"President Erdoğan signals cross-border operation."

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held an interview with journalists on the plane returning from his visits to Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan.

Stating that he mentioned the genocide in Gaza and Lebanon during his speech at the Second Extraordinary Joint Summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation-Arab League held in Riyadh, Erdoğan emphasized the necessity of an urgent ceasefire and the uninterrupted and regular delivery of humanitarian aid to those in need.

"THE COUNTRY TAKING THE MOST CONCRETE STEP IS TURKEY"

Erdoğan said, "As you know, we are making intense efforts to keep the pressure on Israel alive and to take coercive measures against this country based on international law. The country that has given the strongest reaction to Israel's atrocities in the world and has taken the most concrete step, including halting trade, is undoubtedly Turkey."

PREVENTION OF WEAPONS AND AMMUNITION SHIPMENTS TO ISRAEL

Emphasizing that Turkey is at the top in the amount of humanitarian aid sent to Gaza, Erdoğan stated, "52 countries and 2 international organizations have expressed their support for the initiative we launched at the United Nations to prevent the shipment of weapons and ammunition to Israel. We recently submitted our letter regarding this initiative to the President of the UN Security Council and the UN Secretary-General."

Recalling that a decision was made at the summit in Riyadh to invite all organization and Arab League members to sign the letter, Erdoğan reported that Turkey's steps to stop the massacre and its humanitarian aid efforts were praised at the summit.

"WE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO HOLD BILATERAL MEETINGS"

Erdoğan explained that they had the opportunity to hold bilateral meetings during the summit, stating, "We met with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. It was a productive meeting. Additionally, we had contacts and discussions with the heads of state and government and other officials from Jordan, King Abdullah, Palestinian Leader Mahmoud Abbas, as well as Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Iraq, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Chad, Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, and the Maldives."

WORLD LEADERS CLIMATE SUMMIT IN BAKU

Recalling that he attended the World Leaders Climate Summit held in Baku as the second leg of his visit, Erdoğan said, "I would like to thank my brother, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, for the warm welcome extended to me and my delegation at the summit."

Erdoğan stated that 80 countries participated at the level of heads of state and government in the summit, which is the most important climate event under the United Nations, and said, "The negotiation topic with the highest expectations at the summit was the financing of climate change. The discussion focused on how to create the financial resources needed by developing countries. We evaluated the confirmation of the annual $100 billion climate financing target announced at the 2009 Copenhagen Climate Summit for after 2025 and its support with additional mechanisms."

"I EXPRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ZERO WASTE MOVEMENT"

In his address to the summit, Erdoğan stated that he explained Turkey's efforts in the fight against climate change, continuing:

"I emphasized that we will continue to contribute to the global climate trend. I expressed the importance of the Zero Waste Movement, which was initiated by my wife Emine Erdoğan and quickly turned into a global project. I also pointed out the progress we have made in afforestation, water management, and renewable energy. We rank fifth in Europe and eleventh in the world in renewable energy. In addition to our water efficiency mobilization, we declared every November 11 as 'National Afforestation Day.' Starting from yesterday, we began to connect millions of saplings with the soil with the support of our people."

"WE DISCUSSED REGIONAL DEVELOPMENTS"

Erdoğan stated that he held bilateral meetings with his counterparts attending the Leaders Summit, saying, "In this context, we met with UK Prime Minister Mr. Keir Starmer, Kazakhstan President Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Moldova President Ms. Maia Sandu, Montenegro President Mr. Jakov Milatovic, and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. In these meetings, we discussed our bilateral relations as well as regional developments. I hope that the decisions taken at both summits will be beneficial, and I thank both our Saudi brothers and my dear Azerbaijan, especially my brother Ilham, for their kind hospitality."

After his statements, President Erdoğan answered questions from journalists.

