16.05.2026 13:20
President Erdogan answered journalists' questions on the plane during his return from the Kazakhstan visit. Erdogan emphasized that they will not make those who do not want a Terror-Free Turkey happy, saying, "Our Intelligence Organization is working to accelerate the disarmament. We are determined, we will not give them the opportunity. Our intention is good, our path is auspicious."
President Erdoğan, who returned to Istanbul after completing the Informal Summit of the Organization of Turkic States in Kazakhstan and bilateral contacts, answered journalists' questions on current issues on the plane on his way back. Erdoğan gave striking messages regarding the critical NATO Summit in Ankara, the mayors who switched from CHP to AK Party, the social media ban for those under 15, and the new constitution.
"OUR INTELLIGENCE ORGANIZATION IS WORKING" Responding to a question about a terrorism-free Turkey, Erdoğan said, "In the past 18 months, we have made significant progress and overcome many covert and overt challenges, such as the TAI attack. Despite these, we have not strayed from our path. Our Intelligence Organization is working to accelerate the disarmament process. It is a fact that, from the very beginning, there have been those who prayed for and made efforts for the success of the process, as well as those who are uncomfortable with it. The process has progressed so far, despite its natural difficulties. We are determined, we will not make those who do not want a terrorism-free Turkey happy. We are determined, we will not give them an opportunity. Our intention is good, our path is auspicious."
President Erdoğan's statement regarding the visit is as follows;
"Dear members of the press, dear friends, I greet you with my warmest feelings. We have completed our visit to Astana and Turkistan to attend the 6th Meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council and the Informal Summit of the Organization of Turkic States in Kazakhstan. My dear brother Kassym-Jomart Tokayev showed extraordinary hospitality from the beginning to the end of the visit. I thank him and the Kazakh authorities once again through you. In our meetings in Astana, we had the opportunity to evaluate our relations and regional and global developments in detail. We expressed our satisfaction with the course of our relations and our determination to deepen our cooperation in every field. In addition to the 12 documents signed in various fields, we signed the 'Eternal Friendship and Expanded Strategic Joint Declaration' with Mr. Tokayev. We believe that our successful 6th Council meeting has a historic character for the relations between the two brotherly countries and I hope it will bring good fortune.
Dear friends, our brothers in Central Asia were among the first countries to rush to support our nation after the February 6 earthquakes. On this occasion, we also held the opening ceremony of the school built by Kazakhstan in Gaziantep, which we named after Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. I addressed Turkish and Kazakh business people together with Mr. Tokayev by attending the Business Forum. In recent years, the driving force of our relations with Kazakhstan has been particularly trade, investments, and energy. We are talking about a Kazakh economy that has grown by an average of over 5% in the last 5 years. Likewise, there is a Kazakhstan with the largest economy in Central Asia, with a total foreign trade volume reaching 145 billion dollars. There are investments of nearly 5,500 of our companies reaching 6 billion dollars, from construction to finance, from tourism to informatics. The value of projects undertaken by our contractors amounts to 30 billion dollars. We aim to increase our trade volume of 10 billion dollars to 15 billion dollars. There is also significant cooperation in the energy field. We consider the agreement reached by Kazakhstan with Azerbaijan regarding the transfer of Kazakh oil via the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipeline as important. During our visit, documents were signed between Turkish Petroleum and its Kazakh counterpart regarding the operation of oil and gas fields. I believe that our energy cooperation will strengthen even more in the future.
Dear members of the press, in the second leg of our visit to Kazakhstan, we participated in the Informal Summit of the Organization of Turkic States held in the city of Turkistan, one of the spiritual capitals of the Turkic world. We signed the 'Turkistan Declaration' together with the leaders of the Turkic states, aiming to make our current cooperation more effective with digitalization and artificial intelligence opportunities. With the declaration, we also agreed on the need to strengthen the institutional integration processes among Turkic states in line with the requirements of the digital age. Another significance of this summit for us was the participation of the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Mr. Tufan Erhürman. We attach great importance to the participation of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, an integral part of the Turkic world, in the Organization's activities. The Turkic world also does its part, embracing the Turkish Cypriot people. Hopefully, during our term presidency, which we will take over with the 13th Summit we will host next autumn, we will carry our organization to higher levels. I hope that the consultations we held both in Astana and Turkistan will bring good fortune, and now I leave the floor to you."
