President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, following his engagements in Tianjin, China, where he attended the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), made statements to journalists and answered their questions on board the plane during his return to Türkiye.
Recalling his participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit as the guest of honour of Chinese President Xi Jinping, President Erdoğan stated that his attendance at the summit is a testament to the significance they place on the relations with both the organisation and the Asian countries with which they have deep-rooted ties.
President Erdoğan, drawing attention to the fact that the population of the 10 member countries of the organisation has reached 3.8 billion, and its economic size is approaching 30 trillion dollars, stated, "We see that the organisation has been undergoing a dynamic transformation since 1996." It is gaining an identity by highlighting cooperation in economic and commercial fields. The Organisation has also adopted the principle of playing a role in solving global and regional problems."
Recalling that the principles set out under the “Shanghai Spirit” – such as "equality", "consultation", "mutual trust and benefit", "respect for differences", and "common development" – also align with the core approaches of the Asia Anew Initiative announced in 2019, President Erdoğan said:
“We are among the countries making the greatest effort to resolve disputes in our region through peaceful means. In this respect, I find the Organisation’s endeavour to deepen engagement with dialogue partners, including our country, to be appropriate. At the Summit, we addressed Türkiye’s tradition of multilateral diplomacy, our policies on regional security, and sustainable development. In my speech, I raised the issue of the genocide in Gaza. On the first day, we held a productive meeting with my esteemed friend, President Xi Jinping of China, with the participation of our delegations. During the talks, we discussed bilateral relations and the issue of investment. We aim to establish more balanced and sustainable economic ties with China, our trading partner. Our consultations with the Chinese side are ongoing. We had a productive meeting with Cai Qi, a member of the Secretariat of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), along with his delegation, in this regard. Our Minister of Foreign Affairs will be present at the commemoration programme on September 3."
President Erdoğan reminded that, during the summit, they addressed current issues with President Xi Jinping of China, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of Armenia, President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation and President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran, adding, "We also engaged in discussions with several heads of state and government present at the summit. These discussions encompassed Israel's attacks against Palestine along with matters of bilateral cooperation."
"We are not a country whose horizons are locked up in the frost of the Cold War"
In response to a journalist's question quoting his article published in the People’s Daily newspaper of China, "You employed the phrase 'As we go through strange times,' referring to a Chinese proverb. What is Chinese President Xi Jinping's approach to the inconceivable acts of lawlessness in our region and the international community that has found itself in a stalemate? Is Beijing, the locomotive of the East, aware of the role and potential of Türkiye, a NATO member and a country integrated into the West, in the goal of 'normalisation' of the world?" President Erdoğan said:
"China recognises Türkiye's regional importance and influence. Therefore, it regards Türkiye as an important actor. We aspire to improve our relations with China. We are evaluating cooperation opportunities in several realms, from economic relations to digital technologies, energy, and health. We do not view the world merely on the axis of East-West. We are not a country whose horizons are locked up in the frost of the Cold War. We insist that it is necessary to forge new bridges between the East and the West, rather than estranging one from the other. Across all platforms, we advocate our policies that place the human at the core. And we will continue to do so. In a world where international systems are gridlocked, we believe that normalisation can only be achieved through equitable solutions. This vision guides us as we learn from the past, interpret the future accurately, and move forward. We attach importance to maintaining open channels of dialogue. We believe it is possible to establish a fair and prosperous world. Indeed, we have always hammered home the message 'a fairer world is possible,' and we continue to do so. We strive to maintain our course in this direction. We look to China, by virtue of its key position in the international community, to extend support to our efforts."
When asked about his meeting with President Putin of Russia, President Erdoğan remarked:
"In our bilateral meeting with President Vladimir Putin of Russia, we explored ways to achieve a fair peace in the Ukraine-Russia war. Energy cooperation was a key area we addressed as part of the meeting. Türkiye has always maintained, from the outset, that negotiations are the path to ending the Ukraine-Russia war. The negotiations held in İstanbul are a clear testament to the fact that this path remains open. Our preferred course of action is to gradually increase the level of negotiations. We must transform the aspiration for peace into tangible, solution-focused outcomes. We must address this matter at the leadership level in order to achieve this.
We assessed Mr. Putin's conclusions from the recent Alaska Summit and his thoughts during those discussions. His meeting with US President Mr. Donald Trump was crucial. We engaged in telephone diplomacy with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, in addition to hearing Mr. Putin's thoughts on these issues. We were able to see Mr. Zelenskyy's perspective on Mr. Putin during our interactions with him. We also had the opportunity to reassess the outcomes of the Alaska Summit. I thought both Mr. Zelenskyy's and Mr. Putin's approaches were positive. When we said, 'There could be an initiative for the continuation of the Istanbul process in Türkiye,' he said, 'Why not?' However, they are not ready for this yet."
