03.02.2026 22:55
In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, one of the leading newspapers in Saudi Arabia and the Arab world, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated, "Turkey is ready to take on a facilitating role between Iran and the U.S." and added, "We stand against every step that will set the region on fire and alongside every step that will strengthen peace."
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan gave an interview to Asharq Al-Awsat, one of the leading newspapers in Saudi Arabia and the Arab world.
The interview, in which President Erdoğan outlined his vision for regional peace, security, and cooperation, and included his assessments on global agendas such as Turkey-Saudi Arabia relations, Iran, Gaza, Syria, Sudan, and Somalia, was published in Arabic and English.
TURKEY-SAUDI ARABIA RELATIONS
In response to a question about how Turkey-Saudi Arabia relations are evaluated in terms of security and stability in the region, President Erdoğan stated that the two countries are two friendly nations with historical ties, strong state traditions, and a sense of regional responsibility, emphasizing that this relationship is not limited to a bilateral agenda. President Erdoğan highlighted that the friendship between the two countries also has a strategic nature in terms of regional peace, stability, and prosperity.
In his assessment of the main agenda of the visit, President Erdoğan said they aim to deepen consultations on regional issues and advance bilateral relations in concrete areas. He noted that structuring the program to also include the business world reflects the will to advance economic cooperation, stating that the agenda includes regional topics such as Palestine, a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, and Syria, while trade, investments, and joint projects will be addressed in the economic dimension.
President Erdoğan expressed that they are focusing on sustainable and concrete projects that have counterparts in the field in new cooperation steps, stating that they see serious potential in the fields of economy, trade, and investment, as well as energy, tourism, transportation, and logistics, and that they aim for a mutually trusting cooperation in the defense industry.
TENSION WITH IRAN
In response to a question regarding the recent tension with Iran and the prevention of a possible conflict, President Erdoğan emphasized that they absolutely do not want a new war in the region and are in favor of resolving issues through dialogue and common sense. He stated that they have expressed their opposition to military intervention against Iran on every platform and conveyed to their counterparts that steps that would escalate tensions should be avoided. President Erdoğan expressed that Turkey is ready to take on a facilitative role between Iran and the USA, noting that they stand against any step that would set the region on fire and alongside every step that would strengthen peace. He also highlighted the importance of consultations and coordination with regional countries, including Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
SECOND PHASE OF THE PEACE PLAN IN GAZA
In response to a question about the challenges ahead of the second phase of the Gaza peace plan, President Erdoğan stated that the fragility of the ceasefire is one of the biggest obstacles, emphasizing that the protection of civilians, the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid, and the cessation of forced displacements are fundamental priorities. He stressed that reconstruction efforts should be initiated without delay, stating that permanent tranquility cannot be achieved without establishing security in the field. President Erdoğan also mentioned that Turkey is ready to contribute to peace in Gaza when the necessary conditions are met.
DEVELOPMENTS IN SYRIA
In response to a question about the contacts between the Syrian government and the terrorist organization SDG/YPG, President Erdoğan stated that the positive developments emerging in the field and in diplomacy indicate that a new political horizon is possible in Syria. He pointed out the importance of preserving Syria's territorial integrity, strengthening national unity, and establishing state authority throughout the country, emphasizing that for Turkey, the measure is a Syria that does not pose a threat to its neighbors and does not provide space for terrorist organizations. President Erdoğan expressed that the future of Syria will be shaped by the will of the Syrians.
CIVIL WAR IN SUDAN
In response to a question about ending the ongoing war in Sudan, President Erdoğan stated that the war in Sudan has reached its thousandth day and that the Sudanese people have paid a heavy price. He expressed that Turkey supports diplomatic efforts to achieve peace, noting that the TIKA office and the Agricultural Bank branch in Port Sudan have reopened, Turkish Airlines has started flights, and humanitarian aid continues. Erdoğan also mentioned that they value the constructive initiatives carried out by Saudi Arabia, the USA, and Egypt.
SOMALILAND ISSUE
In response to a question about Israel's recognition of Somaliland, President Erdoğan stated that this decision is illegitimate and that Turkey considers this decision null and void. He expressed that Turkey will continue to defend Somalia's territorial integrity in line with United Nations resolutions and valued the statements of regional countries and international organizations rejecting the decision.