President Erdoğan: I will meet with the DEM Party delegation this week.

05.07.2025 13:20

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated in a press conference after his visit to Azerbaijan that he would accept the delegation from the DEM Party as part of the Terror-Free Turkey process. Erdoğan said, "I will meet with the delegation this week. Ms. Pervin Buldan and Mr. Mithat Sancar from the DEM Party will come together. In this meeting, Mr. Efkan Ala and our MIT President Mr. İbrahim Kalın will be with me."

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President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan answered journalists' questions on the plane returning from Azerbaijan, where he attended the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization and held bilateral meetings.

Erdoğan stated that he would meet with the DEM Party this week, expressing that the PKK's laying down arms would mark the beginning of a new era for Turkey in terms of security, democracy, and development.

"WE WILL NOT ALLOW PROVOCATIONS"

Regarding the Terror-Free Turkey process, Erdoğan said, "Steps towards a Terror-Free Turkey are being taken in a controlled manner one after another. Our stance is clear; we expressed this from the very beginning. We said, 'The laying down of arms must be unconditional, and the organization must structurally dissolve itself,' and we have reached this point step by step. The process will gain momentum with the terrorist organization's decision to start implementing the laying down of arms. With the complete removal of weapons, blood, and tears from our nation's agenda, a brand new door will be opened wide in front of us. Our relevant institutions are meticulously following every step and taking necessary actions. We will not leave this process to its own devices, nor will we allow provocations. We are working meticulously and progressing with confidence," he said.

PERVIN BULDAN AND MITHAT SANCAR WILL BE PART OF THE DEM PARTY DELEGATION

Referring to his meeting with the DEM Party on July 9, Erdoğan said, "We will discuss the steps taken so far and the future to achieve the 'Terror-Free Turkey' goal with the DEM Party delegation. Our acceptance will be within the next week. My Chief of Staff, Hasan Doğan, will contact them to provide the appointment date. On that date, Ms. Pervin Buldan from the DEM Party and Mr. Mithat Sancar will come together. In this meeting, our Deputy Chairman Efkan Ala and our MIT President İbrahim Kalın will also be with me. We will hold this meeting together. The PKK's laying down of arms will mark the beginning of a new era for Turkey in terms of security, democracy, and development. There is no problem regarding the 'Terror-Free Turkey' title. The DEM Party group is already expressing this. Together, we will hopefully carry out our struggle for a 'Terror-Free Turkey.' We will work together on how to build a 'Terror-Free Turkey' throughout our country, in Eastern Anatolia and Southeastern Anatolia. There is no doubt about this. As the People's Alliance, we are already in agreement on this issue. Hopefully, we will build a Terror-Free Turkey together. We are also following the issue of laying down arms. Both our Ministry of Foreign Affairs and our National Intelligence Organization are monitoring the process," he stated.

Erdoğan continued his statements as follows:

Dear members of the press, I greet you with my heartfelt feelings and respect. We have completed our visit to Khankendi to attend the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization. Since 1985, the Economic Cooperation Organization, of which we are a founding member, has become a regional platform addressing over half a billion people across a total area of 8 million square kilometers. The organization continues to deepen cooperation in a region that is geostrategically very important and has great potential. At the same time, it manages the common values and ancient brotherhood of its members. Our country also hosts the affiliated institutions of the organization, including the Trade and Development Bank, the Education Institute, and the Food Security Regional Coordination Center. As you know, the main theme of today's summit is "A New Vision for a Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Future."

Indeed, the geography covered by our organization is among the regions most affected by the climate crisis. At the summit, discussions were held on green transformation, the efficient use of energy resources, sustainability, and climate change. Another important issue was the enhancement of the organization's effectiveness. In this regard, we also had some suggestions. We evaluated measures that would strengthen the role of our organization, particularly in areas such as trade, connectivity, economic integration, and the efficient use of energy resources. We desire the organization to support economic and trade cooperation among its members without losing its core focus and to transform into a results and project-oriented structure. We saw that there was a consensus on this issue. We held consultations to determine the framework for the 2035 Vision Document, which is expected to guide the transformation of the organization on this basis. We also evaluated the outputs of the business, women, and youth forums organized just before the summit as member countries. Increasing tourism cooperation within the organization was also on the agenda. As you know, we are continuing various activities in Erzurum, which has been selected as the 2025 Tourism Capital of the Economic Cooperation Organization. In this context, we have conducted nearly 50 events, including the Winter Games, the Palandöken Economy Forum, and the Gastronomy Fair. Hopefully, we will continue our tourism cooperation efforts together in Shusha, which has been selected as the tourism capital for 2026.

