09.11.2025 18:29
President Erdoğan made statements on his return journey following his visit to Baku as part of Azerbaijan's Victory Day celebrations. He noted that Turkey is building housing in northern Syria and said, "Since 2016, the number of those returning to their country is 1 million 290 thousand."
President Erdoğan answered journalists' questions on the plane returning from his visit to Azerbaijan. Reminding that they participated in Azerbaijan's Victory Day celebrations on November 8 in Baku, Erdoğan stated that they had the opportunity to evaluate bilateral relations with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.
MEETING WITH SHAHBAZ SHARIF
Recalling that they also held a meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif during his visit, Erdoğan explained that they discussed measures to prevent the recent military tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
President Erdoğan said, "As you know, we are conducting mediation processes together with Qatar to put an end to the conflict between these two brother countries. Our goal is to implement measures and mechanisms that will make the ceasefire sustainable and to permanently end terrorist incidents in the region."
RECONSTRUCTION PROCESS IN KARABAKH
Expressing that they are watching the ongoing reconstruction activities in Karabakh with appreciation, Erdoğan stated that Turkey supports these efforts and continued: "After more than 30 years of instability in the South Caucasus, a window of opportunity has opened for lasting peace and tranquility. The conclusion of the peace process as soon as possible will highlight Azerbaijan, the victor of the war, as the architect of peace in the region."
With these thoughts, I once again congratulate all our Azerbaijani brothers on Victory Day and extend my heartfelt regards on behalf of my country and nation. I also congratulate Azerbaijan on its upcoming Flag Day in advance. I would like to express my gratitude to Azerbaijani President Mr. Ilham Aliyev, who welcomed us with his usual warm hospitality during our visit, and to the brotherly Azerbaijani people who embraced us.
The questions directed to Erdoğan by journalists on the plane and the President's answers are as follows:
QUESTION - What was the most critical point of Turkey's support in the fifth year of the Karabakh war, and what do you consider to be the breaking point? Will this support set a precedent for member countries of the Turkish States Organization?
First of all, the victory in Karabakh is not only Azerbaijan's victory but also a victory for the Turkish world. "With the spirit of 'two states, one nation,' as I expressed in my speech during the parade today, we are continuing a step, a life that will sustain this understanding. We told both friends and foes that "Turkey stands by Azerbaijan to the end," and we expressed that we were with Azerbaijan even before taking the first step. Turkish drones, systems produced with the sweat of our engineers, have become a symbol of Turkish intellect, will, and courage. After the victory, winds of peace are blowing in the region, and we are pleased with this as Turkey. We are also conducting the normalization process with Armenia in synchronization with Azerbaijan. While doing this, we tell our counterparts that we will never allow any harm to Azerbaijan's rights here. Currently, under the leadership of my brother Ilham Aliyev, there is a massive development initiative in Karabakh. Roads, tunnels, agricultural projects, and houses are rising one after another all over Karabakh. In this process, we are also making the necessary contributions to Azerbaijan. Especially in terms of infrastructure and superstructure, Azerbaijan is undergoing a process of change and transformation. As a political leader who closely follows this area, both during the late Haydar Aliyev's era and after Mr. Ilham took over, I know very well what happened when and where. It is absolutely impossible to ignore Mr. Ilham's success. Therefore, I congratulate him and his team.
QUESTION - There are still some difficulties regarding the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza? Our hope is for a quick resolution. Winter is coming, and the shelter problem is very serious. NGOs have campaigns. Will there be a nationwide large-scale aid campaign carried out by our state? What is the status of the work on this issue?