"LEADERS SUMMIT WILL BE HELD UNDER THE HOSTING OF OUR COUNTRY" QUESTION: You are the leader who has done the most work on the Turkic world and achieved concrete results to date. You described the upcoming period as the "Turkish Century". In this context, what is your most important vision and goal that you want to realize in relations with the Turkic states in the coming period?
"First of all, as you know, we have always been a government that attaches importance to relations with the Turkic world. We take pride in crowning this with the Organization of Turkic States. Within our organization, which we see as our 'family council', we discuss all kinds of cooperation and try to evaluate all opportunities. We believe in progress and development together. In all platforms, we state that the Turkic world can play a more effective role for the peace, stability, and security of our region. Furthermore, due to the importance we give to Turkic world studies, we established a presidency responsible for the Turkic world in our party and prepared Turkey's first 'Turkic World Vision Document'. Everyone knows that the economic, cultural, and strategic potential of the Turkic world is very high. We are making efforts to activate this potential and make further advances in every field, especially diplomacy, energy, trade, transportation, security, and defense. Just as our ancestors in the past reinforced the power of the Turk in the world with peace and justice, we believe that today, as strong and sovereign countries of the Turkic world, we will re-establish this. This year, the Leaders Summit of the Organization of Turkic States will be held under the hosting of our country. During our presidency, we will make great efforts to strengthen the organization internally and externally. I do not think we will have any problems with this, God willing."
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“SHORT-TERM CALCULATIONS MUST BE ABANDONED” QUESTION: We are facing a process referred to as the “Gulf Crisis,” involving America’s attacks on Iran and the Gulf being set on fire. We are a strong country both in the eyes of the United States and Iran. You are also a strong leader, and you have good relations with these countries. Why can’t this crisis be resolved, sir? What was left undone that led to this situation, or from your perspective, what should be done from now on so that we and the world can overcome this problem at the same time?
“Now, one of the main factors that gave rise to this crisis, as I emphasize at every opportunity, is Israel’s unending provocations. Israel, captivated by certain dreams and utopias, has repeatedly shown through these provocations that it does not hesitate to set our region ablaze for its own desires. Israel wants this war to spread across the region and for the fog in our region to increase further. First, it is essential to neutralize Israel’s provocations and then to build a genuine peace. As Turkey, we are making every effort and will continue to do so to ensure that this chaos disappears before turning into a more complicated picture. We believe that the region’s problems can be solved by the region’s countries. Together, we must increase our efforts for peace, stability, and tranquility, and disrupt the bloody games. If lasting stability is desired in the region, everyone must set aside their short-term calculations. Countries should defend the rights of their own country and citizens, not those of international companies or non-regional actors.”
NATO SUMMIT IN ANKARA QUESTION: Turkey will soon host the NATO Summit in Ankara. This summit coincides with a period when NATO is being debated. The agenda at this summit mostly involves finalizing defense expenditures, but more importantly, NATO’s future may be discussed here. What is Turkey’s perspective on the future of NATO?
“The NATO Leaders Summit we will organize in Ankara on July 7-8 holds critical importance in the alliance’s history. Recent developments both in our region and the world have somewhat increased the significance of the Ankara summit. We expect important decisions to be made in Ankara regarding the future of the alliance and the subsequent shape of the global security architecture. Today’s world is not a continuation of the old world of NATO’s founding days. A new world has been established, and in this new world, NATO’s position is very different. Threats have become more complex, risks have diversified, the global system has eroded; in short, the world has changed greatly. Fair burden-sharing within NATO, sincere cooperation, and a common security understanding are very, very important for the alliance’s future. As Turkey, we are ready to do our part for a more determined and more prepared NATO against threats.”
QUESTION: Turkey demonstrates its vision and demand for full membership in the European Union at every opportunity. However, fundamental issues such as the customs union and visas have not yet been resolved. Can we expect structural improvement or positive developments in these matters? On the other hand, is the delay in all these processes, including membership, due to some countries within the European Union seeing Turkey as a rival?