QUESTION-ANSWER

"WE HAVE TAKEN OUR MEASURES"

The climate issue is one of the most critical challenges facing the world. Just as we take this issue as seriously as we do wars, conflicts, and migrations, we are persistently discussing what measures we can take with our relevant ministries as a government in Turkey. We have taken, are taking, and will continue to take measures to use the limited resources of our world in the most efficient way and to elevate the civilization we have developed over centuries to a very different level.

"WE MUST ACT ORGANIZED"

As Turkey, we care about this issue and are making maximum efforts to do our part. However, it is not possible to find a deep and lasting solution to this issue solely through our efforts or those of a few countries accompanying us. We must act organized and shoulder the burden of this problem together. If some countries fully combat climate change while others ignore the necessary measures out of greed for profit or even attempt to pollute the environment further, we cannot overcome this problem.

Starting from the smallest unit of society, families, we can overcome this global problem with a mobilization focused on the goal and high awareness, involving institutions, organizations, local governments, civil society, countries, and international organizations. It is especially important to ensure the participation of countries that do not have sufficient resources and means in the fight against climate change through financing, technology transfer, and capacity development.

"OUR ENVIRONMENTAL AND CLIMATE SENSITIVITY IS AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL"

In today's world, where the importance of the Zero Waste initiative is increasingly understood, we are striving to spread this initiative and turn it into a lifestyle. Our environmental and climate sensitivity is at the highest level and will remain so. Just as we have taken our measures so far, we will continue to do so in the future.

"THE DEVELOPMENT OF TURKEY-US RELATIONS CANNOT BE ACHIEVED THROUGH PHONE DIPLOMACY"

In the new era, the development of relations between Turkey and the United States cannot be achieved through phone diplomacy. We will meet with Mr. Trump at international meetings or bilateral talks to better determine how we will evaluate the upcoming process.

Right now, we need to see how Mr. Trump's cabinet will be formed and what kind of cabinet will emerge. Additionally, Mr. Trump's cabinet will get to know each other much better through meetings with my cabinet colleagues, and accordingly, we will hopefully take our steps.

At this point, Vice Presidents and Foreign Ministers are of great importance. Our ministers will come together to get to know each other and consult. Our hope is that a very different process will begin between Turkey and the United States.

"IT IS POSSIBLE TO DEVELOP NEW COOPERATIONS"

Undoubtedly, there are always opportunities between the two countries. Our fundamental expectation is the willingness to evaluate these opportunities and to take steps that will benefit both countries. We approach the issue from the perspective of our country's interests, as every leader does. The Trump administration sees the economy as one of its primary targets. Turkey, with its strategic geographical location and young population, is a country that offers investment opportunities. We can create new opportunities to increase trade volume and encourage investments between the two countries. It is especially possible for us to develop new collaborations in the fields of energy, infrastructure, and technology.

"STEPS CAN BE TAKEN WITH MUSK"

In this campaign, Musk stood by Mr. Trump. What concerns us here is that Musk is a businessman working in the field of space and technology. He is someone who closely follows technology and has taken some serious technological steps. We had a meeting with him regarding this issue in Turkey. When we met him at the last United Nations General Assembly at the Türkevi, he had brought his child with him.

During our meeting at the Türkevi, we had a sincere discussion. Turkey's advancements in technology are attracting the world's attention. Technology is not an area you can progress in alone; you definitely need some collaborations. If cooperation opportunities arise in this field, steps can also be taken with Musk. We will see in time in which area Elon Musk will serve under Mr. Trump's administration and how his role will benefit Mr. Trump or the U.S. administration.

THE IMPACT OF TRUMP'S ELECTION ON THE ISRAEL OCCUPATION THREAT

It seems a bit early for me to make assessments on this issue. Let's see if Trump takes over from Biden. After the handover, we will see what kind of steps will be taken in the new period. Our hope is that Trump will take much different steps towards the region during this term. Because sometimes the messages given can cause us concern. Therefore, we need to see January. From January onwards, I believe we will see what kind of steps will be taken.

