Baghdad: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stressed the need for a complete cessation of Israeli aggression in the entire Middle East. Erdogan said in a press conference held on Tuesday, prior to his departure to the Netherlands to participate in the NATO leaders’ summit, that effective countries must take concrete measures to end the “madness” of war between Iran and Israel, warning of its repercussions for the region and the world.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Erdogan emphasized that the reckless steps taken by Israel, starting with Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and all the way to Iran, are unacceptable. He stressed the need to reach a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip as soon as possible, to halt the Israeli aggression, and to ensure uninterrupted access for humanitarian aid to the Palestinians.

The Turkish President explained that Ankara firmly maintains its principled position, adhering to international law and prioritizing diplomacy. He added, “Our region cannot bear the burden of a war whose repercussions will extend to the entire world. It is only right to give diplomacy a chance to lift the trigger.”

Erdogan welcomed today’s news regarding Israel and Iran reaching a ceasefire agreement and called on both sides to adhere to it. Regarding the Syrian issue, Erdogan emphasized that the new administration is determined to fight all terrorist organizations, including ISIS, and that Turkey continues to provide support to them.

Erdogan also addressed NATO activities, saying, “Turkey strongly supports fair burden-sharing within NATO and strengthening European security.” Erdogan is scheduled to participate in the NATO Summit of Heads of State and Government, scheduled to be held in The Hague, Netherlands, today and tomorrow, Wednesday.

According to a post on the X platform by Fahrettin Altun, Director of Communications at the Turkish Presidency, during the summit, views will be exchanged on the threats and risks facing the Euro-Atlantic region. Altun explained that the new commitment to defense investment will be at the top of the summit agenda, with the aim of increasing Allied defense spending in line with current security conditions.

During the summit, the Alliance’s efforts in deterrence and defense against the key threats identified by NATO will be evaluated, according to the publication. According to Altun, the Turkish President is expected to hold bilateral meetings with the heads of state and government participating in the summit.