The Hague: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stressed that the ceasefire between Iran and Israel represents a glimmer of hope for peace in the Middle East, calling on “everyone” to shoulder their responsibility and contribute seriously to achieving peace in the Middle East. In remarks made on Wednesday during a press conference following his participation in a NATO summit in The Hague, Netherlands, Erdogan said that almost all the events dominating the international agenda occur in Turkey’s immediate vicinity, indicating that they are striving to keep Turkey away from all these crises.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Turkish president welcomed the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran, indicating that they expect the parties to adhere to it “unconditionally.” He explained that the recent military escalation between Israel and Iran has exposed the region to great dangers, noting that Turkey has conducted intensive diplomatic contacts from the very beginning of the crisis. He stressed that “solving problems with Iran is possible through diplomacy and negotiations, and our region is full of examples that no results can be achieved through wars and destruction.”
Regarding Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip, Erdogan said, “Israel’s attacks have turned the tragedy in Gaza into a humanitarian catastrophe,” noting that “no person of conscience can remain silent in the face of this brutality.” He emphasized that, “As is the case with all countries in the region, Israel’s security is linked to the stability, safety, and prosperity of its neighbors.” The Turkish president called on Israel to reverse its stance in Gaza.
The Turkish president noted that he discussed the F-35 fighter jets with his US counterpart, Donald Trump, and that Trump has good intentions regarding Ankara’s purchase of these aircraft. Erdogan said, “We discussed the F-35 fighter jets with Trump, and we believe he has good intentions regarding our purchase of these aircraft, for which we have paid up to $1.4 billion.” Regarding Turkey’s purchase of Eurofighter jets, Erdogan said, “We are continuing our talks with Britain and Germany, and there are positive developments in this regard.”
Regarding the NATO summit decisions, Erdogan stated, “During the NATO Council session, we decided to increase our defence spending to 5 % of GDP within ten years.” He emphasized that the full inclusion of non-member allies in EU defense industry initiatives would be in the interest of all of Europe. Erdogan continued: “We led efforts to include the principle of removing obstacles to trade in defense industrial products among allies in NATO documents.”
Regarding the Russian-Ukrainian war, the Turkish president stated that it had regional and global repercussions, and that Turkey continues its efforts to end it through a just and sustainable peace. He added: “I believe that a new window of opportunity has opened for a ceasefire and lasting peace.” Regarding the fight against terrorism, the Turkish president said: “I emphasized that the fight against terrorism is only possible through cooperation among allies, and we contributed to including this threat in the summit statement.”