In the context of regional developments, we evaluated the situation in Iran and Gaza in light of Israel's aggressive stance. I reiterated to Iranian President Mr. Masoud Pezeshkian that Turkey is ready to make every effort to convert the current ceasefire situation into lasting peace. I once again expressed my condolences for our brothers who lost their lives in Israel's bandit-like attacks. I will continue to stay in contact with him regarding developments. Additionally, I had detailed discussions with my brother, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, and my dear friend, Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif. We also had sincere conversations with the leaders of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. Of course, the fact that the summit is being held in Khankendi, which Azerbaijan has liberated, and that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is represented at the summit by President Mr. Ersin Tatar as an observer, holds special significance for us. As you know, we last visited Lachin on the occasion of Azerbaijan's Independence Day and inaugurated the airport together with my brother Ilham Aliyev. This time, we conveyed our stance and messages regarding peace, stability, and development in Khankendi, demonstrating our solidarity with Azerbaijan once again. I hope this visit strengthens the ties between us and the member countries of the Economic Cooperation Organization and reinforces our brotherhood. I wish that the decisions taken will lead to good outcomes, and I greet you with affection.

QUESTION-ANSWER

"BALANCES ARE CHANGING VERY RAPIDLY"

President of the United States Donald Trump has decided to increase tariffs worldwide. This situation has led to countries raising their tariffs reciprocally and an increase in regional collaborations.

At this point, as the Economic Cooperation Organization, have new decisions been made at this summit to increase economic cooperation among member countries during this period?

First of all, as one of the founding members of the Economic Cooperation Organization, we see this platform not only as an economic tool but also as a geopolitical one. One of the aims of our organization is to contribute to the development of member countries. Cooperation is essential for developing together and winning together. Especially in an atmosphere where trade costs and risks are increasing, enhancing this cooperation becomes vital. At the summit in Hankendi, I emphasized that economic growth will be more firmly established through regional collaborations. We have always advocated for the evaluation of cooperation opportunities and the creation of new opportunities, both within the Economic Cooperation Organization and in all platforms we are part of. We have already strongly supported steps such as the liberalization of trade, integration of logistics infrastructure, and simplification of customs, which are among the recent goals of the Economic Cooperation Organization. Along with all these, we aim to increase regional resilience by developing our trade volume with members such as Central Asian countries, Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, as well as through alternative financial models. The balances in the world are changing very rapidly now. Managing this dynamic process skillfully and keeping up with change is also important. If you cannot adapt your commercial activities and collaborations to changing conditions, you will be the one to lose. We work for our friends to win alongside us. In this area, we advocate for the "win-win" thesis, and we will continue to do so.

"WE WILL BUILD A TERROR-FREE TURKEY"

We know that the DEM Party has pointed to the upcoming week regarding the PKK's laying down of arms. You will also receive the DEM Party delegation next week. What issues will be addressed during the meeting? Has the date been finalized? On the other hand, what stage are we at in the "Terror-Free Turkey" process?

