14.02.2025 14:33
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan answered journalists' questions on the plane returning from his visits to Malaysia, Indonesia, and Pakistan. Responding to the opposition's call for early elections, Erdoğan stated, "We have no agenda or concern regarding elections. They keep saying, 'election in the election, election in the election.' But why elections? There is no such problem in Turkey."
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan answered journalists' questions about current issues on the plane returning from his visits to Malaysia, Indonesia, and Pakistan, providing evaluations.
Stating that they successfully completed the visits, President Erdoğan evaluated Turkey's perspective on Asia.
"Both my brother Anwar Ibrahim and Prabowo Subianto, as well as our counterparts in Pakistan, all express one thing; the Ottoman Empire. 'You are the continuation of the Ottoman Empire. We see you this way,' they say. This truly pushes us into a different world, into emotions. They understand us very well, but unfortunately, we cannot understand ourselves. This affection towards us is not something that happens out of the blue. Let me be very clear, the precious legacy of our ancestors is our most important wealth. All the compliments we receive come through the legacy of the Ottoman Empire. If it weren't for this great legacy, we probably wouldn't receive these compliments and approaches. These compliments stem from the heritage left to us by our ancestors.
As Turkey's influence increases, interest in us in both the East and West will also grow and will continue to grow. Do not have any concerns about this. Our brothers living in our heartland are also very pleased with Turkey's influence both in the region and globally. We are building a very solid bridge of hearts between two different civilizations, two different worlds."
"TURKEY IS EXPERIENCING A VERY DIFFERENT PERIOD IN ASIA RELATIONS"
President Erdoğan stated, "Our ancestors carried the culture and wisdom of Asia deep into Europe, making the lands we live in a homeland for us. Now we live here. We cannot let their legacy fall to the ground; we cannot turn our faces in just one direction. We know, recognize, and carry the traces of both cultures. Therefore, for us, it does not matter whether it is East, West, North, or South. As Hazrat Mevlana described, one foot of our compass is firmly anchored in Anatolia and Thrace. With the other foot, we travel the world to bring goodness and beauty. In Turkey's relations with Asia, we are experiencing a very different period in terms of historical ties and cultural issues. We will continue to live this by enriching it."
"WE WILL INCREASE COOPERATION WITH MUSLIM ASIAN COUNTRIES"
In a period where Western dominance is declining and Asia's strategic weight is increasing, Turkey's perspective on Asia is gaining importance. Emphasizing that efforts are being made to strengthen economic, social, and political ties with Muslim countries in Asia day by day, President Erdoğan stated, "By increasing our cooperation with Muslim Asian countries, we can also increase the number of opportunities in the fields of development and prosperity. We have a common will to ensure that our countries become a global power by evaluating these upcoming opportunities. We will never lose this will. In the meantime, we have no doubt that the economic and commercial relations to be developed with regional countries will strengthen both Turkey and Asian countries."
"GAZA IS A PAIN IN OUR HEART"
President Erdoğan emphasized that the Islamic world has not taken a collective step regarding Gaza:
"Gaza is a pain in our heart. Gaza is a wound within us. We are working hard to soothe that pain and heal that wound. Unfortunately, the Islamic world has still not taken a collective step on this issue. While we wait for hearts to beat together, we have not been able to achieve this. We must address our shortcomings in this matter, relieve our burdens, and empty our baggage. We have all seen what is happening in Gaza. You have seen it. Just this evening, something caught my attention on television. Qatar is sending construction machinery to Gaza. Most likely, they purchased these machines from Egypt. They are transferring these machines to Gaza. They will probably use the machinery to clear the debris there."
"THE OPPRESSORS ARE ATTACKING PEOPLE"
President Erdoğan also referred to his meeting with Syrian President Ahmed Shara:
"There is a serious need for construction machinery in Syria as well. We discussed this in our meeting with Syrian President Ahmed Shara. Their request to us is this. Our Foreign Minister and our Intelligence Chief also confirmed the same situation when they went there. There is a significant need for construction machinery, and we should clear all the debris there with these machines, and then quickly start reconstruction and revitalization efforts in Syria and Gaza. The oppressors there, as you know, are mercilessly attacking the people there, regardless of religion, language, or race."
