Addressing reporters during his return flight from Italy and Spain, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan highlighted the significance of Spain's united position with Türkiye regarding Israel's massacres that disregard international law.
Reminding that he completed his visits to Italy and Spain, President Erdoğan said that he met with King Felipe VI of Spain and had dinner with him on the first day of his schedule in the capital Madrid on June 12–14, during the 8th Türkiye-Spain Intergovernmental Summit. Mehmet Şimşek, the Minister of Treasury and Finance, also attended the dinner.
During the visit, President Erdoğan and the President of the Government of Spain Pedro Sanchez chaired the "Intergovernmental High-Level Strategic Council Meeting." They thoroughly discussed the various aspects of bilateral relations between the two countries, with the participation of ministers. President Erdoğan said, "We took important decisions to further enhance cooperation, building upon the comprehensive partnership that defines our relations. We launched the business forum, which was attended by business people from both countries, together with Mr. Sanchez."
Reminding that the meeting was attended by approximately 400 business people from Türkiye and Spain, President Erdoğan went on to say,
"Through the joint declaration made at the conclusion of the summit, we have raised our target for new trade volume from 20 billion dollars to 25 billion euros. "The contractual basis of our relations has been solidified through the signing of approximately 12 agreements covering numerous fields. TCG Anadolu was a symbol of our defence industry collaboration with Spain. We have made the decision to elevate our position in this field based on the meetings we have conducted and we have taken the necessary actions. The project activities are implemented by the Naval Forces Command on behalf of the Presidency of Defence Industries and the Turkish Armed Forces. Spain is one of the countries in the European Union that recognises the strategic importance of Türkiye for Europe and the Union.
We communicated our expectations for full membership to Mr. Sanchez, the Head of Government. With my dear friend Sanchez, we also addressed regional issues. The massacre in Gaza was at the top of our agenda. I expressed our satisfaction with Spain's decision to recognise Palestine. Mr. Sanchez's unwavering support for the Palestinian people's struggle, despite facing numerous pressures, is truly admirable. I hope that we will stand in solidarity with Spain in the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The European Parliament elections confirmed our worries about the presence of racist and fascist elements."
"We expressed our shared concern about Islamophobia and xenophobia"
Highlighting the challenges that lie ahead for Muslims and migrants in Europe, President Erdoğan stated:
"As two countries implementing the Alliance of Civilizations initiative, we shared our mutual concerns about Islamophobic and xenophobic trends. We are now approaching the twentieth anniversary of the Alliance of Civilisations, and we will work together to prepare for it. We will also explore the potential for organising activities that promote dialogue and mutual understanding within the framework of the Alliance of Civilizations, as it approaches its 20th anniversary next year. I believe that our 8th Intergovernmental Summit and our consultations in Madrid will greatly enhance our relationship with Spain.
President Erdoğan highlighted that following his trip to Madrid, he travelled to Italy at the invitation of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy. He took part in the Leaders' Summit hosted by Italy, the G7 Chair, where he engaged in discussions with his counterparts during the High-Level Session on Africa and the Mediterranean, Artificial Intelligence, and Energy, which took place alongside the summit.
Stating that they exchanged views on the multifaceted threats and challenges facing the region, President Erdoğan said:
"Regarding Gaza, it is evident that the current international system and institutions have once again fallen short in fulfilling their primary responsibilities. I pointed out that it is possible for humanity to live in a fairer world that hears the cries of the oppressed. On the sidelines of the Summit, I had bilateral meetings with various G7 and invited leaders. In my summit address, I reiterated the urgent need for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza and the continuous provision of humanitarian assistance. I hope that our meeting and the decisions we made will yield favourable results."