We believe that we will achieve our goal of a "Terror-Free Turkey." Just as we have turned many dreams of our nation into reality, we will also realize this dream, which will strengthen our brotherhood, bolster our internal front, and accelerate our civilizational march. Steps towards a "Terror-Free Turkey" are being taken in a controlled manner, one after another. Our stance is clear; we expressed this from the very beginning. We said, "The laying down of arms must be unconditional, and the organization must dissolve itself structurally," and we have gradually reached this point. The process will gain momentum with the terrorist organization's decision to start implementing the laying down of arms. With the complete removal of weapons, blood, and tears from our nation's agenda, a brand new door will be opened wide before us. Our relevant institutions are meticulously following every step and every move and are taking the necessary actions. We will not leave this process to chance, nor will we allow provocations. We are working diligently and moving forward with confidence. We will discuss the steps taken so far and what lies ahead to achieve the "Terror-Free Turkey" goal with the DEM Party delegation. Our meeting will take place next week. My Chief of Staff, Hasan Doğan, will contact them to provide the appointment date. On that date, Ms. Pervin Buldan from the DEM Party and Mr. Mithat Sancar will come together. In this meeting, our Deputy Chairman Efkan Ala and our MIT President İbrahim Kalın will also be with me. We will hold this meeting together. The PKK's laying down of arms will mark the beginning of a new era for Turkey in terms of security, democracy, and development. There is no issue regarding the "Terror-Free Turkey" title. The DEM Party group is already expressing this. Together, we will carry out our struggle for a "Terror-Free Turkey." We will work together on how to build a "Terror-Free Turkey" throughout our country, especially in Eastern Anatolia and Southeastern Anatolia. There is no hesitation in this regard. As the People's Alliance, we are already in agreement on this issue. Insha'Allah, we will build a Terror-Free Turkey together. We are also following the issue of laying down arms. Both our Ministry of Foreign Affairs and our National Intelligence Organization are monitoring the process.

DETAILS OF THE MEETING WITH TRUMP: PEOPLE ARE DYING IN FOOD LINES

My question is about Gaza... Although a fragile ceasefire has been established in Iran, our eyes are on Gaza. Because the humanitarian situation is getting worse. There are also efforts to find a ground for a ceasefire there. Is a ceasefire possible in Gaza soon? Especially, do you expect the United States to take more steps to pressure Israel into a ceasefire?

Gaza has no time to lose; humanity is gasping for breath there. The fact that people are condemned to hunger and that bombs are being dropped on them is incompatible with humanity. We are striving to ensure that a ceasefire is established as soon as possible and that humanitarian aid reaches there in the most effective way. As Turkey, we have never ceased our diplomatic efforts and are discussing the gravity of the humanitarian situation with all our interlocutors. During the NATO Leaders Summit in The Hague, I had a meeting with U.S. President Mr. Trump on the evening of the first day. We addressed this issue in that meeting. I asked him to get involved in the Gaza process, saying, "You are the one who can best manage this process with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Especially, there are people dying in food lines. You need to intervene here to prevent these people from being killed." I saw their positive approach on this issue. The number of our martyrs in those food lines has reached 55-60 thousand so far. I hope that with the steps we are taking, we can put an end to this situation. Meanwhile, there are nearly 100,000 injured in the region. Among these injured, there are those who are being sent to our country for treatment in stages. Their treatments are being carried out in our hospitals. We continue to do that and will continue. From the very beginning, we have placed the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza at the center of our agenda, both politically and diplomatically. Since the first days of the war, we have described Israel's attacks on Gaza as "genocide" and have been among the countries leading the way for a ceasefire through diplomatic channels. We have actively played a role in opening humanitarian aid corridors and evacuating patients through our Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Turkish Red Crescent. We have directly supported the mediation mechanism running through Qatar and Egypt. With Mr. Trump's initiatives, a 60-day temporary ceasefire plan has now come to the agenda. During this process, the U.S. influence over Israel will be decisive. It is very important for Western countries, especially the U.S., to increase their pressure on Israel to force a ceasefire. We believe that the ceasefire established between Iran and Israel has opened a door for Gaza as well. The Hamas side has repeatedly shown its goodwill on this issue.

However, a lasting calm has not been achieved in the region due to Israel's violations of ceasefires. We are working to ensure that this time it is not the same. A ceasefire that Israel will fully comply with needs to be established. To achieve this, a strong negotiation ground is necessary. The issue of guarantees for the ceasefire is particularly important. The uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid is also vital. The shipment of this aid must be secured. On the other hand, Gaza's infrastructure has been destroyed by Israel. We are outlining what needs to be done for the reconstruction of the infrastructure, the revival of Gaza, and making it livable again. Nearly a million people have been displaced, and people are living below the hunger line. In the event of a ceasefire, the international community needs to quickly invest in reconstruction projects. If a lasting ceasefire can be achieved, it could open a path to lasting peace in the region. For this, a strong and lasting ceasefire that will be fully adhered to is essential. The two-state solution is the only key to solving this chronic problem in our region.