Just as we spoke with him a few days after his election, I believe we will continue to have these contacts in the same way in the future. Because our meetings with Trump in the past were significantly more than those with Biden. Hopefully, we will take these steps in the best way during this term, and both the United States and Turkey will benefit from it.

RUSSIA AND CHINA'S STANCE ON ISRAEL AND GAZA

Time will show us what kind of attitudes Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Putin will have. Time is the most ideal witness to this matter. We must follow this and we will. Accordingly, we will see what kind of stance they take and what steps they will take. Because these countries have now become very important in the world. Therefore, we will also follow them.

China and Russia have made statements that Israel's attacks are unjust and unlawful. They also have declarations regarding the cessation of attacks and resolving the issue through diplomacy. Russia and China signed our joint letter initiative requesting measures to stop the shipment of weapons and ammunition to Israel, which is an important step. Because as long as this shipment of weapons and ammunition to Israel continues, Israel will become more aggressive.

Every day that Israel is not stopped, the humanitarian situation in Palestine and Lebanon worsens. Every day that humanitarian aid cannot reach uninterruptedly, people are dying due to lack of medicine, hunger, thirst, and brutal attacks.

"BEING HUMAN IS ENOUGH TO STAND AGAINST OPPRESSION"

Since the day Israel launched its genocide in Gaza, we have been inviting everyone to stand against the massacres and deaths. One of the agenda items with all the countries we meet is undoubtedly the oppression that Israel applies to the Palestinians. To stand against oppression, it is enough to be human. It does not matter what language you speak, what faith you have, or the color of your skin, hair, or eyes; what matters is whether you possess human values. Unfortunately, we have not seen this from some Western governments.

It is very difficult to find common ground with those whose hearts do not tremble at the cries of struggling Palestinian children. Those who do not rebel when they see hospitals and ambulances being attacked, who normalize it and try to cover up this crime with the excuse of "Israel has the right to defend itself," it would be wishful thinking to expect them to stand against oppression.

"WE ARE WORKING TO EXPAND THE HUMANITY ALLIANCE"

We are working to expand the humanity alliance with Arab countries and Turkish states, to show that we are one voice and one heart. We need to raise our voices against this oppression with a common purpose and tone. It is even more important to do this without multiplying the lost time. Our call includes concrete steps. For example, a legal struggle has begun at the International Court of Justice, and strong support for it is important.

Striving for the recognition of the State of Palestine is another concrete step. Without a two-state solution, it is impossible to bring peace and tranquility to the region. Commercial restrictions and embargoes against Israel are also another form of struggle. It is also important to establish active diplomacy that will corner Israel in every area to increase diplomatic pressure. We are in the midst of a great test of humanity. Passing this test is only possible by being part of the humanity alliance. Otherwise, history will judge those who stood by Israel and those who remained silent against oppression.

ALLEGATIONS OF CONTINUED TRADE WITH ISRAEL

This is the dirtiest side of politics. Why do they do this? They do this with the understanding of how to undermine the current government. As the Republic of Turkey and its government, we have currently severed relations with Israel. We have no relations with Israel at this point. In the future, we will not take any steps to develop these relations.

As you know, these political parties, which "burn as much as their crime allows." What are they doing now? They are in search of how to overthrow the People's Alliance or how to discredit the People's Alliance.

This cannot be criticized. Currently, the People's Alliance is firmly determined to sever relations with Israel. We will continue this determination in the upcoming process. The Government of the Republic of Turkey, led by Tayyip Erdoğan, will not continue or develop its legal relationship with Israel. We have no intention of doing so.

Some have closed their ears, eyes, and minds with the plugs of greed regarding this issue. They are blind to the truth, deaf to hearing the truth, and mute to speaking the truth. There is nothing left for them to do. No matter what we say, they will continue to struggle in the pit they are in. Our interlocutors have never been slanderers. We have explained this issue to our nation and will continue to do so. Because our nation is a witness to how sincerely we have strived in this matter. Not only our nation but the world is a witness. We have cut off trade and relations with Israel, period.

