President Erdoğan said, "In one way or another, we will eradicate terrorism at all costs. We are completely determined in this regard. We will never tolerate individuals who associate themselves with terrorism, terrorist organisations, or those who use terrorist organisations as their pawns."
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan spoke to journalists and received questions during his return flight from his visit to Iraq.
President Erdoğan started his remarks by wishing mercy on Hasan Kılıç, who lost his life, and said, "We had met the deceased Mr Hasan face-to-face a short while ago and received his blessings. May Allah rest his soul forever in heaven and peace. I express my condolences to the family, relatives, and students of our esteemed hodja, as well as the entire İsmailağa congregation."
Reminding that they paid an official visit to Iraq upon the invitation of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani of Iraq, President Erdoğan said that they discussed the recent progress in relations during meetings with President Abdul Latif Rashid of Iraq and Prime Minister Sudani of Iraq.
Stating that during the visit, they confirmed the common will to further improve relations with Iraq, President Erdoğan emphasised Türkiye's support for the steps taken by the government led by Prime Minister Sudani to maintain stability and prosperity in Iraq.
President Erdoğan said that they discussed the potential courses of action, with particular attention paid to energy, trade, transportation, counterterrorism, and the effects of climate change, and stated the following:
"Iraq recently listed the terrorist organisation PKK as a banned organisation. We expressed our country's satisfaction with this. We reiterated our expectation that the PKK be officially listed as a terrorist organisation and that its presence in Iraq be terminated. In the near future, we will hopefully see the concrete outcomes of this more clearly. The Development Road project was also at the top of our agenda. With the signing of the quadrilateral memorandum of understanding, we have reached another critical milestone in this regard. Hopefully, we will continue to make more progress going forward. Furthermore, we bolstered the contractual foundation of our relations through the signing of 27 agreements and memoranda of understanding. The strategic framework agreement, in particular, will shape the future of our relations. Thus, we have taken a historic step towards institutionalising our relationships in a constructive and result-oriented manner. We agree on the effective implementation of these agreements. Our Iraqi brothers and sisters have the necessary will. I also received Turkmen leaders in Baghdad. We told our Turkmen brothers and sisters that, as a country and a nation, we will continue to stand with them."
"We discussed the human tragedy in Palestine"
Stating that they visited Erbil after Baghdad and held productive meetings with the leaders of the Kurdish Regional Government of Iraq, President Erdoğan said, "We were deeply moved by the fact that during our visit, every corner of Erbil was adorned with our flag."
Highlighting that they had the opportunity to see the genuine friendship between Türkiye and the Kurdish Region of Iraq once again, President Erdoğan reiterated their commitment to advancing cooperation with the Kurdish Regional Government of Iraq.
Noting that they also discussed the steps that could be taken against the PKK threat during the visit, President Erdoğan continued:
"We reaffirmed that lasting success in the fight against terrorism is critical to the security of our region. We comprehensively assessed our economic relationships, particularly in energy, transportation, trade, and investment. During our meetings, we also discussed the human tragedy in Palestine, especially in Gaza. We expressed our commitment to Iraq's security and stability in the face of the negative consequences of Israeli atrocities in our region and Iraq. I believe that our increasing cooperation with Iraq, both on a bilateral and regional level, will enhance the overall peace and stability of the entire region. I hope that our meetings and the decisions we have taken will lead to auspicious outcomes for both countries. I also would like to express my sincere appreciation to all our Iraqi brothers and sisters for their gracious hospitality."
"The fight will continue within the bounds of international law"
Following his remarks, President Erdoğan answered the questions of press members.
Upon the question, "You stated, 'As of this summer, terrorism along the Iraqi border will be eradicated,' in reference to the fight against terrorism with Iraq. Is a joint operation with Iraq on the agenda? Or will Türkiye undertake this operation on its own accord? Did this matter come up during your meetings in Iraq? What is the plan of action for the process?" President Erdoğan said, "The swamp of terrorism in Iraq and Syria will be drained not only by our efforts but also by the joint efforts of the governments of both countries."