"F-35s WILL BE DELIVERED TO TURKEY GRADUALLY"

The U.S. Ambassador to Ankara, Tom Barrack, recently made a statement regarding the F-35s. He said there could be a development by the end of the year. This was met with concern from Greece. They expressed that they view it with worry. Turkey is a country that demonstrates concrete examples of both a problem-solving mediator and a peaceful attitude in its foreign policy. Nevertheless, does Greece's attitude reflect a real concern? Or could Greece's recently intensified relations with Israel have an influence on this?

We want the F-35s primarily for our own security. The F-35 issue is not just a military technology matter for us; it is also a matter of strong partnership in international platforms, especially NATO. But of course, this issue has led us to cut our own umbilical cord and accelerated our initiatives in the defense industry. Strengthening our security infrastructure is not a threat to anyone. Especially not to our friends and allies. At the last NATO summit, a decision was made for allies to increase their defense spending. In other words, it was said, "NATO countries should strengthen their own defense infrastructure, meet their needs, and this will also strengthen NATO's defense." Therefore, Greece's concern over the steps we are taking in the defense field is unfounded and meaningless. Turkey is not a threat to any country that does not threaten its security and interests, and does not confront it with a hostile attitude. On the contrary, Turkey is a country that makes maximum effort to ensure peace, tranquility, and security in its region and the world, and is extremely reliable for its friends. There is no conflict around us that Turkey does not strive to end with a peaceful approach. We have discussed the F-35 issue among ourselves and we are following up on it. I believe that Mr. Trump will adhere to the agreement we made on this matter. I think the gradual delivery of these F-35s to Turkey will take place during his term.

Last month, you met with Mr. Aliyev at the key delivery ceremony for earthquake housing in Kahramanmaraş. The very next day, you received Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Istanbul. Now we are in Khankendi, the symbolic city of Azerbaijan. Naturally, we are curious about how these contacts went. What stage is the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace agreement at? When will the Zangezur Corridor be opened, is there any clear information regarding this? Finally, how will the commencement of the Middle Corridor benefit the region?

Our relationship with Azerbaijan is different from the relations between other countries. We are connected to Azerbaijan not only by friendship but also by a bond of brotherhood. The phrase "Two states, one nation" is not just a casual saying. It contains deep meanings and has a concrete counterpart. We have proven this many times throughout history. Therefore, we cannot look at the events in this region from the outside. Peace and tranquility in the South Caucasus benefits everyone. The diplomatic framework for the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia is also complete. By the end of 2024, consensus was reached on the final text of the peace agreement during meetings held in Brussels, Moscow, and Tbilisi. Although Armenia initially opposed the Zangezur Corridor, it is now showing a more flexible approach to participate in economic integration. The development of this region is an opportunity not only for Azerbaijan but also for Armenia, for us, for Iran, and for other countries. The Zangezur Corridor will bring new opportunities not only for Azerbaijan but for the entire region. We see this route as part of a geopolitical as well as a geo-economic revolution. The opening of the Zangezur Corridor will also be a strategic development for the Middle Corridor. Once the corridor is opened, Turkish goods will reach Central Asia and China faster by crossing the Caspian Sea, and goods from Europe to China will also start passing through Turkey. The opening of the Middle Corridor encompasses many countries from the south to us and Azerbaijan. In addition, it integrates with the route coming from China. It has such significance. We are taking all our steps in this process in the best possible way. The most important thing here is the Zangezur line. That line also includes a rail system. Therefore, the importance of the Zangezur line in freight transportation is increasing and will continue to increase. The Middle Corridor derives all its strength from here. It is important for the Middle Corridor to integrate with the Zangezur line and to function in freight and passenger transportation after that. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev places great importance on this. Iraq also values this. There will be a line that continues by passing through Iğdır and integrating with Nakhchivan. With the construction of this line, I believe we will have taken an important step in freight transportation. Additionally, Turkey's Kars–Iğdır–Nakhchivan railway line and construction investments in Karabakh will operate more effectively when the Zangezur Corridor is opened. The world is changing, and this situation makes it necessary to take new steps. Keeping up with change means activating potentials and opening doors to opportunities. The peace that Armenia and Azerbaijan will sign will change the climate of the region. With the embrace that will be achieved, we will witness the opening of new and historic windows of opportunity one after another. With the activation of the region's potential, which has been idle due to conflicts and wars, another rare example of the winning model will emerge.