Speaking about Netanyahu's recent trip to America, President Erdoğan stated, "In the end, you see that the issue of religion is a significant divisive factor." He said:
"Despite the declaration of a ceasefire, we still do not see any signs of a ceasefire. Now, the fifth phase will be initiated. What will happen in this fifth phase? We are watching that too. Our hope and expectation is that in the fifth phase, at least this ceasefire should be established firmly as it should be. This is what we expect from the United Nations. We are particularly waiting to see the outcome of the 1.5-hour meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin last night. If we can receive a positive outcome from this meeting with good intentions, then the world will take a very different step."
"WE EXPECT TRUMP TO FULFILL HIS PROMISE BEFORE THE ELECTION"
President Erdoğan evaluated Trump's statements regarding Gaza:
"Unfortunately, the U.S. is making a wrong calculation regarding our region. One should not adopt an approach that disregards the history, values, and accumulation of this geography. Acting as if the suffering in this geography does not exist does not benefit the U.S. Believing the lies of the Zionists and tampering with the balances of this geography only serves to aggravate existing wounds. This path is a wrong path. Believing the statements of Netanyahu, who still has an ongoing judicial process in his country, does not serve anything other than bloodshed in the region. We have seen this very clearly. This does not bring the longed-for peace; on the contrary, it deepens conflicts and increases blood and tears. For Israel, there is nothing more important than its own interests. Look at history; they have clashed even with the countries that established their state.
We expect Mr. Trump to fulfill his promise made before the election. He should take steps to build peace, not a new war.
This region is not a place for a "my way or the highway" approach. The situation in Gaza is truly at an extremely sensitive and complex point. What is happening in Gaza has sparked significant reactions in terms of international law and human rights. The pursuit of a fair solution in this regard should always be a priority. A fair approach regarding the protection of the Palestinian people and finding a just solution is very, very important for us. Turkey has always defended the rights of Palestine and has drawn attention to this issue on the international stage. The efforts of Turkey in the ceasefires achieved are undeniable. While all these efforts are evident, strategies can also be developed to reach a fair solution regarding Gaza and Palestine. These steps can only be taken under conditions where the Palestinian people will adopt and truly fair solutions will be proposed. All countries must cooperate and act with common sense to end the genocide in Gaza and achieve lasting peace. It is very important for the international community, especially the great powers, to adopt a constructive attitude to ensure lasting peace.
While all forms of cooperation and strategy on the road to peace are considered a positive step, the essence is the protection of the rights of the Palestinian people and providing them with a just life. However, the process cannot progress healthily with expressions like "let the apocalypse come" and wrong plans that adorn the dreams of the killer Netanyahu, such as the expulsion of Gazans. The removal of the Palestinian people from Gaza is unacceptable. This plan, which no Muslim country would accept, disregards the rights of the people of Gaza and Palestine. Such an approach does not contribute to achieving long-term lasting peace; on the contrary, it fuels conflicts. The international community's actions based on political calculations rather than respecting human rights and humanitarian aid deepen the crises in this region. The healing of all these wounds is only possible with the recognition of an independent Palestinian State based on the 1967 borders. Real peace can only be built on a foundation where the rights of both sides are recognized, and equality and justice are ensured. We will join any strategy aimed at peace to be built on this foundation.
"ACCEPTING THE EXPULSION IS NOT POSSIBLE"
President Erdoğan reacted to the expulsion statements from the US and Israel:
"Especially, it is not possible to accept this expulsion. This would be completely barbaric. Those who have a conscience in world politics and are genuinely positive in their approach always say this. As long as the world says "peace and brotherhood" with a loud voice, that war will not break out. However, Israel will continue to desire regional war, but this will not be in their favor. A regime that feeds on blood and tears is currently in power in Israel. We also observe that those who rushed to stand by Israel when the latest Israeli massacres began in Gaza are starting to see the truth today.
