24.11.2025 13:05
President Erdoğan answered journalists' questions on the plane returning from the G20 summit. Speaking for the first time about the commission's decision to go to İmralı, President Erdoğan stated, "The commission's decision will pave the way for the process. It will contribute to the process, and the elimination of terrorism will accelerate."
President Erdoğan attended the G20 Leaders Summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa. Speaking to reporters on the plane returning from his South Africa visit, Erdoğan addressed the decision of the National Solidarity, Brotherhood, and Democracy Commission to go to İmralı for the first time, stating, "The commission's decision will open the way for the process. It will contribute to the process, and the elimination of terrorism will accelerate."
LISTED THE TOPICS AT THE SUMMIT
President Erdoğan announced that they discussed many critical issues at the summit, ranging from the genocide in Gaza to the climate crisis, sustainable development, and green transformation.
"WILL CONTRIBUTE TO THE PROCESS"
The parliamentary commission established for the process of a terrorism-free Turkey decided to meet with the terrorist organization leader Abdullah Öcalan on İmralı Island. Erdoğan stated regarding the issue, "As the People's Alliance, we are carrying out the efforts for a terrorism-free Turkey in coordination." Emphasizing the importance of different political parties' involvement and contribution to the process, Erdoğan said, "We evaluate the latest decision of the commission as one that opens the way for the process, contributes to it, and accelerates the elimination of terrorism."
The questions posed to Erdoğan by journalists and his answers are as follows.
QUESTION - The topic of the first meeting of the G20 was also "Inclusive and sustainable economic growth without leaving anyone behind." In this context, what new economic measures are there for both Turkey and the world to ensure that the caravan does not get stuck or that no one is left behind?
First of all, the session title is not just a slogan; it is the very essence of the quest for global justice. Unfortunately, the world economy has suffered greatly from the difficulties we have experienced over the past few years. We have faced many severe challenges, from the pandemic to hot conflicts, from the coercive processes called "trade wars" to migrations, climate crises, and natural disasters. As Turkey, we have also been affected by all these processes. However, we have managed to emerge successfully from all these difficult tests and are recovering rapidly. Countries today are easily affected by negative developments and crises occurring anywhere in the world. Therefore, we can achieve sustainable development globally not through the efforts of one or two countries but through comprehensive and determined steps. For this reason, we always emphasize cooperation in both international platforms and bilateral meetings, highlighting the necessity for countries to approach each other with a "win-win" understanding in economic terms. We must diversify our economies and make them resilient to crises. Energy security is no longer a luxury; it is a strategic necessity. An important concept we emphasize at this point is inclusivity. The understanding of "let only me and the top-tier countries around me win" is, in our view, flawed and far from sustainable. A fairer world is possible, provided that great powers sincerely implement people-centered policies.
QUESTION - The peace plan in Gaza belonged to Trump, and in a sense, he is also the guarantor of the ceasefire... But unfortunately, this situation could not prevent the massacre in Gaza. Will you make an initiative regarding Trump on this issue? What can rein in Netanyahu at this point?
I believe that the international community must present a determined, consistent, and sanctioning will, which will stop Netanyahu. We are facing a brutality that shamelessly breaks promises and commits murder without hesitation. It should be clear to everyone that Israel does not speak the truth, produces excuses to kill people, and oppresses Palestinians. Hamas is demonstrating great patience against all these provocations from Israel and is adhering to the ceasefire. The complete implementation of this ceasefire is essential. Palestinians are also struggling with the humanitarian disaster in Gaza. Supporting their difficult struggle is a debt of all countries. Especially those countries that have made Israel so reckless must step up immediately. Unfortunately, the United Nations has not fulfilled its responsibilities until now. It is essential that the United Nations can assert its weight with the steps to be taken from now on. Increasing diplomatic pressure on Israel significantly and ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches the region uninterrupted is an urgent necessity. Winter is beginning to make itself felt in the region. As Turkey, we continue our determination regarding the Gaza issue as on the first day.
QUESTION - You mentioned that the world has not reacted to Netanyahu's recklessness. However, it seems that he continues this recklessness. Because he visited his soldiers on Syrian territory. In his statement there, he said words that would imply "We stopped Turkey in Syria." Even the Israeli press has made similar statements. On one hand, this seems to emphasize that Turkey is the main rival or the one that hinders them. On the other hand, he also has statements that imply "We want to negotiate with Turkey." How do you interpret this action and recklessness?
First of all, we have said this many times. Today we are at the same point again. Nothing has changed. The territorial integrity of Syria is essential for us. The fate of Syria will be decided by the people of Syria. Turkey is the country that knows best the heavy costs of even the slightest turmoil and instability in Syria. When it comes to our national security and peace, everyone knows what steps we have taken before. We do not want to face a similar threat and danger again, but if we do, we will take the necessary actions. I always say, we have no eyes on anyone's land or sovereignty. We want peace, tranquility, and security in every inch of our region, especially in Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon. We want this for everyone, for all peoples, without any discrimination. In fact, the Israeli administration knows that every step it takes in the region is both unlawful and a source of instability. Focus on what Turkey is doing rather than what the Israeli press is writing. You will already see the result from there. We are doing what we need within the framework of our strategic priorities, and we will continue to do so.
QUESTION - U.S. President Donald Trump presented a 28-point peace proposal to Ukraine. However, Ukraine says, "It is a great threat to our sovereignty," and "It is unacceptable." It has also been written that the parties will meet and talk in Geneva. What is your perspective on this peace plan? Do you think there is a negotiable framework?