Currently, Turkey is a country that continues to provide aid to Gaza at the highest level. Our nation is truly very sensitive about this. Our 17th aid ship has reached El-Arish, as you know. However, aid corridors are being deliberately blocked, and unfortunately, humanitarian aid is being prevented from reaching the region. It was said that 600 trucks of humanitarian aid would be allowed to enter daily, but even this promise, which they made, is not being fulfilled. We are making intense efforts to deliver our nation's trust to our Palestinian brothers. In our communications with our friends and brothers, we are discussing and developing plans regarding this issue. The shipment of materials urgently needed in Gaza is very important for us. This issue is not just a matter of aid; it is also a matter of humanity. We are closely monitoring this. So far, food, medicine, shelter materials, health equipment, clothing, and hygiene products have been sent, and our efforts continue. In the future, we will also carry out these shipments.
QUESTION - What is the current status of returns in Syria at this moment, sir? Also, there are qualified Syrian personnel in Turkey. Are there any efforts to keep these qualified refugee workers in industries or different sectors? I was in the earthquake zone, in Hatay, on Tuesday. The buildings are beautifully completed and will be finished. Our Minister Murat Kurum said, 'We will have 220 thousand containers.' Since these 220 thousand containers will be freed up, will Turkey send them to Syria or Gaza? Do you have such a plan?
The issue of refugees was one of the most exploited topics in Turkey. Especially the CHP exploited this issue very much. In the last election, the CHP and its presidential candidate ran a racist campaign that will go down in history with shame. As a result of this racist campaign, the outcome is known. Perhaps this could be the reason for this person's departure. Because they exploited this issue a lot and took the curse of these people. They demonized the Syrian victims who sought refuge in our country, targeted them, thinking they could gain results for 3-5 votes, but they did not achieve the results they wanted. We, on the other hand, have always explained what conscience, humanity, and brotherhood mean in this matter. What did we say? "We are the helpers, they are the migrants." Therefore, we said, "As helpers, we will not throw these migrants out, we cannot," and we have stood by our word until the end. Even today, we would do the same. In the meantime, we have also started housing construction in northern Syria. These are ongoing. As Syria strengthens its unity and stability, the return of refugees scattered across various countries of the world is also accelerating. Look at where we have come now. Have sanctions against Syria been lifted? They have been lifted. What happened? What would happen? In politics, the issue is a matter of vision, vision... If you have a vision, you can solve problems. But if you have no vision, you cannot solve anything.
Since 2016, the number of people returning to Syria has reached 1 million 290 thousand, and this number is increasing every day. These are also encouraging and positive results for us. You mentioned the earthquake zone. Our preparations for the shipment of containers from this region, especially to Gaza, are ongoing. Our relevant colleagues are continuing their work on this. With these containers, we hope to provide the highest level of support to the region. During the process of building the new Gaza, where Palestinians will continue to live, we will, God willing, provide these containers to our brothers.
QUESTION - Sudan has been struggling with a civil war for about two years. What is Turkey's approach to the developments in Sudan?
It is not possible to act without a plan. First, there is a plan, then a project. We will do these. Moreover, Sudan is a country that is waiting for Turkey to extend a helping hand at any moment. Every pain, every massacre, every drama experienced there tears our hearts apart. Moreover, they have expectations from us as well. In light of these expectations, we are evaluating with our colleagues what kind of support we can provide, and we are continuing our work on this. Unfortunately, thousands of people have lost their lives in Sudan over the past two years. Millions have been displaced and sent into exile. Children are struggling with hunger and disease. We hope for a resolution to the conflict in Sudan and for the bloodshed of our brothers to stop. What is happening also wounds the conscience of humanity. We believe that this conflict must end as soon as possible and that solutions to problems should be found through dialogue. We are very well aware of the heavy burden we carry in this regard. As Turkey, we cannot watch what is happening here from afar. We will continue our diplomatic efforts to ensure peace and security in Sudan. The people of Sudan can be assured that Turkey is by their side.
QUESTION - I would like to ask about the F-16 and F-35 issue. The agreement regarding the Eurofighter aircraft has recently been completed. Turkey is gradually strengthening its air inventory, significant developments... The issue of F-16 and F-35 was also on the agenda during your last visit to Washington. Has there been any progress since that visit?
