President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan addressed questions from journalists and made statements during his return flight from a visit to Greece.
President Erdoğan declared the successful conclusion of his official visit to Athens, which he had undertaken at the invitation of Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and said, "As you all know, after a 65-year hiatus, we paid the first official visit between the two countries at the level of heads of state in 2017. It is with great pleasure that we return to Athens, this time to attend the High Level Cooperation Council."
President Erdoğan stated that the last meeting of the High-Level Cooperation Council, which was established when he was Prime Minister, was held in 2016, and that with this visit, they held the council's 5th meeting after a 7-year hiatus.
President Erdoğan stated that agreements were reached in a variety of sectors, including education, agriculture, tourism, and trade, during the meeting.
President Erdoğan stated that they first met with President Katerina Sakellaropoulou and then with Prime Minister Mitsotakis, and that they co-chaired the 5th meeting of the council with ministers present.
President Erdoğan stated that during their meetings as part of the visit, they examined every aspect of bilateral relations. He added, "We assessed the measures that could be implemented to advance our cooperation in accordance with a positive agenda. Regional and global developments were also on our agenda. I also brought up the human tragedy that is taking place in the occupied Palestinian territories, especially in Gaza. Regarding the ongoing massacres, we were in agreement that the international community must not remain silent. We discussed what could be done to establish a permanent ceasefire and ensure an uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid."
"I believe it is crucial to maintain our high-level dialogue"
Stating that he signed the Athens Declaration on friendly relations and good neighbourliness with Mitsotakis, thus mutually confirming the will to develop bilateral relations at the highest level, President Erdoğan said:
"The two countries have the knowledge, experience, and will to resolve their problems peacefully and without the need for third-party intervention." I believe it is crucial to maintain our high-level dialogue to this end. I invited my friend Mitsotakis to Ankara for the next council meeting. During my visit, I also received the members of the Advisory Board of the Turkish Minority in Western Thrace. I talked with our cognates and listened to their problems. I once again reiterated our support for them to fully enjoy their minority rights arising from international agreements. My visit, which took place in a very positive atmosphere, I believe, will usher in a new chapter in Türkiye-Greece relations. I hope that our meetings and the decisions we have taken will lead to auspicious outcomes for the future of our cooperation."
"We are working hard to enhance collaboration across all domains"
President Erdoğan was reminded of his statement about the possibility of constructive dialogue to resolve energy disputes in the Eastern Mediterranean in an interview with the Greek newspaper Kathimerini prior to his visit, and he was asked, "Your messages today were also in this direction. Did the topic of energy in the Eastern Mediterranean come up in your discussions today? What was Greece's approach to this? Regarding this topic, you also had a proposal for a conference. Did you reiterate this proposal? What was Greece's response to this?"
"We are working hard to develop and expand this cooperation not only in the energy sector but across all domains, including nuclear energy. For example, we can make energy generated by our nuclear power plant to be built in Sinop available to Greece. As you know, we wanted to build an energy hub in Ataşehir. We want to convert one of the towers there into a location that only uses these energy distribution methods. As you are aware, we have decided to make Thrace a hub for the supply of natural gas from Russia to the Balkans and Europe. On this point, we reached an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean have the greatest negative impact on Türkiye and Greece, two of the region's most important countries. For this reason, we must calculate and strive for the opportunities we can obtain from here, as well as those we can create for the benefit of our countries. Regarding this matter, I would say that Mr. Mitsotakis holds a favourable viewpoint. We aspire to approach matters from a half-full perspective rather than a half-empty one. Our position from the outset has been one of equitable distribution of the region's natural resources. We do not have eyes on anyone's rights and we are steadfast in our resolve not to let anyone violate our rights. Furthermore, in the Eastern Mediterranean, equitable and inclusive sharing is possible. As long as we lay the groundwork, create the necessary road maps, and avoid provocations. This conference that we propose to organise would be an excellent way to lay that groundwork."
"Türkiye is a country that has drastically reduced costs"
It was stated that Türkiye and Greece make significant defence expenditures, and it is believed that a significant portion of these expenditures are due to the competition and race between the two countries, and President Erdoğan was asked, "Until today, there has been a concern that the unresolved fundamental problems between the two countries could increase these expenditures even further. Can the two countries demonstrate a willingness or a consensus to reduce their expenditures in this area and redirect these funds to human development and investment?" President Erdoğan replied, "I can proudly say that as a country with a population of 85–86 million and a surface area of 780 thousand square kilometres, we pay attention to our defence expenditures at a level that cannot be compared with Greece."
President Erdoğan stated that while Greece spends very differently than Türkiye in this area, some countries, particularly the European Union and the United States of America, have strong support for these defence expenditures.
President Erdoğan said, "We have previously received figures regarding them; we have always followed them. For example, regarding the dogfights between Türkiye and Greece over the Aegean Sea, we said, 'Let's close this page; let's finish this issue'. This is something we have always said to Mr. Mitsotakis and the former prime ministers. We want to emphasize friendship. We endeavour to win friends."