"WE WILL BE ON THE NECKS OF THE OPPRESSORS"

We stand by the just cause of Palestine until the end. We will hold the oppressor known as Netanyahu and his gang accountable for their actions in front of the law. We will be on the necks of the oppressors until the end. We know that because we are putting such pressure, these slanderers in Israel's wake will target us. We determine our direction not according to the dirty sentences of the slanderers but according to the direction indicated by our nation.

"I AM STILL HOPEFUL ABOUT ASSAD"

I did not have the opportunity to listen to Bashar Assad's speech. I went out to meet with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. I am still hopeful about Assad. I still have hope that we can come together and hopefully put the Syria-Turkey relations back on track. Because we need to eliminate the terrorist organizations between Syria and Turkey. There is a ground for just and lasting peace in Syria. The steps to achieve this are also clear.

We have extended our hand for normalization to the Syrian side. We believe that this normalization will open the door to peace and tranquility in Syrian territory. We are not the ones threatening Syria's territorial integrity. It is the terrorists, primarily the PKK/PYD/YPG terrorist organization, that threaten Syria's territorial integrity. The Syrians scattered across many countries do not threaten Syria's territorial integrity either. Assad must realize this and take steps to initiate a new climate in his country and take ownership of it. The threat from Israel next door is not a fairy tale. It should not be forgotten that the fire in the surrounding area will spread rapidly in unstable lands.

"WE HAVE PREPARED GROUND FOR OUR SYRIAN BROTHERS WITH HOUSING CONSTRUCTION"

There is a situation regarding a 30-kilometer deep area that is free from terrorism. In fact, the issue of 30 kilometers deep was about our steps to eliminate these terrorist organizations within Syria. On the other hand, the aim was to prepare the ground for the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of our Syrian brothers who came to Turkey. A certain distance has been covered in this regard. Our housing constructions in northern Syria are still ongoing. We have prepared a ground for our Syrian brothers with these housing constructions.

Currently, both at the COP Summit and in the meetings we held in Riyadh, the steps we will take in Syria are of great importance. As soon as we resolve this, we will already make significant progress in northern Syria. Right now, think of the Kamışlı region in Syria. Why are we taking necessary steps with our security forces in Kamışlı? Because we say let's eliminate this terrorist organization from its roots there. With these steps, our security forces have made significant progress there. They have achieved very serious results. Both our intelligence agency and our security forces have relieved Turkey with the results they have obtained there.

"OUR CROSS-BORDER OPERATIONS ARE ALWAYS ON OUR AGENDA"

The security of our country and the peace of our citizens are always on our agenda for our cross-border operations. If we feel threatened, we are ready to start our cross-border operations at any moment. Let there be no doubt about our respect for Syria's territorial integrity. However, there is complete instability in northern Syria. This creates a favorable environment for terrorist organizations to feed off the chaos in that region and maintain their presence there.

The instability in Syria and the presence of terrorist organizations there pose a security risk for us. The aim of all our operations against both ISIS and PKK/PYD/YPG is to ensure our own security. The steps we will take from now on will also be for this purpose. There are still areas where terrorists are holding on at our borders, and this poses a risk to our security. It is not possible to ensure complete security without completely clearing those areas and drying up the swamp of terrorism.

THE OPPOSITION'S STANCE ON ISRAEL'S AGGRESSION

Currently, the opposition does not have such a concern. Since the opposition does not have such a concern, we are now cutting our own umbilical cord. We have to; there is no other way. All the news coming in also indicates that the results obtained in Syria will, in my opinion, also relieve Syria. However, reviving our legal relationship with Bashar Assad here will hopefully relieve the region much more. It seems that the opposition has not understood our understanding of keeping our internal front strong. Strengthening the internal front is always important, but unfortunately, when we wanted to strengthen the internal front, we could not find an opposition that acted with common sensitivities by our side.