First of all, thank God, things are going well regarding the Eurofighter. We have taken positive steps with both the UK and Germany regarding the Eurofighter. But in addition to this, we have also had some discussions with Qatar and Oman. It may be possible for us to acquire some of the Eurofighters they have. If we can finalize these agreements, it will lead to positive developments for our country. In addition to these, with the steps we are taking in our defense industry, Turkey will achieve great capabilities. Technical-level discussions and the progress made are important. Of course, there is also the issue of F-16 and F-35. We have made good steps in our recent discussions with U.S. President Mr. Trump regarding the F-35. I hope that the promises made will be fulfilled and that we will have a strong capability with the F-35s.
QUESTION - You mentioned that there are no issues within the People's Alliance and that meetings with Mr. Devlet Bahçeli, the leader of the MHP, could happen at any moment. When will this meeting take place? This date is being eagerly awaited. As you know, various speculations are being made. Therefore, what do you say about the speculations regarding the People's Alliance, how do you evaluate them?
I won't give a date, but hopefully, upon our return to Ankara this week, if we can establish contact with the esteemed Chairman, I will either pay them a visit or invite them. We will ensure their visit to us. There is no issue between us. As you know, we will be in Ankara on November 10, Monday. As soon as we return, we will establish our contacts and take action.
QUESTION - Özgür Özel has recently come out with harsh, threatening, and even insulting statements. How do you evaluate this? Is the main opposition unable to conduct politics on a level playing field and resorting to threats and insults?
You know we have a beautiful saying: "What is in the jug spills out." I believe you have heard about the lawsuit we filed against Özgür Özel. A lawsuit has been filed. My lawyers are doing a good job of following it. Recently, we won a compensation of 200 thousand lira from this lawsuit. That will find its place. If we can win this 500 thousand as well, it would be even better. Winning these lawsuits without tiring or getting weary is indeed a wise move. I would also like to express that the words spoken by the CHP Chairman, the sentences he constructs, and the accusations he makes are actually a description of their own situation. It is a continuation of the habit of feeding off crises, hoping for chaos, and creating conflict to be in the spotlight. This language is not suitable for our state tradition or the dignity of our nation. We will never lower ourselves to the level that the CHP is trying to pull us into; we cannot. We cannot consider lowering ourselves to this level, nor can we explain it to our nation.
QUESTION - You stated during the opening program of the Family Year and on different occasions that our population growth rate has turned negative, and on the other hand, the family institution is being attempted to be undermined through LGBT. Throughout the year, more than 10,000 different activities were held in 81 provinces. In fact, last Friday's sermon was also about family. On the other hand, important regulations have been made to encourage marriage and having children. As we approach the end of the Family Year, what is our current situation regarding threats to the family?
The family is the root of our civilization, the carrier of our values, and the most sacred institution that makes us who we are. The family issue is a very important matter for us. Just as we develop our defense industry for the security of our country and take measures in cybersecurity, we must also protect our families from new generation attacks. The most important issue for us during the Family Year is to preserve the function of the family in Turkey. For this, we will never allow perversions like LGBT. A strong family institution gains strength. Our family institutions are strong. Therefore, we will walk towards the future with much stronger steps. There will be no deviation from here, and we cannot allow such a deviation. Currently, unfortunately, our population growth rate is at 1.7. This is a form of suicide. We need to solve this. It is unacceptable for Turkey's population growth rate to reach such a position. We do not say at least three children for nothing. Why not at least four children, or five? Let's accelerate this, and our country will, God willing, progress towards the future much more strongly with the increase in our population growth rate.
QUESTION - Turkey has taken on a mediating role in the tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan. You met with Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif. Did this issue come up?
How could it not? Right now, our intervention is developing in a positive direction. God willing, the outcome will be good, and most likely this week, our Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, our Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler, and our MIT President İbrahim Kalın will make a trip to Pakistan together.
By discussing these issues there, we hope that the process that started in Doha will soon reach a conclusion in Ankara. We are hopeful for a lasting ceasefire and peace, and we continue to advise the parties to exercise restraint.