The most characteristic feature of the oppressors, let me be clear, is their cowardice. When they see a strong will in front of them, they will shrink back. I personally want to believe that this strong will has formed. The conscience of societies must unite with the determination of leaders, and these oppressors should hopefully seek a place to escape. We will continue to work day and night to ensure this. No one has the power to destroy our iron will, with God's permission. Up to this hour, we clearly see that Hamas has been advancing the process by adhering to its promises. As always, the unreliable party is the Israeli administration.
"THE PRISONER EXCHANGE FROM GAZA SHOWS THAT HAMAS IS PSYCHOLOGICALLY STRONG"
We know that the Israeli army has destroyed homes belonging to Palestinians in the areas it has withdrawn from and rendered lands unusable. While the ceasefire continues in Gaza, we also know that an Israeli drone bombed the east of the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, resulting in the martyrdom of a Palestinian. The Ministry of Health in Gaza announced that since the ceasefire agreement reached on January 19, 92 Palestinians have lost their lives in direct attacks carried out by Israel in the Gaza Strip. All of this clearly shows us that the Israeli administration does not intend to make the ceasefire permanent.
With America's encouragement, pursuing a new and larger massacre strategy will also lead to greater losses for Israel. The images of the prisoner exchange coming from Gaza, which has been under heavy blockade and bombardment for 15 months, show that Hamas is psychologically strong. I don't know how much longer the US administration will pamper the Israeli administration. We will also see how long the American people will bear the war costs of Israel, which is a black hole in their economy. Possible developments after the prisoner exchange should be closely monitored, and efforts to come together for peace should continue. The situation in Gaza is quite sensitive, and there is a risk of increased tension in every situation. Therefore, it is of great importance for both sides to act with common sense and seek peaceful solutions.
"WE WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE PEOPLE OF SYRIA"
President Erdoğan emphasized that Turkey stands by the Syrians and will continue to provide support:
"Syrians have every right to decide the future of their country; the authority lies with them. The Baath regime, which has oppressed its people for 61 years, has been overthrown. Now, Syria is taking steps to re-establish its unity. May God be their helper. For this, as Turkey, we will continue to support the Syrian people as we have until now. For the establishment of unity and stability in Syria, it is essential for the administration to control all of Syria. Especially the presence of terrorist organizations in Syrian territory poses a threat to both our neighbor Syria and us. It is not easy; we have a 911-kilometer border, and we must protect this border from our own region, even from Syria. We see that the Syrian administration is determined to fight against terrorist organizations. We also see that many armed groups in Syria have already disbanded themselves. Terrorist organizations must understand that there is no place for them in Syria. I emphasize this. Otherwise, we will not hesitate to take action to make them understand this reality. The situation in Syria is becoming clearer every day, and the resolution of problems is becoming easier. We can say that the complex and difficult process is now behind us. Because a government that establishes dialogue and is friendly to its people is now in power.
In the meeting with Ahmet Shara, President Erdoğan stated that they made a comprehensive assessment regarding the steps to be taken for the reconstruction of Syria and the unity of the country, saying, "Turkey's determination to ensure peace and stability in Syria is of great importance for all actors in the region. We have not given and will not give shelter or a chance to terrorist organizations that pose a threat to our country in northern Syria."
We have made our clear stance on this issue to the Syrian administration. The steps that Syria will take against terrorist organizations and the timeline for these actions are clear. In our meeting, we exchanged information on the steps to be taken against terrorist organizations, and we made our warnings to the terrorist organizations in the clearest way possible. They will either heed this voice, or we will bury them in their lairs with the weapons they have not relinquished. We are closely monitoring all developments in the region and reacting immediately. Our sense of trust and cooperation with the Syrian administration is complete. This also helps to accelerate the processes," he said.
