15.08.2026 19:40
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in an interview with the Qatari press, delivered messages regarding Turkey-US relations and regional developments. Stating that they expect US President Donald Trump's promise regarding the delivery of F-35 jets to be fulfilled, Erdogan said the US's role is critical in ending the conflicts in Lebanon. While noting that Turkey will continue to provide the necessary support regarding Gaza, Erdogan also gave important messages concerning Syria.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in an interview with Qatar-based Al Jazeera television, made assessments regarding Turkey-US relations and developments in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria.
F-35 MESSAGE TO TRUMP
Erdogan, recalling US President Donald Trump's commitment regarding the delivery of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, expressed Turkey's expectation from Washington on this matter. President Erdogan said, "We received a promise from Trump regarding F-35 fighter jets and we expect him to fulfill it."
CALL TO US FOR LEBANON
Erdogan stated that he and Trump also discussed ending the war in Lebanon during the NATO Leaders Summit held in Ankara last month.
Emphasizing that the US should take the initiative to end the conflicts, Erdogan said, "The role the US will undertake in ending this conflict is extremely critical."
PRAISE FOR QATAR'S MEDIATION EFFORTS
Also touching on peace initiatives in the region, Erdogan drew attention to Qatar's mediation efforts. Noting that Qatar has assumed an important role in ending wars and ensuring peace in the region, Erdogan praised the efforts of the Doha administration.
"WE CANNOT LEAVE GAZA ALONE"
Also giving a message regarding developments in Gaza, Erdogan said Turkey will continue its support for Gaza. Stating that Turkey cannot leave Gaza alone, Erdogan expressed that necessary steps will be taken to support the region. Erdogan also said that Hamas fulfills its commitments sincerely, while Israel continues to sustain the war.
"SYRIAN KURDS WILL RECEIVE THEIR SHARE OF PEACE AND STABILITY"
Stating that Turkey will continue to support Syria's stability, President Erdogan said he plans to make a visit to Syria in the coming period.
Also recalling the Terror-Free Turkey process and referring to Syria and the region, President Erdogan noted: "We will continue to strengthen our relations with Kurds and protect their rights in various countries in the region. Syrian Kurds will receive their share of peace and stability."
"THE MEKKAH AGREEMENT SENT AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO THE WORLD"
Also opening a separate parenthesis on the Mekkah Agreement, President Erdogan said, "The Mekkah Agreement sent an important message to the world. The Mekkah Agreement stipulates that signatory countries will do the following. If one of them is subjected to an external attack, unified steps will be taken. The agreement allows for the future participation of other countries, and Egypt's participation is important."
RELATIONS WITH THE EU AND THE MEMBERSHIP PROCESS
Finally speaking on relations with the EU and the membership process, Erdogan said, "Europe does not seem willing to admit Turkey to the European Union. Joining the European Union is not our priority, and Turkey's non-membership is Europe's loss."