“That is also a factor. But we did not put forward our vision for full membership in the European Union to be a rival to anyone or to trip them up. We sincerely want to strengthen both our country and the Union as part of the European Union. However, unfortunately, the European Union is not aware of this. Just because the European Union is not aware of this, we cannot give up our ideals. Let me say this very clearly and openly: we have defended this vision with determination for years and taken consistent steps. Despite the fact that, from time to time, Turkey has been subjected to some ambivalent or outright discriminatory practices, we remain faithfully committed to our membership offer. Turkey is a country that takes on burdens, not adds to them, in the structures it participates in. Every platform we join is a rising value. Let me also say openly that we occasionally hear very unfortunate and shallow remarks from within the Union directed at our country. We explain to our counterparts that this attitude harms the European Union in today’s world, which is changing in every field. Turkey is a great opportunity for the European Union, and the Union must make a historic decision to seize it. Europe, as I have stated before, has come to a crossroads, and it must evaluate the situation much more carefully at this crossroads.”
CAN TURKEY RETURN TO THE F-35 PROGRAM? QUESTION: Are there any new developments regarding Turkey’s return to the F-35 program? Additionally, we see that there is intense interest in our national and domestic fighter jet, KAAN. Most recently, there were news reports that Spain is also interested in KAAN. What stage are we at in terms of production and exports?
“Our demands regarding the F-35 are clear. Our colleagues are continuing their contacts with their American counterparts. We hope for a positive outcome. Our KAAN project is progressing day by day. When the process is completed, a new story will begin in this field. KAAN is a first step for us. We will make better and stronger ones; we will do so. Let no one doubt that. Not only KAAN but also many of our defense industry products are successfully attracting the world’s attention. At SAHA-2026 held in Istanbul, our strength and effectiveness in the defense industry were demonstrated. More than 150 thousand visitors saw the level our country has reached in this field and the concrete results. Over 200 new products were introduced, and a business volume of 8 billion dollars was achieved. The figures both reveal the level we have reached and further encourage us regarding our goals.”
“WE ARE DETERMINED FOR A TERROR-FREE TURKEY” QUESTION: I will ask a question in the context of a terror-free Turkey. Starting with your message in August 2024 in Ahlat about strengthening the domestic front, we have reached a stage that brings considerable hope, passing through various phases and a report that was overwhelmingly accepted in the Turkish Grand National Assembly. Regarding the next stage, what is the course of the process, especially the timing of a possible conditional and time-limited framework law—could this happen before the parliament recess, for example? Considering the fluctuations in the disarmament process as a whole, what roadmap lies ahead? What awaits us?
“'A Terror-Free Turkey' is the name of a goal that will solidify the unity, solidarity, and eternal brotherhood of 86 million people. As the People’s Alliance, we are taking solid, prudent, and courageous steps to achieve this goal with unity of purpose. In the past 18 months, we have both made significant progress and overcome many hidden and open difficulties, such as the TUSAŞ attack. Despite these, we have not deviated from our path. Our parliamentary commission has put forward a roadmap based on consensus.”
MAYORS WHO SWITCHED FROM CHP TO AK PARTY QUESTION: Mr. President, these days, CHP is on the agenda not only with corruption cases but also with treason accusations, seat fights, and internal reckonings. 17 mayors directly joined the AK Party, fleeing from this chaos. These mayors say they believe that the environment and ground where they can safely engage in politics is in the AK Party, that the future and destiny lie in the AK Party. They explain their reasons this way. How do you interpret this chaos and crisis within CHP, which has also spread to its base? Is it a crisis of trust? A security crisis? What is it according to you?
\"We are a movement that has come together with the aim of serving the nation and focused on improving the quality of politics. We continue our historic march with those who share our high values and our passion for serving the nation. We will never give up on this and will not give anyone an opportunity. Some friends who were threatened, pressured, and insulted by CHP executives found peace in the AK Party and joined us. Those who were once part of that party know best what the CHP leadership has done to it. It is very, very sad for the reputation of politics that those who turned CHP into a center for corruption, theft, and bribery have deepened the rot within. We are not interested in the seat wars, the blame game, and the slander olympics within CHP. We focus on our path. We strive to provide our nation with the services it deserves. The first statements of our mayors who joined the AK Party were: 'We want to serve. This is not possible in CHP. We have become unable to conduct municipal affairs amidst CHP's internal conflicts.' So, there may be more friends joining us in the same way in the future.\"
QUESTION: The summer months are ahead, and the time is approaching when our expatriate citizens will come to Turkey for vacation. The opposition uses ugly language regarding expatriates. Sometimes they put them in a position that demoralizes them on the street and makes them regret coming to Turkey. I would appreciate your evaluations on this issue.
