President Erdoğan addresses journalists’ questions on return flight from NATO Summit
President Erdoğan indicated that The Hague Summit was held at a time when Euro-Atlantic security was being tested by crises, conflicts and wars.
Remarking that he gave detailed information about the summit and the decisions taken at the international press conference, President Erdoğan stated that increasing the defence expenditures of the allies was the top priority agenda of the Summit.
Reminding that an agreement was reached to increase defence expenditures to 5 per cent of gross domestic product in 10 years, President Erdoğan continued:
“For all intents and purposes, we are one of the countries closest to reaching 5 per cent. For this, it is crucial to lift the restrictions among the allies. Similarly, it is essential to guarantee the involvement of non-European Union member allies in national defence and security initiatives. Allied support for Ukraine and the fate of the war was another topic of much discussion at the summit. Volodymyr Zelenskyy, my dear friend and President of Ukraine, also attended the dinner hosted by the King of the Netherlands on June 24. As Türkiye, we continue our efforts to end this brutal war with a fair and lasting peace. We are in dialogue with the parties to host the third round of talks in the upcoming period.”
Bilateral meetings
President Erdoğan stated that at the Summit, he once again drew attention to the genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza.
Emphasising the fact that he underlined that Israel’s security is only possible through the stability and prosperity of its neighbours, President Erdoğan said:
“We also had the opportunity to discuss the conflict between Iran and Israel in detail. It is crucial at this stage that the ceasefire becomes permanent. I also held many bilateral meetings at the summit. We had bilateral meetings with President Donald Trump of the USA, Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the United Kingdom, Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany, President Emmanuel Macron of France, Prime Minister Dick Schoof of the Netherlands, President Nicuşor Dan of Romania, and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy. During the meetings, we discussed our bilateral relations with all of these countries, the Ukraine-Russia war, the Israel-Iran tension, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and a variety of other topics, including the current situation in Syria. I conveyed Türkiye’s views and suggestions on these issues directly to our counterparts. The acceptance of our proposal to host the summit next year was another significant point of this summit for Türkiye. Hopefully, we will be able to host our allies in Türkiye during the NATO Heads of State and Government Summit in 2026.”
Meeting with US President Trump
In response to the question, “Trump has spoken very gracious words about you several times in your absence. You have met for the first time since these words. How would you describe the atmosphere during your meeting? Did you express your determination to end the genocide in Gaza during the meeting?” President Erdoğan responded as follows:
“We had a fruitful discussion with my friend Trump. With Mr. Trump, we discussed a wide range of topics, including our bilateral relations, NATO partnership, and both regional and global issues. As you know, our target for trade volume with the United States is 100 billion dollars. We aspire to achieve this goal. We had the opportunity to address the tensions and conflicts present in our region. I mentioned that the same level of effort is expected to end the conflicts in Gaza and between Russia and Ukraine, referring to the efforts toward a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. We underlined the importance of ending the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Türkiye has a historical and moral responsibility in this regard. This atrocity cannot continue. As long as the bloodshed in Gaza continues, no one can feel safe. Even if it causes discomfort for some, we will not hesitate to speak these truths.”
“As long as we keep the channels of dialogue open and seek a solution”
President Erdoğan stated that a fair and lasting solution can be achieved when the issue is approached from a solution-oriented perspective.
President Erdoğan said, “As long as we keep the channels of dialogue open and seek a solution,” adding that the region could not bear any new tensions and conflicts.
Pointing out that Israel was blocking even the Red Cross from delivering humanitarian aid, President Erdoğan said, “We also discussed this. What our region needs is more peace, more tranquility and more stability. We shared our solution-oriented approach with Mr. Trump and expect his support on this matter. Trump responded positively to our proposals.”
Fight against FETO
In response to a question about the fight against FETO, President Erdoğan emphasised that, since July 15, this fight across all state institutions was conducted within the framework of the rule of law and with determination.
President Erdoğan said, “We see that the organisation is still attempting to infiltrate various structures in recent operations. We have never become complacent on this issue, and we will not,” and added that it was now clearer than ever how great a threat FETO posed to the country.