"WE HAVE NO TOLERANCE WHATSOEVER FOR TERRORIST ORGANIZATIONS"
President Erdoğan stated, "It is very important for Turkey to carefully monitor such developments in Syria and to intervene in a timely manner to prevent any negative outcomes. The steps to be taken for Syria's future and territorial integrity are of great importance not only for Syria's internal situation but also for Turkey's security and its relations with all actors in the region. We have no tolerance whatsoever for terrorist organizations. When we start taking steps to resolve the issue, we will not give anyone the opportunity to delay us or try to buy time."
"TOGG IS NOT AN END FOR US, BUT A BEGINNING"
Could collaborations such as production or joint ventures of TOGG in Asian countries come to the agenda?
President Erdoğan responded to this question as follows:
"TOGG is not an end for us, but a beginning. It is a strong step we have taken in the automotive world. We need to cover more distance on this path, and we will. Whenever our car is seen or tested by any leader, we hear their praises. This has also happened in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Pakistan. They all liked the vehicle and the comfort it offers very much. We have no doubt that TOGG will solidify its place in the industry and continue on its path. TOGG has the potential to be a competitive player not only for Turkey but also globally.
"TOGG WILL BE A GLOBAL BRAND FOR OUR COUNTRY"
It is very important to take concrete steps regarding TOGG's export and positioning in markets such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and Pakistan. Such collaborations not only strengthen Turkey's automotive industry but also shape trade relations with these countries. Initially, the introduction of TOGG in these countries, and later production or joint investment opportunities may certainly come to the agenda. Indeed, Pakistan has also brought up the issue of production in their country. These are significant steps. The positioning of TOGG abroad will open a new door not only for the automotive sector but also for Turkey's international prestige and economic relations. In this context, evaluating collaborations and joint investment opportunities can turn into a win-win situation for both sides. I believe that Turkey's car, TOGG, will also become our country's global brand.
We know how successful Asian countries, especially China, have been in electric vehicles. Indeed, we have made an agreement with a Chinese company. They have initiatives to establish a factory in Manisa. We signed the agreements in Dolmabahçe, Istanbul. Another Chinese brand also has initiatives to establish a factory in Samsun. Work is ongoing in this regard, and our Minister of Industry and Technology, Fatih Kacır, is following up. Both are serious global brands. The production of these vehicles in Manisa and Samsun will bring a very different atmosphere to Turkey's automotive sector. We are determined to maintain the momentum we have achieved in the domestic market with TOGG in the automotive sector. Turkey is virtually calling out to the world with TOGG, saying, 'We are here, we exist, and we are strong.'
"NO COACH SENDS A TEAM TO THE FIELD WITHOUT READING IT"
President Erdoğan made the following assessment regarding the AK Party congresses:
"You want to learn from me how we will send a team to the field. No coach sends a team to the field without reading it. We are currently working on this. You saw Istanbul, what kind of enthusiasm there was. Along with this enthusiasm, we carried out a significant restructuring there. We did not go to the field with the same team in Istanbul. We launched a beautiful team with our new provincial president, both in the main cadre and in the youth and women's branches. Now, on one hand, we are preparing for the congress we will hold on the 23rd. There, we will establish a dynamic structure consisting of the main cadre, women, and youth. With this dynamic structure, we will prepare a list that takes into account the demographic structure of all of Turkey and present it to the political arena, inshallah. As the AK Party, we have always seen our congresses as an opportunity for renewal and rejuvenation. Each of our congresses has been significant turning points for the AK Party and Turkey. Because we determined the cadres that govern our party and our country with our Grand Congresses. We have always viewed these processes not as a race for positions but as a relay race among cadres burning with the passion for service. Our goal has always been to advance our party and strengthen our understanding of service."