Upon a journalist’s question, "In the wake of the Alaska summit between President Donald Trump of the US and President Vladimir Putin of Russia, there is once again a debate in Europe that 'the continent no longer has a geopolitical role.' Do you agree with this perspective, and how does the situation impact Türkiye’s geostrategic identity? What implications does it have for Türkiye’s geopolitical identity?" President Erdoğan said:
Mr Trump held talks with the parties to the Ukraine-Russia war. He met with President Vladimir Putin of Russia as well as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine and European leaders. These negotiations are reasonable, acceptable, and represent a valuable strategy. Only a peace-oriented dialogue can bring an end to the Ukraine-Russia war. We also held talks on this issue with the parties involved in the Ukraine-Russia war, including President Donald Trump of the US. We maintain ongoing contact with Mr Putin, Mr Zelenskyy, and European leaders. Türkiye's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Head of National Intelligence are holding the necessary talks with their counterparts. Through these talks, the process is steadily gaining momentum. Türkiye has laid and consolidated the groundwork for dialogue through direct talks held in İstanbul. As you know, we have achieved meaningful results with the grain corridor and prisoner exchanges. This is, in fact, the most constructive approach. This is not something we intend to halt. Steps are being taken to sustain this process, and we will continue our effort. In every meeting I have with Mr. Putin, I always keep the issues of the grain corridor and prisoner exchange on the agenda. And I will continue to do so. Our hope is to see a result from this. Just and lasting peace will be achieved by strengthening the basis for negotiation without excluding any parties. Türkiye has been exemplary in its ability to communicate with both sides and gain their trust since the war's inception. If we all prioritise negotiation over conflict, and peace over war, we will widen the window of opportunity."
"It is not right to silence Palestine"
In response to a question about the US State Department's revocation of the visas of Mahmoud Abbas and 80 Palestinian officials, President Erdoğan said:
"The United States’ decision contradicts the very purpose of the UN. We believe that this decision should be reviewed as soon as possible. The United Nations General Assembly exists to address global issues and develop solutions. The absence of the Palestinian delegation at the General Assembly would only please Israel. In my opinion, this United Nations General Assembly has yet to finalise its agenda and participants. I wanted to meet with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, about this issue, but neither he nor I found the time. Through telephone diplomacy, we want to assess how we will conduct the United Nations General Assembly up to the meeting date. I would also like to hear the thoughts of the UN Secretary-General on this matter. Because these developments are not sudden. There are victims in Palestine. And then there are those who witness this atrocity deeply in sorrow. There are tens of thousands of people being oppressed and afflicted. We must take steps towards safeguarding their rights and upholding justice."
President Erdoğan highlighted that since October 7, 2023, Gaza has seen over 60,000 martyrs and more than 150,000 injured, stating:
"On certain occasions, injured people are brought to our country. We are mobilised to help in this regard. First and foremost, the genocide Israel has perpetrated will never be forgotten. Mothers and fathers with a sense of mercy will never forget the massacre of babies and families in Palestine. It is not right to lower the voice of Palestine. It is not possible to turn down or mute this voice. America is expected to say 'stop' to Israel's massacres and atrocities. Many countries, including several in Europe, are preparing to recognise Palestine as a state at the UN General Assembly. This year, the Palestine issue is likely to leave its mark on the UN General Assembly. Surely, among those to leave this mark shall be this humble soul. Even without the presence of Palestinian officials, the voice of the oppressed Palestinians will still resonate at the UN General Assembly. May Allah have mercy on him, as Sezai Karakoç once said, 'Even if we remain silent, history will not. Even if history remains silent, the truth will not.'"
"Whoever tries to undermine the process will pay the price"
President Erdoğan was reminded of his statement, “Those who turn toward Ankara and Damascus will win, while those who lose their way and seek new patrons will lose,” and was asked, “Is Israel trying to sabotage the ongoing National Solidarity and Brotherhood process in Türkiye by taking steps through the YPG in Syria? Is it Israel that is preventing the YPG from joining the Syrian army despite the agreement?" In response, President Erdoğan said,
"We want lasting prosperity and peace to be established in our neighbour Syria, and we value its unity and solidarity. Recent events have shown that the unrest in Syria causes the greatest spillover effects on us. We need to acknowledge this. We will not tolerate those who seek to ignite turmoil on Syrian soil, nor will the Damascus government accept this. We want Syria to stand and remain one and united, embracing all its colours. Syrian President Ahmed Shara and his administration share our views. However, as is the case in all regions that have experienced such prolonged conflict, there are far too many people seeking to create chaos in Syria. Their identities are well known. For this reason, we will not leave Syria alone. We will continuously stand by them. Inshallah, no one will be able to prevent Syria from standing on its feet again. The warlords who profit from chaos will lose this time. The people of Syria will win, with all their communities, be they Arabs, Kurds, Turkmens, Nusayris, Sunnis, or Christians. I would also like to make it very clear that whoever tries to undermine this process will pay the price. Kurds are our brothers and sisters, wherever they may live. No one can come between us. No one can ambush our eternal brotherhood. We are determined and committed. As inseparable as flesh from bone, so is the bond of our brotherhood. By acting with prudence, foresight, and common sense, every problem can be surmounted. But without goodwill, even the simplest issues become a deadlock. We are in favour of strengthening peace and tranquillity, and we will continue to work for it."