Creating a ground for peace in Ukraine has long been a topic we have also been striving for. We have discussed with U.S. President Donald Trump on various occasions what we think about Ukraine. We believe that a just peace will have no losers.
We believe that the path to achieving a just peace lies in negotiations and coming together. The question is whether the peace plan presented now will serve as a foundation. Is it possible to reach an agreement on this plan? Yes, it is possible. But how? This needs to be emphasized. If the plan meets the legitimate expectations and security needs of the parties without creating new instabilities, an agreement can be reached. We think that consensus can be achieved through negotiations initiated with agreed-upon topics and a positive agenda. If a foundation that satisfies everyone is created, a door to a lasting solution will open. Starting negotiations with proposals that will pave the way for a just and lasting peace will positively affect the process. As Turkey, just as we played an important role in Istanbul before, we are ready to maintain the same constructive attitude today.
IMRALI STATEMENT
QUESTION - We have all followed the decision of the National Unity and Solidarity Brotherhood Democracy Commission formed in the Parliament to visit Imralı. How do you evaluate the CHP's decision not to be part of the delegation going to Imralı?
As the People's Alliance, we are coordinating our efforts for a Terror-Free Turkey. There is close dialogue with both Mr. Bahçeli and our counterparts in the MHP. Additionally, we receive the DEM Party delegation at certain intervals. With this working model, we have brought the process this far without any accidents. The commission established in the Parliament was very important for the inclusion and contribution of different political parties to the process. The commission has undertaken significant tasks under the leadership of our esteemed Speaker of the Parliament. We have also provided all kinds of contributions and support to the Commission. We have made an effort to keep the Terror-Free Turkey process away from the damaging discussions of daily politics. We evaluate the latest decision made by the commission as one that opens the way for the process, contributes to it, and accelerates the elimination of terrorism. We have appointed our Hatay Deputy Hüseyin Yayman to represent our party. Mr. Hüseyin has worked on this issue for many years and has previously been a member of our Wise People Committee. Due to his expertise in this matter, Mr. Hüseyin will participate in the efforts on behalf of our party. Until we reach the destination of a Terror-Free Turkey, we will continue to act patiently, sincerely, courageously, and decisively.
"KILIÇDAROĞLU HAS REBELLED"
QUESTION - We are faced with concrete findings and allegations that the resources and capabilities of municipalities are being used by profit-oriented criminal organizations. Do you think that this system needs to be addressed with an administrative and legal framework? The complementary part of this is the recent statement of the former Chairman of the Republican People's Party. He stated that the CHP should not be associated with the actors of the bribery network and that it should be cleansed of these bribery allegations. What is your comment?
As we know, municipalities are entrusted to us by the nation. Just like the seats we occupy and the positions we hold, they belong to the people. It is the most fundamental duty of the state to break the hands of those who attempt to reach for their trust and to block the paths they open. We have not allowed anyone to plunder even a single penny of the nation for their gangs or interest groups, and we will not allow it in the future. Dear friends, if someone has opened a path by digging tunnels through the existing system to carry water to their thefts, corruption, and bribery networks, let there be no doubt that we will cut off those paths as well. We see that Mr. Kılıçdaroğlu has been disturbed by the snakes he has been nurturing and has rebelled. He claims to be disturbed by the understanding that has dragged the CHP into the whirlpool of bribery, extortion, theft, and corruption. This means that there is a bribery network. He himself admits it. Today, the only agenda of the CHP leadership is to cover up the horrific allegations before the judiciary, divert attention elsewhere, and prevent the visibility of the swamp the party has fallen into by creating noise. We hope that the CHP members can free their party from this octopus that surrounds it.
EARTHQUAKE HOUSING
QUESTION - You have delivered the 350,000th house in the earthquake zone. The cities destroyed by the disaster of the century are being rapidly rebuilt. However, the opposition claims that promises made here have not been kept and that necessary actions have not been taken. How do you evaluate this?
Dear friends, we have been telling and continue to tell that these people have eyes but do not see the truth, ears but do not hear the facts, and tongues but do not speak the truth. Look, we have just delivered the keys to the 350,000th house in the earthquake zone. This is not an ordinary number. If Halep is there, the yardstick is here. Go see how the cities destroyed by the disaster of the century are rising again. However, they are only busy throwing mud because they are only going there to ask for votes and have no concern for the people's situation. Remember how they attacked the earthquake victims with heavy insults when they did not choose them during the election. We will not forget or let anyone forget what has been done to our nation. Dear friends, the CHP, which cannot even provide basic municipal services to the people, is lecturing us. The nation will never trust the words of the CHP, which has condemned the largest cities to traffic and water shortages and cannot even collect their garbage.
QUESTION - While new alliances are forming in the world, what are the main strategic areas of development where Turkey can stand out as a 'rising power'? In which areas are you planning new initiatives?
First of all, Turkey is the shining star of our region and the world. We are striving to develop our country in every field. The strength of a country is measured by its ability to stand on its own feet. We are charting our own path and building our own destiny with our own hands. We are aware of our country's potential and are making efforts to activate it, taking steps in this direction. Increasing our domestic production capacity in areas such as high technology, energy, and research and development is among our primary goals. We are producing our own tanks, planes, and unmanned aerial vehicles. We place great importance on preserving a strong family structure and eliminating attacks on the family. In every field, we are taking steps with a focus not just on today, but on the future, considering 50 years and 100 years ahead. Just as there is a gap between the Turkey we inherited and today's Turkey, the Turkey we will pass on to future generations will be far ahead of today's.