Reiterating their ongoing, indiscriminate and continuous fight against all terrorist organisations, President Erdoğan said the following:
"As you are aware, our comprehensive struggle against the PKK/PYD/YPG, which has been entrenched particularly in Syria and Iraq, has been ongoing for many years. This will also continue in the future with the same degree of resolve. Within the bounds of international law and with due respect for our neighbours' territorial integrity, this fight will continue both at home and abroad. One would expect that our neighbouring countries would independently respond appropriately to the threats emanating from their territory, and that we could continue this fight together. The PKK/PYD/YPG terrorist organisation poses a grave threat to the stability, development and peace of Iraq. It is also in Iraq's interest to eliminate this menace. I believe they recognise this fact and will at last demonstrate a willingness to eliminate this nuisance. To ensure the security of Iraq's development goals and foreign investments, these terrorist lairs must be destroyed and a foreseeable future must be built for Iraq. In one way or another, we will eradicate terrorism at all costs. We are completely determined in this regard. We will never tolerate individuals who associate themselves with terrorism, terrorist organisations, or those who use terrorist organisations as their pawns."
"We must proceed cautiously"
Upon the question, "One of the key issues between the two countries is about water bodies. Iraq harboured big expectations regarding the volume of water that would flow from the Euphrates and Tigris Rivers. Is it possible to achieve a resolution or cooperation that would reconcile the two parties regarding the water issue?" President Erdoğan highlighted the significance of using water resources sensibly.
President Erdoğan emphasised that Iraq had certain demands from Türkiye regarding water, and said, "The current course of action should be to create novel projects and plans to ensure the sustainable use of water in conformity with the changing climate worldwide. It is important to remember that we experience the same water stress as they do."
President Erdoğan stated that Türkiye was among the countries that face water stress and that it was not a country that is abundant in water, adding:
"Therefore, we may also experience water supply issues if we fail to implement our plans promptly. We must, thus, proceed cautiously. In this direction, it might be possible to discover common ground through discussion. These are not issues that can be resolved by saying 'we did it and it is done' without delving deeply into the technical details and developing future scenarios. Türkiye addresses these issues not based on sentiments but with reason, compromise, and a solution-oriented approach—and we will keep doing so. We will continue to maintain dialogue in good faith and in a constructive manner, implement cooperative projects, and work together to identify solutions to our common challenges. Because water is not a source of dispute but rather an area for cooperation that will benefit our mutual interests."
President Erdoğan stated, "We will persist in revealing the truth and voicing the atrocities committed by Israel. It should be clear that Netanyahu, the Hitler of this era, and his accomplices will not be able to escape accountability."
In response to a question about the diplomatic traffic for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, President Erdoğan emphasised the importance of approaching this issue with great sensitivity, adding that Israel's unprecedented massacres and its move to destroy Gaza should prompt a change of approach to this issue.
President Erdoğan noted:
"The Israeli control over Gaza paves the way for potential future occupations. Opening Gaza to the settlement of Israeli-thieving terrorists makes Israel more aggressive and more reckless. And we cannot permit it. There are a series of steps that need to be taken. In the face of these spoiled and brutal actions by Israel, we will make efforts to collaborate with the United Nations Secretary-General's Office and work together on joint efforts. If the Muslim world fails to acknowledge the profound repercussions of this sequence of atrocities, which have reached the level of genocide, it will face the danger of losing its reflexes completely. Therefore, we cannot remain silent about this issue. We need to stimulate every single nerve ending, no matter where they may be. Gaza is the paramount issue in the Muslim world right now. Gaza is the region where the Muslim world should focus its efforts to reason out solutions and develop realistic and effective policies. We will continue to discuss these issues with officials from Hamas and the leaders of several countries. This is the most pressing issue on our agenda, and we will continue to do everything we can to find a solution. Everyone can dismiss this issue or disregard it, but we cannot adopt such an approach."
"Our story cannot be written independently of the Palestinian cause"
In response to questions about the visit of the Head of Hamas Political Bureau, Ismail Haniyeh, President Erdoğan stated that they had a very sincere meeting with Haniyeh and continued:
"I witnessed Mr. Haniyeh's unwavering resolve in the fight against Israel. We felt a profound reflection of this cordial bond on the Palestinian side during this sincere meeting. We share a deep bond with our Palestinian brothers and sisters as if we are connected by blood and kinship. They are suffering, and nobody should believe that we are sleeping soundly. Those who attempt to separate us from our sisters and brothers in Gaza, Nablus, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Ramallah, and all other Palestinian cities are lacking reason. They know us, and we know them. We have already clearly emphasised this point in all our statements, whether at the United Nations General Assembly or other platforms. We will maintain our current approach moving forward. We will never leave our Palestinian brothers and sisters, including Hamas, alone. We have already delivered a substantial amount of aid to Gaza, totalling around 45 thousand tonnes. This assistance is still ongoing and will continue. In addition, we are currently treating the injured in our hospitals in Ankara and Istanbul. We will continue to support our brothers and sisters by taking initiatives towards a field hospital.