President Erdoğan stated that if pity is shown to this organisation, they will end up in a pitiable state, and said:
“There were those who distorted our statements to draw attention away from the FETO threat. But eventually, we were always the ones who were right. Türkiye will eventually completely rid itself of this trouble. We have largely purged this organisation from our institutions, and we are cleaning up the remnants. Our law enforcement and intelligence units are working meticulously. No matter what guise they take on, no matter where they hide, this struggle will reach its goal. After the recent operations, I think everyone understands why we should not forget the spirit of July 15 and ensure that it is not forgotten by others. Because the threat was not limited to just that night. Recognising this from the first day, we have tried and are continuing to try to explain it. The enemy does not sleep. Therefore, we will not sleep either.”
Air defence systems
Responding to the question, “The Iran-Israel War has shown that air superiority is a decisive factor in conflicts. Did the issue of F-35s come up in your meeting with US President Trump? Will the S-400s purchased from Russia be sufficient to meet this requirement? Do you think that it is now time to lift the restrictions among allies?”, President Erdoğan said that air defence systems are not limited to the S-400s.
Emphasising that the public has observed this closely in recent days and that it is essential to create a multi-layered set of systems, President Erdoğan continued:
“It is very important to have missiles at various altitudes and that they work in harmony like the organs of a body. We have elevated our country to a certain point, but we will not settle for that. We need to enhance our missile capabilities. We are building a system of systems, that is, our ‘Steel Dome.’ By bringing together air defence systems, sensors, and electronic warfare systems at different altitudes, we are bringing to life a system of systems. Currently, we have SİPER, KORKUT, HİSAR, SUNGUR, and many other distinguished weapons systems developed relying on domestic and national resources. If we had leaned back, thinking we’d purchase it from someone as long as we had the money anyway, would any of these be possible? They would not.”
F-35 project
President Erdoğan recalled the days when they could not purchase weapons from allies even though they had the money.
Noting that they also witnessed people teasing them when they said, “We will do it ourselves, and we will do it in the best way,” President Erdoğan stated:
“We produced our own UAV, UCAV, and national combat aircraft, KAAN. When we started off with KAAN, some tried to belittle it by comparing it to a ‘radiator.’ Have we not experienced all these together? KAAN is in the skies today. My nation knows very well those who carry out fifth column activities to obstruct every project. We have not given up on the F-35s either. We are discussing with our interlocutors our intention to return to the project. The F-35 programme is a political process as much as it is a technical one. Türkiye has been unfairly excluded from the programme. We have always criticised this step that fails to align with the spirit of alliance. In our meetings with Mr. Trump, we discussed the issue, and negotiations have started at the technical level. Inshallah, we will make progress.”
When asked about the claims that Iran would close the Strait of Hormuz, President Erdoğan said, “Closing the Strait of Hormuz would cause major trouble. We believe that Iran will not take such a step. The recent tension has been another reminder of the importance of energy supply security.”
Emphasising that Türkiye endeavours to augment its own energy resources, President Erdoğan said that they are producing at many locations, from oil in Gabar to natural gas in the Black Sea, and they are striving to increase this production.
Expressing that they continue their oil and natural gas exploration activities seriously and resolutely, President Erdoğan stated, “We strive to reduce our imports and increase our production with the aim of becoming fully independent in energy. Our ultimate goal is to make Türkiye an exporter of resources and technology. The incidents that have transpired have clearly demonstrated that energy is a matter of survival for countries. Two days ago, a rumour spread. They said, ‘Iran has halted the provision of natural gas.’ I immediately discussed this issue with my Minister of Energy and he contacted his counterpart. Actually, this is not the case. We also had a meeting with President Pezeshkian of Iran. We deem it not even remotely probable that they would halt natural gas provision. Iran is currently supplying us with natural gas. We do not have any problems.”
“Our region has already reached its quota of instability and conflict”
On the question about the war between Russia and Ukraine, President Erdoğan said, “We are now firmly saying, ‘this war must end.’ The region can no longer bear it. A just and lasting peace must be built in the region. Even if everyone gives up on peace, we will not. Türkiye upholds and prioritises diplomacy in conflict resolution. Our region has already reached its quota of instability and conflict. It is now necessary to relieve our region, and therefore our world, by building stability and swinging the doors of peace wide open. This is everybody’s expectation. This is what is expected of Türkiye.”