"MAYOR OF CHP ARE AT WAR AMONG THEMSELVES"
President Erdoğan referred to Özgür Özel's statements:
"Who receives what kind of political ban is not my concern, first and foremost. This is a matter for the judiciary, and the judiciary will follow up on these matters. If someone has committed a crime, the judiciary will evaluate it and impose the penalty. Moreover, Tayyip Erdoğan is a mayor who was sentenced to a known 10-month penalty and spent 4 months and 10 days in prison while he was already a mayor. It is not correct for the esteemed Chairman to express the issue by citing this as an example. It seems that someone will indeed emerge from these matters. The CHP mayors are currently at war among themselves. Neither I nor my friends have any issues regarding this matter. We are currently focused on our work. We are looking at our investments. Along with all this, we are also trying to maintain that vibrant structure within our party. I am currently satisfied with my friends. They are all on duty. They continue on their path by preserving their unity and solidarity in the Parliament."
"WHO WILL STAB KILIÇDAROĞLU IN THE BACK? THEY HAVE MADE THEIR PLANS"
President Erdoğan stated, "When we talked about the boiling pot within the CHP, what did they say? They claimed that they were completely united and that there was absolutely no division among them. So, what happened next? In their secret zoom summits, they made plans about who would stab Mr. Kılıçdaroğlu in the back. Remember, the person they wanted to present as the President of the country was declared insufficient within a few months. Now, we do not know who holds the dagger and who it will be stabbed in the back. This is their problem.
New zoom summits are being held, what whispers are echoing in the corridors, and who will hit whom in this regard, I cannot know. I have no such concern. Their concerns are never about serving the people; they are always busy digging each other's graves. God has protected this nation from the CHP, believe me. What would have happened if they had come to power in some local administrations, just as they did? We saw how eager the main opposition was to set up a table in the last elections. Now they have established a tripartite table among their mayors. Let's see what the result will be? It seems that these three people at the table have started to eat each other. " he stated.
"THEY SAY ELECTION IN ELECTION, ELECTION IN ELECTION, SO WHY ELECTION?"
President Erdoğan reacted to the election statements:
"My citizens will quickly decide that these people cannot manage Turkey by looking at the state of the municipalities they govern. It would be wrong to expect those who cannot even decide on their own agenda to read the world agenda and protect Turkey's interests. We have no agenda or concern about elections. They lie down, get up, and say, 'election in election, election in election.' So why election? There is no such problem in Turkey. The AK Party Organization is preparing as if there will be an election tomorrow, with its Chairman and candidate. Keeping this on the agenda, scratching it is definitely not in our plan or program. The roads in Ankara are not walkable due to mud. The streets are impassable due to stray dogs. The same situation applies to Istanbul. The citizens expect services while they are chasing political gain.
As I stated, these are not our problem. These are entirely the judiciary's problem. If I, as a political party leader and President, take these as interlocutors and they occupy my agenda, it diminishes me. I cannot accept such a thing. Let me be clear that all of this is entirely a matter for the judiciary. We will see what kind of action the judiciary will take regarding this. These are reflections of the conflict between the new and old management of the CHP. However, the distorted network of relationships there negatively affects the entire political institution. Everyone involved knows what happened at the CHP congress. But they play the three monkeys by saying, 'I didn't see, I didn't hear, I don't know.' However, they saw, heard, experienced, and know. The issue has also been referred to the judiciary. As a result of the investigation of the allegations by the judiciary, many truths are likely to come to light. You see that the previous Chairman of the party, Kılıçdaroğlu, cannot say, 'there is no suspicion.' He only says that the current CHP administration needs to make a statement. The CHP administration, on the other hand, does not touch the subject at all to prevent the threads from coming to light. Let's see where the bad smells are coming from?"