"THE OPPOSITION IS DEALING WITH GAINS AND RENTS"

The opposition is dealing with daily political issues, gains, and rents. We, on the other hand, are working on policies that will last for many years by reading global and regional risks. While keeping our internal front strong, we will not allow terrorism to take root. Strengthening the internal front does not mean opening space for terrorist organizations or turning a blind eye to their plundering of the nation's resources for the benefit of terrorist barons.

We are calling for strengthening our unity and solidarity. We want to respond to those who try to divide us and those who try to tear us apart with the same determination and tone and say, "We are one, we are whole, we are Turkey together." We are striving to ensure that the hands of those who try to sow discord among us remain empty. This spirit of unity and solidarity is already in our essence. Our call to keep the internal front strong is a spark that will remind us of our unity, solidarity, and brotherhood. It is a call to push away those who try to tarnish that unique picture we have created by holding tightly to the values that make us who we are.

THE G20 SUMMIT IN BRAZIL

I believe that the Brazil meeting will be a summit where very different messages will be given to the world. We are determined in this regard. Hopefully, we will also study well for our lesson. I think the Rio Summit in Brazil will be a very productive and beneficial summit. Our meeting with Mr. Lula there will hopefully be a meeting that will resonate around the world.

We see the G20 Summit in Rio as an important platform for global economy and energy security issues.

Turkey is a country that has focused on increasing stability through measures and collaborations for the global economy. Emphasizing the need to develop joint strategies for economic recovery processes, especially after the pandemic, we have repeatedly expressed the importance of international solidarity.

Energy security is also a critical issue for Turkey. In a globalized world, we must create an agenda that includes concrete proposals for the economic challenges faced by developing countries. Because we must take precautions against crises that affect not only one country but also many related countries through a chain reaction. As an active and effective member of the international platforms it is part of, Turkey is working on numerous proposals aimed at improving both its own economic interests and the situation of developing countries.

"I DO NOT FIND ÖZGÜR ÖZEL'S OUTBURST SINCERE"

I do not find Özgür Özel's outburst sincere. Turkey has been fighting against the scourge of separatist terrorism for 40 years. We have lost thousands of our security personnel, public servants, and civilian citizens to the treacherous attacks of terrorist organizations. Recently, in a terrorist attack against TUSAŞ, 5 sons of the homeland were martyred; may God bless the souls of all our martyrs and grant them paradise. Thanks to our strategy of neutralizing the terrorist threat at its source, we have achieved significant gains on the ground. This struggle will continue with the same determination and resolve. There is no place for terrorism or politics supported by terrorism in Turkey's future. As the People's Alliance, we are in complete agreement on this issue.

"I DID NOT ENGAGE IN CONCERT MUNICIPALITY"

I have also served as a mayor. But I did not engage in concert municipality. What you need to do is to equip every corner of Istanbul with whatever resources you have. To equip the infrastructure, to equip the superstructure. Pay attention, during my mayorship, garbage, potholes, and mud were eliminated in Istanbul. Now the situation is disastrous. Istanbul is like that, Ankara is like that, Izmir is like that, they are all like that. We are making our call to our citizens. We say let’s not fall for the same trick and walk confidently into the future. The nation voted for these mayors to serve their cities, but what they understand from service does not go beyond organizing entertainment.

"WE WILL HOLD ACCOUNTABLE THOSE WHO USE PUBLIC RESOURCES WASTEFULLY IN FRONT OF THE LAW"

It is also becoming clear that they do not organize those entertainments for the people, but for the financial gain of certain individuals. We want local governments to meet the needs of the people, regardless of where they are elected from, and we support those who aim to do this. However, the state of the cities is evident. The nation is bewildered by the lack of services. And when millions are paid to certain individuals under the name of concerts, it is the citizens who suffer. Just as we opposed the transfer of public resources to terrorism and terrorist organizations, we will certainly oppose the transfer of these resources to cronies. Everyone should make their expenditures based on accountability. We will hold accountable those who waste public rights and those who enrich their supporters in front of the law.