process that leads to lasting peace. With the support of our allies, I continue to hope that the war will come to an end as soon as possible. As I always say: there are no losers in a just peace.”
President Erdoğan noted that the threats and crises in the Middle East are becoming increasingly severe with each passing day.
He drew attention to the nearly two-year-long oppression faced by the Palestinian people in Gaza, reminding that more than 56,000 Gazans—most of them women and children—have been killed so far in Israeli attacks, and another 129,000 have been injured, again mostly women and children.
“THE HUMANITARIAN TRAGEDY IN GAZA HAS TURNED INTO A HUMANITARIAN CATASTROPHE”
Erdoğan pointed out that 80 percent of Gaza has been destroyed and that 95 percent of its healthcare infrastructure has been damaged. Churches, mosques, schools, and hospitals have been bombed.
Stating that over 2 million Gazans are struggling to survive under extremely difficult conditions amidst the rubble and constant bombing, Erdoğan said:
“The Israeli government is blocking even the most basic necessities from entering Gaza. Due to Israel’s obstructions and attacks, the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza has turned into a full-blown humanitarian catastrophe. No person with a conscience can remain silent in the face of such brutality. You may stay quiet when babies are sleeping, but not when babies are being killed. I call on everyone who values human life to raise their voice against this oppression.
However, we observe that the international community, particularly relevant institutions, has been ineffective in stopping Israel. Israel, which disregards all rules and openly violates international law, continues to add new violations every day.
It must be clearly understood that Israel cannot ensure the security of its people by destabilizing the region. Just like all other countries in the region, Israel’s security depends on the stability, peace, and prosperity of its neighbors.
What we are witnessing once again reminds us that a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders and with geographical integrity is inevitable.”
President Erdoğan underlined that their goal is to establish a climate of peace where all peoples and all faiths live side by side in harmony:
“We have been living on these lands together for a thousand years. God willing, we will continue to live there forever. Therefore, for the well-being of the entire region, we will continue to speak the truth—no matter how bitter or uncomfortable it may be.”
“A LASTING SOLUTION WITH IRAN IS ONLY POSSIBLE THROUGH DIPLOMACY AND NEGOTIATION”
President Erdoğan noted,
“The latest military escalation between our neighbor Iran and Israel has put our region at serious risk. From the very beginning of the crisis, we engaged in intensive diplomatic efforts, including phone calls with regional leaders.”
He reminded that the foreign ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation member states gathered in Istanbul and shared critical messages about the rising tensions. Erdoğan continued:
“I believe it’s worth reiterating what I’ve stated previously: a lasting resolution of issues with our neighbor Iran is only possible through diplomacy and negotiation. Our region is filled with examples proving that war, destruction, aggression, and threats lead nowhere.
We welcome the ceasefire that was achieved with the efforts of U.S. President Mr. Trump. We expect the parties to adhere unconditionally to our dear friend Trump’s call.
We hope that the de facto ceasefire will be transformed into a lasting calm as soon as possible. We believe that, including our allies, everyone must shoulder responsibility to ensure peace in the Middle East. We will continue to fulfill our part in this regard.”
President Erdoğan stated that he held meetings with many leaders during the summit, including U.S. President Donald Trump, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, and Romanian President Nicuşor Dan, among others.
He explained that in these contacts, they discussed ways to improve bilateral relations with allies as well as the topics on the summit agenda. President Erdoğan expressed his satisfaction that Turkey’s proposal to host next year’s NATO Summit had been finalized, saying he was pleased to welcome the allies in Turkey next year.
"WE WILL CONTINUE TO STAND AGAINST OPPRESSION"
Following his speech, President Erdoğan answered questions from members of the press.
In response to a question about "the withdrawal of the Russian army from Azerbaijan," President Erdoğan said:
"The Russian army has now left Azerbaijan, they are no longer there. Since they have withdrawn, this issue is no longer valid. I recently visited Karabakh, and there is no such thing there. Currently, Azerbaijan is making efforts to bring the region under the livable rule of the Azerbaijani state. They are taking steps regarding both infrastructure and superstructure and are making significant investments."
When asked, "If a conflict breaks out between Turkey and Israel, would NATO come to Turkey’s defense?" President Erdoğan responded:
"As long as there is no attack against Turkey, and given that currently there is no such situation, Turkey is a country of peace in its region and continues all its efforts to ensure peace prevails in the region.
However, besides all this, we will continue to stand against Israel’s unbearable, intolerable attitude. Just as we have stood against oppressors in Gaza and the region until today, we continue to stand and will keep doing so. We especially continue to stand with the poor and the oppressed.
Think about it — for months, in Gaza, no humanitarian aid has reached the oppressed people there. What will happen to these people if no aid gets through? We are telling powerful countries: stand against Israel. What must be done to ensure that the gates to Gaza are opened for humanitarian aid? They must be opened. Even the Red Cross is not being allowed access by Israel. Aid is not reaching the people of Gaza even through the Red Cross. This is the current situation. If the Red Cross could operate, it would allow the delivery of all humanitarian aid, food, medicine, clothing, and other essentials. But unfortunately, even this is not possible at the moment."
Regarding the question, "What path will Turkey follow to increase its share of GDP allocated to defense from 2% to 5%? Did the Eurofighter issue come up in your meeting with Germany?" President Erdoğan replied: "As of now, within the next 10 years, the steps we will take will naturally come from the national budget. By gradually allocating the necessary share from the national budget, we will provide this support to NATO.
On the Eurofighter issue, we have had and are continuing discussions with both the United Kingdom and Germany, and there are positive developments on this front. Once these positive developments are fully realized, we will take our steps accordingly."
When asked, "In which city will next year’s NATO Summit in Turkey be held?" President Erdoğan said that the previous one was held in Istanbul, and they would make a decision after consultations and finalize it within the coming week.
Emphasizing that there is no time to lose, President Erdoğan said: "We will notify the NATO Secretary General of our decision after the meeting we will hold on this summit, which will be different from the one we previously held in Istanbul."
"PROTECTING MY COUNTRY’S UNITY IS MY DUTY"
Answering the question, "Last month, Russia sent a low-level diplomatic delegation to the final round of talks with Ukraine. How does this affect you? What are your expectations for defense cooperation with the European Union?" President Erdoğan said: "Representatives with appropriate authority were sent, and the talks between Russia and Ukraine were successfully conducted with these representatives.
These negotiations were led and maintained by my Foreign Minister, Mr. Hakan, and the outcome was quite good and successful."
When asked about Spain committing to a 2% contribution instead of 5% for defense spending at the NATO Summit and the stance of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, President Erdoğan replied:
"Since the time frame is 10 years, I don't see a problem here. Achieving such a ratio within 10 years is feasible. Of course, NATO needs such strength, and the only way to ensure it is for NATO member states within the European Union to handle this issue. NATO member states currently have the capacity and strength to do so. As Turkey, we made a positive statement on this matter, saying it would be beneficial to provide this contribution within 10 years."
In response to the question about what steps would be taken if the PKK lays down its arms and disbands, and what message would be given to the Kurds living in the region, President Erdoğan stated:
"I have no issues with my Kurdish citizens living in the region as their President. Things are going very well right now. They have a strong presence in Parliament.
Since they have no such problem, this journey, this progress... They requested a meeting, and I received Ms. Pervin together with the late Sırrı Süreyya. We met with them at the Presidency together with my colleagues. I believe they have requested another meeting, and we will hold that meeting soon and continue our discussions with them. There is no problem at all. In my country, with Turks, Kurds, Laz people, Circassians, Arabs — we are all one, and it is my duty to protect the unity of my country. We will continue to do this in the best possible way."