"Spain has proven to be a lighthouse guiding humanity through the darkness"
In response to a question, "What do the commercial and cultural links between Türkiye and Spain offer for the two countries, especially their joint stance on Palestine, for the whole world and humanity, what should we expect?" President Erdoğan answered as follows:
"It is encouraging to see that Spain shares our views, reservations, and objections to Israel's atrocities that violate international law. Especially in terms of recognising Palestine as a state, Spain has proven to be a lighthouse guiding humanity through the darkness. Pledges made by Spain to mobilise humanity's conscience, as well as its daring and resolute acts, have strengthened this. However, the ship of humanity requires new lighthouses to ensure the smooth journey. It is noteworthy that our stance on the Palestinian issue aligns with Spain's perspective. Spain is a member of the European Union, and in addition, it is also a country that we are together in NATO. It is crucial to emphasise the significance of wholeheartedly supporting the righteous resistance of Palestine against Israel's blatant disregard for international law, as well as the subsequent actions taken by European countries. I am confident that Spain's position, particularly on the recognition of Palestine as a state, will serve as an example for countries that support Israel in some way. In fact, during our brief conversations with Sanchez, he expressed the view that "more will follow." More countries need to courageously say "stop" to Israel and take steps in favour of peace if humanity is to pass the Palestinian test. However, if countries such as Spain take this step, the number of countries willing to support peace will increase. We, along with our Spanish and other friends, must continue to make a commitment and put in more effort towards promoting peace.
"Nearly 150 countries shared our perspective and stood by Palestine"
When asked about the fulfilment of the UN Security Council's ceasefire resolution on Gaza, President Erdoğan stated, "If you pay attention to the steps taken by the United Nations Security Council so far, the United States has consistently played a central role." Most probably, it will be the same in this case. This is actually the point that our motto 'The world is bigger than five' emphasises."
Stating that the United States blocks the United Nations Security Council when it comes to decisions that need to be taken against Israel, President Erdoğan continued as follows:
"My concern about the present ceasefire decision is that the US will somehow obstruct the Council. However, what holds utmost importance for us are the resolutions passed by the United Nations General Assembly, rather than the United Nations Security Council. What did over 150 countries do with the positive resolutions adopted by the United Nations General Assembly? They agreed with us and supported Palestine. We need to take it to a higher level. If we succeed, this method will eventually get the United Nations Security Council to a particular point. In reality, the current crisis represents an opportunity for the United Nations. If the UN wishes to reclaim its reputation, which has been tarnished by some lawless countries, particularly Israel, it must grasp this opportunity. Stopping Israel will not only restore peace in Gaza, but will also put an end to Israel's attacks on the UN, international law, and human rights. This responsibility falls primarily on the members of the United Nations Security Council. If we do not want the United Nations to become like the League of Nations, we must ensure this. We have always maintained that a two-state solution is the only way to achieve long-term peace in the region. This formula provides a permanent remedy. Recognition of Palestine as a state by Security Council members could alter the regional climate."
"The US is also disturbed by Israel's growing arrogance"
When asked by a reporter if Israel would implement the three-stage ceasefire plan announced by US President Joe Biden, President Erdoğan responded as follows:
"We are delighted with this statement in general terms. However, this is insufficient to sway the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council in Palestine's favour. We should pay special attention here. I believe that the US is also disturbed by Israel's growing arrogance. Although the American administration does not overtly express this unease, the voices rising from American colleges, streets, students, and rectors indicate that a transition has begun. This greatly concerns Israel. It is widely acknowledged that the current situation is unsustainable. Hopefully, with the upcoming US elections, the atmosphere will change significantly. We issued statements following Biden's announcement. Many countries around the world have issued statements regarding this topic. I hope that we will take the correct steps together and that the United Nations Security Council's decisions on this topic will lead to a completely different outcome from now on. It is expected that Mr Biden will demonstrate that this plan is not an electoral investment but rather a genuine and honest step to end the atrocities in Palestine. The Security Council resolution is a first step, but it falls short of being adequate. We are all aware of the numerous decisions that Israel disregards on paper. Mr Biden is now being tested for sincerity."