Our story cannot be written independently of the Palestinian cause. We are fortunate to have a role in the significant story of the Palestinian cause. We grasp this from the innocent words told about us by our Palestinian brothers and sisters and from the prayers of the suffering mothers and children there. If we are able to merit their kindness and love, we will be pleased. The clock is ticking for humanity, as the poet put it. We need to work harder for Palestine as the clock is ticking and strive for a future that will bring solace to mourning hearts and silence the anguished cries of babies."
"If justice fails to hold them accountable, history will"
In response to the question, "There have been reports of significant pressures on Hamas members in Qatar, leading to the departure of the Hamas administration from the country. Would it be possible for them to come to Türkiye? Have you received a request as such?" President Erdoğan said, "The situation in Gaza is what matters, not the whereabouts of Hamas leaders. Indeed, no such information has been provided to me regarding their position in Qatar concerning the matter you stated."
Stating that he has not received any information suggesting that Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar will disregard the position of Hamas members in Qatar, President Erdoğan said, "I do not believe he will take such an action. His sincerity and approach towards them are always those of a family member. I do not believe that this approach towards them is going to change in the future."
Upon being reminded that journalists also lost their lives in Israeli attacks in Gaza, President Erdoğan said, "Attacks against members of the print and visual media in particular provide concrete evidence of Israel's discomfort with the truth. By committing such acts, Israel attempts to obfuscate the evidence of genocide and obliterate the traces of its massacres."
Emphasising that those who discuss freedoms, human rights, and democracy should conduct a thorough analysis of this picture, President Erdoğan continued:
"The world's silence in the face of these attacks and oppression, as well as the murder of hundreds of journalists, is unfathomable. The fact that our brother, a member of the TRT, was gravely injured fills us with profound sorrow. May Allah bestow upon him wellness, health, and well-being. We have submitted all documents related to the crimes committed by Israel to the International Court of Justice, and we will continue to do so regardless of their actions. We will persist in revealing the truth and voicing the atrocities committed by Israel. It should be clear that Netanyahu, the Hitler of this era, and his accomplices will not be able to escape accountability. We are going to pursue him regardless of how far he flees. They will ultimately be held accountable by justice for their atrocities against the innocent and oppressed. If justice fails to hold them accountable, history will."
President Erdoğan said, "We must implement austerity measures in order to improve the welfare of our nation. We are resolved as a government to take any and all necessary actions to achieve this."
Upon the question, "Recently, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of Armenia has recently avoided using the term 'genocide' when discussing the events of 1915. He simply said, 'Great calamity'. Furthermore, Pashinyan also criticised the incorporation of Mount Ararat in the state coat of arms, stating that it is located within the borders of Türkiye. What are your thoughts on this seemingly peace-oriented perspective? Is Armenia's participation in the aforementioned significant development initiatives in Azerbaijan, Turkestan, and the Caucasus feasible, provided that the prevailing stance is one of peace?" President Erdoğan said, "There is now a new order emerging in the region. It is high time to abandon unfounded, preconceived notions. It is always better to act on the realities of the time rather than on fabricated historical narratives devoid of any basis in reality. This is now also clear to Pashinyan."
Emphasising that Türkiye has been very transparent on this matter from the beginning and opened up its archives, President Erdoğan stated that historians should first address what transpired in the historical process.
Pointing out that now is the moment to create new road maps on a realistic basis, President Erdoğan remarked, "I hope that Armenia can overcome the darkness that the diaspora has enslaved them in and choose the path of new beginnings for a bright future. Opportunities never remain permanently accessible. It is important to make the most of them while they are available."
Emphasising that numerous provocateurs, in addition to the diaspora, were attempting to exert influence over Armenia throughout this process, President Erdoğan said, "We are aware of them. We issued occasional warnings as well. I hope Armenia chooses the right path and a new era begins."