"THERE IS NO TOLERANCE FOR A NEW CONFLICT"

There is a tension between Russia and Azerbaijan. Could this turn into a regional crisis? Did this issue come up in your discussions?

Turkey has deep diplomatic and strategic relations with both Azerbaijan and Russia. We are closely monitoring the tension and calling for restraint from both countries.

We believe that explanations that will ease diplomatic tensions will lead to a more straightforward and reasonable solution to the issue. I hope that the negative developments between the two countries will come to an end as soon as possible. My greatest wish is that the unfortunate events do not cause irreparable damage to the relations between Russia and Azerbaijan. It is possible to resolve the local incidents and their consequences without taking them out of their context. The issue should be approached with moderation. We know that both of our friends have the level of understanding to overcome this problem. We will continue to support constructive steps to resolve the issue. Our priority will be to avoid sudden escalations that could shake the hard-won stability of a region that has already witnessed enough war and conflict. The Caucasus can no longer tolerate a new conflict. As Turkey, I believe that by standing alongside calmness, we will resolve the issue through diplomatic processes. The topic came up during our meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. Mr. Ilham is taking a very careful and cautious step here. He is not in favor of escalating this issue. I understood from Mr. Ilham's statements to me that they will compensate for this.

U.S. President Donald Trump lifted sanctions on Syria. This was a very important step for Syria's economic development. My first question is, what will Turkey's role be in Syria's development? For example, will we see a free trade zone in the later stages? On the other hand, while lifting the sanctions, Trump also requested Syria's participation in the Abraham Accords. The ambassadors also approved this. The U.S. is conducting preliminary security talks between Syria and Israel. Their demands from Syria include good relations with Israel, the integration of the SDF into the system, and the finding of missing Americans. What does this process mean for Turkey?

Turkey supports all developments that promote a prosperous future for Syria and reinforce peace and tranquility. Just as we stood by the Syrian people from the very first day of the civil war that has now become a thing of the past, we will also be by their side in the process of rebuilding their country and unity. We believe that the Syrian government will take faster steps towards development following the U.S. and European decision to lift sanctions. The process of rebuilding bilateral relations between Turkey and Syria is also progressing rapidly. We are developing our cooperation with our neighbor in every field. We believe that a stable, peaceful, and strong Syria will also be beneficial for its neighbors and will support their peace and security. The territorial integrity of Syria is very important to us. To ensure our border security and to end the instability in Syria, we have taken an active position in the field with operations such as Euphrates Shield, Olive Branch, and Peace Spring. The resources, capabilities, and potentials of Syria belong solely to the Syrian people. We can implement models such as free trade zones, logistics bases, and border markets in northern Syria. While doing all this, we have clearly emphasized our red lines. We will not accept any plan that legitimizes terrorist organizations or their extensions. We are doing our utmost to ensure that terrorism is completely neutralized in Syrian territory, that all armed elements are disbanded, and that only the Syrian Army maintains control over all Syrian territory. Lasting peace and stability in Syria is also in our interest. Those who strive to disrupt this will also find Turkey in their way. As Turkey, we will side with economic development and seize opportunities. In this process, we will increase our gains on the ground while considering our military, diplomatic, and economic interests. President Ahmed Shara of Syria does not have a negative view regarding the lifting of sanctions and the issues shaped around contacts with the U.S. His approach is also positive. In our meeting with my brother Ilham Aliyev, he also said, "I am ready to provide all kinds of support" regarding natural gas to Syria. It is very important for Ilham Aliyev to express such an approach. Because right now, Syria's most significant problem is natural gas. Natural gas must come for there to be energy. There is a problem with energy. We are also trying to help with energy to a certain extent. But today, when I received this good news from Mr. Ilham, I felt very, very peaceful. I will inform my Minister of Energy about this good news as soon as I return. He will also inform Mr. Shara about this. God willing, we want to take this step together by integrating the steps we have taken with the support that Azerbaijan will provide. Steps have already been taken to lift the sanctions. We intend to continue this by strengthening it.