Noting that Ukraine and Russia have repeatedly demonstrated their trust in Türkiye, President Erdoğan said:
“The talks in İstanbul have pried open the door to peace. We recognise that developments on the ground narrow the space for diplomacy, but we will pursue even a glimmer of hope for peace. In our view, the prospect of peace in the Ukraine–Russia war is more than just a flicker of hope. We will endeavour to bring the parties back together. Even if it takes the patience of digging a well with a needle, we will do it to achieve a solution. Our ultimate goal is to convene a meeting at the level of leaders in our country and foster the long-awaited peace. This is what we told President Trump of the United States during our meeting. ‘If President Vladimir Putin of Russia visits İstanbul or Ankara for a solution, I will also visit İstanbul or Ankara,’ he said. We will hold the necessary talks and, inshallah, ensure that the meeting takes place without delay.”
“This genocide, which unfolded before the eyes of the entire world, is a disgrace to humanity”
Regarding the question about Israel’s attacks on Gaza, President Erdoğan responded:
“That is our sole concern. Even during times when global attention has shifted elsewhere, we have not allowed Gaza to be forgotten, and we never will. My team and I are in constant contact with our friends in Gaza. We are witnessing Israel’s systematic torture. They are even targeting the very locations where limited aid is being distributed to civilians. Above all, they are even hindering the Red Cross and blocking any steps that could be taken in this regard. This genocide, which unfolded before the eyes of the entire world, is a disgrace to humanity.
The cries of starving children must be heard now. We are now obliged to say ‘enough’ to Israel. We cannot answer to history for this. Unfortunately, they are normalising this cruelty, barbarism, and atrocity. We will not consider this normal. It is the biggest mistake to become desensitised to Israel’s atrocities. With our hands, bones, words, ideas, actions, and souls, we will continue to rise up against this oppression. Türkiye is ready to employ all diplomatic means and lead international cooperation to restore peace. As I have said before, Gaza will be free and will remain free as a Palestinian territory.”
“Syria remains a matter of utmost importance to us”
Pointing out that they paved the way for a new era in “Turkish-American” relations with President Donald Trump of the United States, President Erdoğan said, “I have to state this very clearly. The process of telephone diplomacy between President Trump and me has never taken more than 24 hours. Whenever one of us reaches out, the other responds within 24 hours. The newly appointed US ambassador to Türkiye is particularly attentive and responsive in such matters.”
President Erdoğan stated that they are in an effort to take steps that will foster the development of both Türkiye and the US and said, “We have clearly conveyed our concerns regarding regional matters, especially concerning Syria and the Syrian Democratic Forces, to the US side at all levels, and we continue to do so. Turkish-American relations have always been of strategic importance despite periodic differences. The constructive dialogue with President Trump has also facilitated the establishment of bridges for mutual understanding on some challenging issues. Despite receiving an invitation to the meeting with President Trump in Riyadh, we were unable to attend in person and instead participated online. That was the case. In other words, Syria remains a matter of utmost importance to us.”
President Erdoğan stated that Türkiye shares a long border with Syria as well as deep historical and cultural ties, adding that these factors mean every development in Syria inevitably has repercussions for Türkiye.
”We support the new administration”
Emphasising the territorial integrity of Syria, President Erdoğan continued:
Regrettably, the negative developments and suffering in Syria have been the events that have most resonated with us in recent years. During this period, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Defence, and the Director of the National Intelligence Organisation have all maintained close and intensive contact with Syria. We support the new administration in its efforts to restore Syria’s unity and integrity and to build lasting stability and peace. Protecting Syria’s territorial integrity is essential to rebuilding a unified and integrated Syria. To achieve all of this, the Syrian administration has taken steps aimed at unifying all armed groups under the command of the Syrian army and working towards the country’s unity and integrity.
It would be in the best interest of the Syrian Democratic Forces to seize this opportunity. Indeed, during our meeting with President Macron today, we thoroughly discussed these issues, and President Macron specifically emphasised his intention to take a more active role in relations with Syria. We also talked about how we can collaborate on these issues. We even talked about Cyprus. He further stated that he intends to discuss Gaza with Israel. We conveyed that ‘we would be grateful if you take this step.”
In response to a question about which city in Türkiye would host the NATO Summit in 2026, President Erdoğan stated, “We will carry out the necessary assessments, review our options, and make our final decision accordingly. We have no doubt that we will organise a NATO Summit worthy of Türkiye.”
President Erdoğan highlighted Türkiye’s extensive experience in hosting major international events, noting major, high-profile organisations have been successfully held in various cities across the country. He further stated, “We have already begun preparations for the NATO Summit.”