Stating that Greece does not have production in the defense industry like Türkiye, President Erdoğan said that Türkiye is now producing at a level that meets its needs to a large extent, and thus its expenditures on arms purchases are incomparably lower than those of Greece.
President Erdoğan continued:
"Türkiye is a country that produces its own defence industry expenditures and has drastically reduced costs. We are not currently producing an F-16, but we are capable of repairing and maintaining them. Baykar's unmanned aerial vehicles, UAVs, UCAVs, Akıncı Assault UAS, and now, as you know, Kızılelma, which is a higher segment than the others, are available. On the other hand, we have the ANKA UAS produced by TAI. We will take another very different step with our national combat aircraft, KAAN. These have reduced Türkiye's costs in the defence industry. Greece lacks such means. They rely on the assistance of external parties, and this assistance allows them to perform new cost accounting."
"It is our duty to remind them of the truth"
Erdoğan was asked, "Greece abstained from voting on the call for a ceasefire in Gaza at the United Nations General Assembly. You are doing very intensive diplomacy on this issue; you attach importance to it. Will there be a change in Greece's attitude towards Gaza after today's talks?"
Erdoğan responded, "I said to Mitsotakis, 'We would have liked to see you on the side of Palestine; I wish you had not been among those who abstained; I wish you had stood with these 121 countries. It is our duty to remind them of the truth. For a water drop to penetrate marble, it must fall on the same spot many times. It is not possible to reach the end goal by simply repeating these steps once, as in the case of water drops. Now we will direct our warnings to the same point in the hope that, Allah willing, we will reach an outcome. I believe that many countries will continue to stand against the crimes against humanity in Gaza. In some countries, we see that voices from the squares are beginning to do this. Some countries will be compelled one way or another to take the right perspective in history, albeit belatedly, because of their belief in the preservation of international law, their sensitivity to human rights, and their concern for reducing nuclear threats. That is why we firmly believe that Palestine will win every time. A victory for Palestine means a victory for world peace and a restoration of commitment to human rights. If we do not want a dysfunctional global system, if we do not want a riddled international law, we must support Palestine to win. Otherwise, the law of the powerful and the oppressor will prevail, which is a disaster for the whole world."
"It is time to take steps to preserve peace"
President Erdoğan was asked, "UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres wrote a letter to the UN Security Council. Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez also supported this letter. Will this step grow further, will it find wider support in the international community?", and he responded:
"UN Secretary-General Guterres states that as Secretary-General he has not been useful so far. He has only just managed to invoke Article 99. Let's see if he can get results. Guterres has pressed the alarm button of the global system. He says to the elements that make up a structure designed to protect world peace, "do not forget your duty." I hope the UN Security Council heeds this call. It is time to put aside self-interest concerns and the 'let sleeping dogs lie' mentality and take steps to preserve peace on our planet. Spain's Prime Minister Sanchez has proven to be the most courageous among Western leaders. Regardless of adverse reactions, Sanchez proceeded with his pledge to have the EU countries recognise Palestine. With Sanchez, Spain was brave enough to say 'I will make my proposal for Palestine to be recognised by the European Union'. I applaud him for that."
"Meeting with Biden is not on our agenda"
Journalists stated that Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hakan Fidan, will visit the US and asked, "After the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and Arab League Joint Summit, the foreign ministers of 7 countries are in constant consultation on the implementation of the decisions. This contact group will also hold talks in the US. First of all, what kind of an outcome do we expect, can a ceasefire be restored? We had also previously asked you, "Would you meet with Biden?" and you stated, "Biden is the one who has to host now." Is this a possibility?" On this question, President Erdoğan said:
"While we were returning to İstanbul, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hakan Fidan, also left for Washington and they will maintain their contacts in the US as a group of seven. He will inform me after the talks what kind of results they have achieved in these contacts. We hope that this group of seven will achieve a result in terms of ending the attitude of the United States of America in favor of Israel regarding the events in Gaza. And with this result, they may be able to pressure Israel for peace. Meeting with US President Biden is not on our agenda. Their behavior on Gaza is well known to all of you. If he calls us, we will discuss with him whatever issues we need to discuss. But after the US, the contact group of seven will move on to Canada. When it comes to the UAV-UCAV cameras that Türkiye has asked for, Canada has predicated their sale on Sweden's NATO membership. The US is saying the same thing. If you have a congress, we have a parliament. You say you will take steps on the F-16 issue after passing it through Congress; I have a parliament too. It is not possible for me to take such a step without going through my parliament. If we are two allied countries in NATO, then you do your part simultaneously in solidarity, and our parliament will take the necessary decision. That's the thing."
In response to a journalist's question about whether Türkiye's stance on Hamas will be recognised by the international community or the international world and whether there will be a change in attitude towards Hamas, President Erdoğan stated, "I do not consider what the international community will say." I am thinking about the roles we play as individuals."