"WE DID NOT FALL INTO THE TRAP OF THE FIRE CIRCLE AROUND US"

I will actually ask a general question about foreign policy. As you know, our surroundings are a fire zone. We have seen the Israel-Iran war, and the Ukraine-Russia War continues to the north of us. Attacks are also ongoing in Palestine and Gaza. In other words, the conflicts arising from the struggle of global powers directly affect Turkey's foreign policy. However, Turkey continues to defend its interests and its positions in Karabakh, Palestine, and Syria. In this context, based on your statements 'The world is bigger than five' and 'A fairer world is possible,' what new developments can we expect in Turkey's foreign policy in light of these new developments and the new conjuncture?

We do not evaluate foreign policy with a combative spirit. We are taking steps by prioritizing a peace policy, and we will continue to do so. Thank God, we have not fallen into the trap of the fire circle around us, and we will not. We will continue our understanding of foreign policy in a peace-oriented manner in cooperation and solidarity with our surroundings. Developments already show that. We approach those who want to draw us into a trap with the opposite message: "A fairer world is possible." We approach with the statement "The world is bigger than five." In our foreign policy negotiations, we are also bringing those countries into this discussion. This understanding is highly accepted, and thus we continue this process, and we will continue. In other words, no matter how much our counterparts try to draw us into a fight, we will not fall into that trap. We continue to explain Turkey's rightful positions on all platforms without stopping or resting. We are pleased with the increasing number of those who accept Turkey's legitimacy every passing day. "A fairer world is possible" and "The world is bigger than five" have now become the foreign policy vision of our country. This vision has also found a significant response in the domestic public. Turkey's independent stance in foreign policy has become a source of pride and security for our citizens. This provides us with more motivation to explain ourselves and make our voices heard more. We are working to be the voice of oppressed and victimized geographies and to show that the order of masters and slaves does not prevail in the world.

We will continue to explain that the source of injustices in the world is the perception that the powerful are right. We will convey that the foundation of a fairer world can only be laid by separating the just from the unjust in the fairest way. We express our values and the rights and interests of our country in a loud tone across all platforms, and we can make our legitimacy accepted. As the rising power of diplomacy, Turkey has solidified its place among the countries of the world as a "stabilizing power." We will shout that decisions about the future of the world can only be made equally by the nations that make up the entire world, not by a handful of decision-makers. It is becoming increasingly clear that the root of the systemic crisis we have experienced in recent years lies in this distortion. This also increases our responsibility. We must raise our voices more strongly and explain these truths to more people. For this, we must use new communication tools in addition to conventional methods. We will strive to use new media tools that will carry and disseminate our voice and words in the most effective way. As Turkey, we aim to rise to higher ranks in the global league by reinforcing our regional leadership with a strong moral argument. And we support all of this not only with rhetoric but also with concrete projects in the areas of infrastructure, education, economy, defense, and diplomacy.

THE LATEST ELECTION POLL RESULTS HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCED

I would like to ask a question regarding domestic politics. The leadership of the Republican People's Party has been calling citizens to the streets for 100 days. They want "freedom for Ekrem İmamoğlu." They express their demands for early elections. However, we have not seen them being very successful in this. Citizens are not going out into the streets. What do you think is the public's view of the CHP and their excessively harsh style of politics? They still claim to be the first party. How do you see it?