\"They do this in an indecent manner. The opposition's demeaning statements targeting our citizens living abroad are absolutely unacceptable. Whoever is better at swearing and insulting gains the favor of the current CHP leadership and comes to the forefront. They can shamelessly curse those for whom they cried yesterday. They can shower with spittle those they couldn't praise enough yesterday. Imagine what a mentality that considers this legitimate toward their long-time travel companions can do to citizens. It seems that no matter what you do against the main opposition, this jug doesn't hold water. It's terrible. But despite all this, our party, with all its organization, continues on its path by standing much firmer against these mistakes, and we will continue.\"
SOCIAL MEDIA BAN FOR UNDER 15 QUESTION: Virtual media is perhaps at the top of the most important agenda items these days. The dangers here are like a bottomless ocean. Our children face the danger and risk of falling under the influence of malicious individuals through content directed by algorithms, from virtual games to digital platforms. A legal regulation for under 15 has been made. So, what other measures are planned to protect our children from the invisible dangers of the digital world?
\"The digital world has become an inseparable part of life today. We know this reality and act accordingly. We are making regulations with an understanding that does not reject technology but uses it for the benefit of humanity. We attach great importance to this issue. Because the chaotic atmosphere of the digital world is full of structures and unfortunately individuals trying to trap our children. We all know how destructive the visible and invisible threats of the virtual world have become. Our cyber units continue to fight digital crimes with their virtual patrols. We are taking measures against all of these, from content that encourages violence and creates addiction to deviant trends and cyberbullying. With the age verification system, the internet will now become safer for our children under 15. We have made and are making decisions on this. This protection will be ensured through the cooperation of families, social network providers, and the state. Through activities that will strengthen digital literacy, both our educators and families will become more conscious about the virtual realm. We are not abandoning our children to the mercy of algorithms. Additional measures are also planned and will be implemented as soon as possible. We are obliged to act with a spirit of mobilization to protect our children.\"
\"WE PAID 11.6 BILLION LIRA TO 140 THOUSAND YOUTH\" QUESTION: The last week of May is famously Family Week. Family support packages, incentives and loans for young people to get married are evident. Will there be new good news, sir?
\"On the occasion of Family Week, we say once again, 'We will not let this fortress be destroyed.' The population issue is a vital matter for Turkey. The decline in our population's renewal rate, in particular, is alarming. Increasing this is very, very important for our future. One of the negative consequences of digital technologies is, of course, the widespread rise of individualism and loneliness. This brings the risk that the family and family values do not receive the attention they deserve in society. It is our primary duty as a state to combat these, take various measures to protect our population. Along with all this, as a politician who has been drawing attention to this danger for years, I have faced unfair criticism. We have proven how right our warning about 3 children was. Our righteousness has emerged in the current picture. The Family and Youth Fund was established for this purpose, and so far, over 205 thousand of our young people have qualified to benefit from it. We have paid a total of 11.6 billion lira to over 140 thousand of our youth.\"We are still with young people through family counseling, family discount agreements, and support based on the number of children. Our concern is to leave no unmarried young person in this country, and hopefully no unlit hearth.
CONSTITUTIONAL MESSAGE QUESTION: You emphasize at every opportunity that Turkey needs a new constitution. Perhaps not in this term, but in the upcoming term, will we witness new steps in this regard?
"We will always keep the issue of a new constitution on the agenda and will definitely fulfill this promise we made to our nation. We have completed our preparations on this matter and identified the needs and demands of our nation. If we are talking about civilian politics and legislative arrangements suited to the requirements of the era, we see it as a goal to meet all steps to be taken for this, together with the need for a new constitution. The nation wants to get rid of a constitution bearing the stain of a coup, God willing, and attain a new, inclusive, libertarian, and civilian constitution. Politics cannot turn a deaf ear to the demands of the nation. It is in the hands of the political institution to end this longing, and it is the most important task to be done. The new constitution is no longer a luxury but a necessity, even an obligation. We see this issue as above politics and openly call on political parties. We say: let us set aside all political prejudices. Let us together build a text that every segment of society can say, 'This is my constitution.'"