Remembering the verses of the poet Mehmet Akif Ersoy, "I weep; I cannot make you weep; I sense; I cannot express; my heart is devoid of words; it drains me.", President Erdoğan said:
"They refer to Hamas as a 'terrorist organisation'. Hamas is not a terrorist organisation, but rather a Palestinian reality. As a political movement and a political party, Hamas has emerged victorious in elections. However, they are forcing us to refer to it as a 'terrorist organisation'. No, we do not label Hamas a 'terrorist organisation' simply because you do. It is an election-winning political movement. You are attempting to terrorise Gaza with hunger. You intend to completely destroy Gaza by approaching it in this manner. You withhold medicine, water, and electricity from them, aiming to eradicate Hamas through such actions. We cannot agree with that. Right now, Israel is committing state terrorism. Where is the West, where is the US? How can we possibly approve this, considering the staggering number of nearly 17 thousand people, including children, women, and the elderly, who have been killed?
President Erdoğan stressed that Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan had discussed these matters with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, yet the West has chosen to remain silent, stating, "This is what troubles us; this is what deeply affects us."
"Give us the wounded, give us the children; there are cancer patients; give us them," President Erdoğan said,
"So far, we have received a total of 200 people, including 114 patients and 86 companions. Let us make sure they receive treatment and proceed with this action. Regrettably, humanity has vanished. They say field hospitals will be set up. What difference does it make whether they are established or not? It will not lead to anything. However, we promptly sent field hospitals, taking into account what we could do compassionately and responsibly. It takes no time for these cancer patients or patients requiring surgical intervention to travel from Egypt to Ankara or Istanbul via the Rafah Border Gate. We take them on a plane from El-Arish Airport in Egypt and bring them back in an hour or an hour and a half. Then we will treat them. We have taken and continue to take numerous steps to treat the sick and injured in our country."
"Netanyahu is also committing genocide in order to extend his political career and avoid prosecution."
A journalist mentioned that the citizens of Israel are expressing their strong desire for Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to step down, saying, "Boycotts are happening globally and Israel is on the verge of facing an economic crisis. The people's reaction intensifies further in response to these circumstances. However, there is a belief. If Netanyahu leaves, the war's trajectory will shift, and the peace process will be initiated. How feasible is it to believe this? In response to the question, President Erdoğan stated, "It is important to highlight the emphasis placed on the idea that peace will prevail if Netanyahu leaves. "However, the reality is that Netanyahu is also committing genocide in order to extend his political career and avoid prosecution."
President Erdoğan pointed out that Netanyahu was involved in a legal process and there were even rumours of potential convictions against him, adding "It was during this time that Israel launched an attack on Gaza. He is now extending this process with the belief that 'the more I prolong these attacks, the better chance I have of avoiding prosecution'. Netanyahu, as I've mentioned previously, is truly a murderer of Gaza, a figure that some may describe as a butcher. All of these characteristics suit him. In the same way that Milosevic was tried in the International Criminal Court, Netanyahu, the butcher of Gaza, and all Israeli and non-Israeli politicians who collaborate with him should be tried."
President Erdoğan mentioned that around 3 thousand lawyers are currently involved in this case, adding, "There are lawyers and prosecutors from various countries outside of Türkiye who are closely monitoring the situation. We will continue to follow up. We hope for a swift end to this genocide and for the perpetrators to face justice. Netanyahu and his associates must be punished in a way that sets an example for those who committed genocide. This trial is critical so that no one will ever consider killing civilians, bombing hospitals, or attacking markets again. Because massacres and genocides that go unpunished are repeated."
"They are deceiving Armenia"
It was mentioned that France recently decided to supply 50 armoured personnel carriers to Armenia, which Armenia claims it requires in the event of "possible attacks." In response to a question, whether France was trying to put Armenia back on a dangerous trajectory, President Erdoğan responded as follows,
"What France is doing is only provocation. France should understand that it is not doing Armenia a favour but rather causing harm to it. France has previously provided significant assistance to Armenia. They got nothing as a result. France is part of the Trilateral Contact Group. France has received no results, and as a result, it is once again provoking Armenia. What if you send armoured carriers? You will not get any results here. Because Azerbaijan is a country that has ended the occupation of its territory. The outcome of Karabakh is obvious. You will send these military vehicles; what will you get in return? Azerbaijan has acquired the tanks, artillery, and rifles that were previously sent to Armenia. They will not get anywhere because they are only deceiving Armenia."
President Erdoğan emphasised that the Armenian government should take lessons from their recent experiences and avoid engaging in these provocations, saying, "It is in Armenia's best interests to seize the opportunity for peace and avoid falling into the trap of countries that mislead Armenia. Peaceful relations with Azerbaijan are Armenia's best option. Those who have been handed guns will leave Armenia alone in a short period.".