The politics of the CHP is now a politics without reciprocity. The perception idols they have created with their own hands through social media are being shattered one by one by the solid body of reality. They thought they could manage people's consciousness with various perceptions and manipulations, but our nation has noticed this dirty game. My citizens know that street protests will only serve to separatists and coup plotters. My advice to the CHP leaders is to be patient and wait for the decisions of the independent judiciary. This process should also serve as a mirror for the CHP leadership. Instead of contributing to the country's politics and producing projects, the CHP leadership is hoping for salvation from street protests. They are trying to cover up their crimes with an effort to undermine our judicial institutions and to exonerate criminals through street protests. Wait, be patient... Let our independent judicial bodies make their decisions; the truth will come out sooner or later. But they are distorting the issue with street protests because they cannot trust themselves or their mayors. They probably see themselves a bit in dream syndromes. There is no situation where the CHP is the first party. I mean, as much as they conduct polls, we are also conducting our own polls. Right now, the first party in Turkey is the AK Party. The AK Party, along with the People's Alliance, is walking this path with firm steps. Especially, is it possible for a party in the midst of a corruption syndrome to receive approval from the Turkish nation? No. Right now, the most important city is Istanbul. The state of Istanbul is evident. Serious foul odors are coming from everywhere right now. As the ruling party in Turkey, we are continuing on our path with firm steps. Hopefully, next week we will hold the Kızılcahamam camp. After the Kızılcahamam camp, our organization will spread throughout Turkey, and we will continue our work in every province across the country. We are currently only focused on our work. As the AK Party, as the People's Alliance, we will hopefully be in a race to serve our nation and continue on our path without getting involved in such filth.

Last week, there was a significant struggle against the large fires that started in many parts of our country, especially in Izmir. Of course, many of them have been brought under control, but as far as we know, there are still ongoing fires. Both AFAD teams and the General Directorate of Forestry are making great efforts on the ground. You are closely following the process as well. What is the current situation, Mr. President?

Turkey has entered the most sensitive period in terms of forest fire risk with the start of the summer months. Especially in our Aegean and Mediterranean regions, simultaneous fires have broken out in our forests and wooded areas. This year, there have been 3,140 fires, including 1,332 in forested areas and 1,808 in non-forested areas. Of the 721 fires that broke out in just the last 9 days, 720 have been brought under control. Efforts to control the fire in Dörtyol, Hatay, are also ongoing. I had a meeting with my Minister of Agriculture and Forestry while coming to the plane. Currently, cooling efforts are being carried out in the remaining areas. Thank God, we are in a good position. Let us pray for our forest heroes. They are working hard, risking their lives, to combat the fires from the air and the ground. We are the country with the best air and ground fleet in our region for fighting fires. This strengthens us in our struggle, and fires are extinguished before they grow. However, in some regions, temperatures reaching 45 degrees, the strength of the wind, and low humidity make it difficult to control the fires. Our helicopters and planes are making sorties one after another. On the ground, our forest heroes are trying to extinguish the fires with water tankers and bulldozers. Our forestry organization has lost martyrs in these struggles, and there have been injuries. I pray for mercy for our martyrs and healing for the injured. The wind is very effective in spreading the fires. Our teams are taking effective measures to stop the flames. We had expanded our air fleet. We have an air fleet consisting of 27 planes, 105 helicopters, and 14 drones. In addition, we can respond to fires immediately with 6,000 ground vehicles and 25,000 forest heroes. We are conducting meticulous work regarding the cause of each fire. Some are intentional, some are due to negligence, and some are natural causes; legal actions are being swiftly taken against those with intent and negligence. Claims regarding whether there is sabotage are being investigated by our security and gendarmerie units. The judicial process continues for some suspects who have been caught. I continuously receive information from our ministers and governors regarding the fires. I closely follow the interventions by receiving real-time updates from the fire centers.

Our necessary teams have been sent to the relevant regions to extinguish the fires quickly. The resources of our state have been mobilized to extinguish these fires. 90% of the fires were brought under control within the first 24 hours. In such fires, Turkey is now a much more prepared country compared to the past. However, our citizens should be more sensitive, especially during the summer months.

Outside, the burning of fields in agricultural areas is causing fires. Unfortunately, a spark that is not taken seriously can lead to the burning of our forests. We are also in a struggle against those who try to provoke our citizens during every forest fire we witness. The forest fires that occur during the summer months are not only seen in our country. High temperatures and low humidity increase the risk of fires everywhere in the world. We hope to get through this season with more attention and effort, before new fires break out.