"We have clearly defined our roadmap and our destination"
In response to another question from a journalist, "Which concrete step will primarily be taken by the commission set up in the Parliament within the scope of the 'Terror-Free Türkiye' process after the PKK terrorist organisation's decision to dissolve and lay down arms? Discussions are ongoing regarding this matter. Will there be legal arrangements in the Commission? What is your expectation at the first stage?" President Erdoğan responded:
"The National Solidarity, Brotherhood, and Democracy Committee, established in the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, continues its efforts with broad-based participation. I spoke by phone with our Speaker of Parliament, Numan Kurtulmuş, regarding the work of the Commission. Through sincere efforts, we have progressed these rounds to a certain point. They will also maintain this resolve moving forward. I believe that Türkiye will ultimately overcome a forty-year issue and stride, united and whole, into the future. On an issue of such significance to Türkiye’s future, the wisest course is to heed official statements made and to be made with state solemnity, rather than give credence to hearsay or rumours. We have clearly defined our roadmap and our destination. Resources once designed for counterterrorism efforts will now be allocated to development, production, investment, and employment. The winner of a Terror-Free Türkiye will be Türkiye in its entirety, while the winner of a terror-free region will be the brotherly peoples in our region."
President Erdoğan was reminded that the letter addressed by First Lady Emine Erdoğan to First Lady Melania Trump regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza received wide coverage in the international press. In response to the question, "In the First Lady's letter, her call on Melania Trump to 'extend the same sensitivity to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as she has shown regarding the war in Ukraine' was striking. What are your thoughts on the First Lady's call, delivered with the sensitivity of a mother?", Erdoğan said:
"As the poet says—and these lines are featured in one of my poetry recordings—'Within me stirs a doomsday. One that also stirs in the hearts of mothers.' It follows from this that the heart of a mother is both tender and resilient. Upon becoming involved in resolving these challenging issues, mothers have the potential to change the climate. Particularly when there are thousands of murdered infants and children, they embrace each child that falls to the ground as if it were their own. My daughters asked their mother to write this letter. I find this initiative very important in this regard.
The letter added a new dimension to Türkiye's Gaza diplomacy and also demonstrated that humanitarian and conscientious language can be effective in international relations, alongside initiatives conducted through official channels. Regrettably, Gaza has not witnessed even a quarter of the West's treatment of the innocents in Ukraine. The children are lining up and attempting to obtain food with the pots and plates they are holding. Shame on those who possess eyes but fail to see the situation. The condition of these young ones is evident. Therefore, we expect this humane approach from everyone, from the entire West. We want blood and tears to cease in all parts of the world."
"Inshallah, the South Caucasus will achieve the peace it longs for"
Upon the question, "I would like to ask about the Zangezur Corridor in the South Caucasus peace process. You have already met with all parties. Initials were signed for the Zangezur Corridor at the White House on August 8. This was followed by negative assessments from Russia and Iran. How did the developments reflect on the summit? What was your impression?" President Erdoğan said, "I believe that the South Caucasus will hopefully achieve the peace it longs for. In my bilateral meeting with President Ilham Aliyev, I recognised that same hope in him. The signatures at the White House have, of course, given new momentum to the normalisation process between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan and Armenia have overcome most of the obstacles on the path to peace and have neared the final stage."
Recalling that he held comprehensive discussions first with President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan and then with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of Armenia, President Erdoğan stressed that in both meetings he found the two leaders to be on the same page and moving in the same direction.
On the issue of the Zangezur Corridor, the President stressed that there were no difficulties or divergences, noting that Aliyev was now much more confident on this matter.
President Erdoğan stated, "That meeting in the United States, in particular, seems to have been decisive in shaping the steps they are set to take. Once peace is achieved, which is of great importance, road and rail links in our region will be revitalised, border crossings will open, and many areas—especially trade—will be positively impacted. Türkiye too will benefit, and with new opportunities for cooperation, all regional countries will stand to gain. It is evident and clear. In time, Russia and Iran will also come to see that their concerns are unfounded.”