So-called elections in Syria
In response to the question, "The so-called elections that the terrorist organisation attempted to hold in Syria were postponed due to Türkiye's decision and attitude. However, it has not been completely cancelled, leaving open the possibility of another attempt in the future. Should they attempt to hold these elections again, what will be Türkiye's stance?", President Erdoğan said, "Let us start by clarifying that there are currently no elections taking place. A scheme is afoot to legitimise the terrorist organisation and establish a terrorist enclave in the region."
President Erdoğan stated that they have unequivocally demonstrated their skill in disrupting games in previous processes, and went on to say:
"Obviously, the Syrian administration does not and will definitely not permit them to act freely or take any steps at this juncture. Our Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hakan Fidan, was in Moscow. They had a thorough discussion about these issues with Mr Putin in Moscow. He held discussions with the Russian Foreign Minister, Mr. Lavrov. Inshallah, the PKK terrorist organisation and such others will not be able to move freely in Syria. As soon as such a scenario develops, we will mobilise our pertinent units as needed. We will not permit the establishment of a terrorist enclave right under our nose. We will never refrain from doing whatever it takes to achieve this."
"Currently, Eurofighter holds significant importance for us"
Upon the question, "During your visit, did the Eurofighter issue come up? Germany imposes a blockade; can it be circumvented?", President Erdoğan replied:
"We had a discussion about this matter with Mr Sanchez. As you are aware, Spain's training aircraft count for a lot. They have the opportunity or ability to supply us with these training aircraft. However, I made it clear to him that support for this issue was necessary in our dialogue with Germany. He mentioned the possibility of arranging a meeting to discuss the Eurofighter. But most importantly, Eurofighter currently holds great importance for us. Germany has also become more lenient on this issue. Our relevant ministers are and will be holding the necessary talks with their counterparts. Our fundamental approach is crystal clear: our first priority is to fulfil our needs primarily through our NATO allies. However, we are not without alternatives if the outcome of the process is not favourable. Our national combat aircraft, KAAN, has now taken wings. Once the product is added to our inventory and mass manufacturing starts in the forthcoming period, we will no longer have any issues in this respect. We once experienced a comparable process with unmanned aerial vehicles. We were unable to obtain them from our allies at that time, either. Subsequently, we manufactured our unmanned aerial vehicles to the highest quality. Now, numerous countries are knocking on Türkiye's door to purchase them."
I wouldn't be exaggerating if I said the tide is on our side"
In response to the question regarding the rise of far-right and racist parties in Europe, "Finally, they have attained considerable power at the polls in several countries during the European Parliament elections. What impact will this situation have on Türkiye-EU relations? Will Türkiye formulate a new strategy regarding the arising new situation?", President Erdoğan said: "At this very moment, I would not be exaggerating if I said the tide is on our side, particularly in terms of the steps we will take with the European Union member countries."
Stating that most European Union parties competing in the European Parliament elections have now come to acknowledge Türkiye's correct stance on the matter, Erdoğan noted, "One of them is Prime Minister Sanchez of Spain. He expressed his appreciation for Türkiye's stance. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz holds a favourable position at this point as well. He is also among those who hold a positive opinion of Türkiye. We will get on with our business. During this process, Türkiye has seized opportunities in Germany, the United Kingdom, and France. We will continue to capitalise on these opportunities by maintaining our strong stance.
President Erdoğan stated that they have been warning of the imminent danger for a long time and that they have been articulating to their interlocutors that the escalating racism, particularly in Europe, poses a threat that it must not be permitted to occur, and he continued as follows:
"Nations that previously welcomed insults to other people's sanctities and xenophobia in their streets and squares and patted those people on the back just because it suited them are now confronting the reality they have been turning a blind eye to. This is precisely the boomerang effect we frequently discuss. It is essential for Europe to proceed with the understanding that it is better to lose the saddle than the horse and implement realistic measures. Otherwise, this fire will grow large enough to burn everyone. Terrorism poses a similar threat. I reiterate our call to Europe before circumstances become dire. Let us fight against terrorism in all its forms. Let us cross out the scourge of terrorism from our agenda once and for all.