"IF I TAKE THESE AS INTERLOCUTORS AS PRESIDENT, IT DIMINISHES ME"
President Erdoğan evaluated the congress debate in the CHP:
"If I, as a political party leader and President, take these as interlocutors and they occupy my agenda, it diminishes me. I cannot accept such a thing. Let me be clear that all of this is entirely a matter for the judiciary. We will see what kind of action the judiciary will take regarding this. These are reflections of the conflict between the new and old management of the CHP. However, the distorted network of relationships there negatively affects the entire political institution. Everyone involved knows what happened at the CHP congress. But they play the three monkeys by saying, 'I didn't see, I didn't hear, I don't know.' However, they saw, heard, experienced, and know. The issue has also been referred to the judiciary. As a result of the investigation of the allegations by the judiciary, many truths are likely to come to light. You see that the previous Chairman of the party, Kılıçdaroğlu, cannot say, 'there is no suspicion.' He only says that the current CHP administration needs to make a statement. The CHP administration, on the other hand, does not touch the subject at all to prevent the threads from coming to light. Let's see where the bad smells are coming from?"
THE FIRE TRAGEDY IN BOLU
President Erdoğan emphasized that there should be no doubt that the hotel fire tragedy in Bolu Kartalkaya will be clarified:
"What can be done to prevent a similar incident from happening, what kind of deficiency caused this disaster, what measures should we take? Answers to all these questions will be provided. If a regulation is necessary, it will definitely be made. Our Parliament is currently in the process of establishing a research commission. I believe that the report this commission will provide regarding the research measures there will also guide us. It is extremely important to take necessary precautions to prevent such incidents from happening again. We must undergo a change in mentality in our approach to the issue. Introducing new criteria for fire safety will be a critical step for risky areas such as hotels, public buildings, hospitals, and plazas. Increasing fire safety standards and conducting regular inspections in such places are necessary to ensure both life safety and prevent material loss. Defining the powers and responsibilities of local governments and the central administration is also very important. While local governments take fire safety measures in their regions, the central administration must ensure the supervision of these implementations. The government's efforts through ministries regarding fire safety after such incidents are also extremely important. It is essential for both local governments and the central administration to collaborate to develop and implement an effective strategy in the field of fire safety for the safety of the community. We will do whatever is necessary for all those responsible in the incident that has been referred to the judiciary to be held accountable. We will also do whatever is necessary as a state to ensure that our tourism sector, one of the locomotives of our country's economy, does not suffer from such disasters."
"A NEW AND CIVIL CONSTITUTION IS OF GREAT IMPORTANCE FOR THE FUTURE OF TURKEY"
President Erdoğan made statements regarding the new constitution process:
"First of all, the issue of the constitution is on the agenda, taking its place at the top. This issue, as you know, has always been on our agenda. We continue our efforts without forgetting the reality of Turkey's need for a new constitution. We will continue to explain that the constitution that holds Turkey back in the changing world needs to be renewed. A conciliatory, unifying, libertarian, and civil constitution that encompasses all segments of society is one of our main goals. As we have said before, we keep this constitutional issue on our agenda not out of concern for the agenda but because it is a real need.
A new and civil constitution is of great importance for the future of Turkey. We do not see this process as merely creating a legal document. We see the civil constitution as a guarantee of the democratic values, human rights achievements, and individual freedoms that we have brought to Turkey in 22 years.
The occasional loss of prominence of the issue does not reduce the need for a new constitution. On the contrary, this process can come to the forefront before the elections, creating more discussion and participation in society. A new constitutional process before the elections will be quite important in terms of revealing the views of both political parties and society on this matter.
Considering Turkey's diversity and dynamic social structure, the preparation of a new constitution will provide a critical opportunity to create an inclusive and fair framework that takes into account the needs of broad segments of society. All segments of society should view the new constitution as an opportunity for Turkey's future. This process can be an important step not only as a political tool but also for social peace and solidarity. With the support and participation of the people, it is possible to develop a draft constitution that responds to Turkey's needs in the meantime. As the People's Alliance, we have demonstrated our sincerity on this issue with concrete examples at every opportunity. We also expect the same sensitivity from other political parties represented in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey.