On his return flight from Turkmenistan, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan provided evaluations to the journalists and answered the questions regarding the agenda.
Stating that his visit to Awaza, made in order to attend the Türkiye-Azerbaijan-Turkmenistan Trilateral Summit, was successfully completed, President Erdoğan said that with this historic summit, the three brotherly countries started a new, important and functional process.
Expressing that they have added a new one to the previously established platforms with other countries in the region, President Erdoğan said, "With these complementary mechanisms, we continue to contribute to regional welfare, stability, development, and peace initiatives. We also made decisions regarding these steps at the Awaza Summit. We reaffirmed our will to develop our relations in all areas and to deepen our cooperation." In this context, President Erdoğan noted that they have identified prospective areas of cooperation, primarily in the energy and transportation sectors, and they have discussed in detail the transportation of Turkmen gas via the Caspian Sea to Türkiye and then to Europe.
Pointing out that regional and global developments have increased the importance of the trans-Caspian Middle Corridor, President Erdoğan said:
"In fact, we realised the importance of the trans-Caspian Middle Corridor many years ago and started infrastructure projects in this direction without delay. At our summit, we once again reaffirmed our commitment to the development of the Middle Corridor as leaders. On this occasion, the three countries signed five agreements that will strengthen their collaboration in the fields of energy, transportation, commerce, customs, science, education, and culture. Additionally, we have issued our Joint Statement, and of course, we discussed regional and global issues. We agree on expanding our collaboration in the Turkic world. We resolved to enhance our cooperation within the Organization of Turkic States, a manifestation of our attempts to integrate on the basis of shared history, culture, and language. I place special emphasis on the continuation of the summit mechanism, which brings together the three most influential countries in the development of regional and global energy, transport, and trade infrastructures."
Recalling that they had fruitful meetings with President Serdar Berdimuhamedov of Turkmenistan and President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan in Awaza, where they discussed bilateral relations, and that he received his dear brother Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Chairman of the People's Council of Turkmenistan, President Erdoğan wished the summit and the meetings to be auspicious.
"A manifestation of positive developments"
President Erdoğan answered journalists' questions after his assessment of the visit.
In response to the question, "With the visits and concrete steps taken in recent years, we see that the unity and solidarity of the Turkic world have become a new political horizon. Are new steps anticipated to strengthen unity and solidarity in the future?" President Erdoğan said, "The developments we have achieved at this point with these steps continue to give positive signals in all areas. Moreover, the riparian countries of the Caspian Sea, with the exception of Russia and Iran, are already a part of the Organisation of Turkic States. Together these countries maintain very close ties with one another."
Stating that Turkmenistan's permanent membership to the Organization of Turkic States is on the agenda, President Erdoğan said, "During and following the İstanbul Summit, where we most recently met as an observer member, a new point was reached in Samarkand. Now the next process is the process of Turkmenistan becoming a permanent member. These are all a manifestation of positive steps and positive developments."
Upon the question, "The fourth-largest natural gas reserves in the world are reportedly found in Turkmenistan. If it reaches Türkiye first and then Europe, what kind of future in terms of cooperation does it hold out? What is your opinion? What does Russian President Vladimir Putin's invitation imply?" President Erdoğan said:
"President Putin's relations with Turkmenistan, in particular, were already highly advanced. He was also benefiting from Turkmenistan gas. Of course, a new process has begun. In this new process, Putin no longer has the same ease in selling Russian gas to Europe as he had before. Such a circumstance no longer exists. Currently, Turkmenistan has such an opportunity. When we consider whether Turkmenistan has a chance to sell its natural gas directly to Europe or not, we see that Türkiye is a significant potential hub in terms of selling Turkmen gas to Europe. Both the recent developments on the sale of Russian natural gas to Europe through us and the current sale of Turkmen gas again through us will be an important step."
"Towards a positive point"
President Erdoğan pointed out that a step must be taken here and said, "Currently, Turkmenistan, as a riparian state of the Caspian Sea, is working with Azerbaijan to resolve this issue. Negotiations are currently ongoing. The discussions with us today seems to move towards a positive point."
President Erdoğan stated that there are three aspects to this positive point, and said:
"First, while Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan are taking this step, who will undertake the financial aspect of this work and how much of it? Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan need to share this. In fact, if we, as Türkiye, are going to take part in this, we should also share the financial burden. If the European Union is going to take part in this, how much will the European Union take on? Well, today, we have reached a decision whereby the energy ministers of the three countries, Türkiye, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, will come together and discuss the details of this issue swiftly. I instructed our Minister of Energy to meet both of his counterparts in Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan to finalise this issue within a month without any delay. After they finalise it, we will hold our talks. I hope at the beginning of 2023, Mr Serdar (Berdimuhamedov) of Turkmenistan will pay us an official visit. We will hopefully finalise this work then. We will also discuss this with Mr Ilham (Aliyev). We will quickly take this step and hopefully facilitate this process. We will discuss the issues regarding the European Union after that."
President Erdoğan stated that while TANAP has filled its entire volume and reached 32 billion cubic metres, TAP has reached 6 billion cubic metres, and said, "Now our friends will figure out whether a new line should be established or not so that steps can be taken accordingly. As three leaders, we discussed this between us. But now, by discussing the technical infrastructure, cost aspects and others, we will be able to take a step forward."
"We take our measures for the security of our country"
In response to the question, "You spoke with President Putin of Russia over the phone. You brought up the Sochi deal in the context of Syria during the conversation. Putin's Representative for the Middle East then remarked, 'Talks with Türkiye will continue,' adding, 'We will maintain our efforts to persuade him not to undertake a land operation.' You then stated, 'We requested support through co-decision and joint implementation,' Will there be a joint operation or cooperative working mechanism in this regard? What is the nature of this joint decision-making and implementation?" President Erdoğan stated:
"There are numerous subjects in both questions that are not currently on the agenda but may become so in the future as events unfold. However, as you can see, I also explained something else. That is, for the time being, we would like to take a step as a Syria-Türkiye-Russia tripartite. For this, our intelligence agencies should convene first, followed by our Ministers of Defence, and last by our Ministers of Foreign Affairs. Let us convene as presidents following their talks. I extended the same invitation to Mr Putin. Likewise, he saw it favourably. Consequently, we shall launch a series of talks. There is a second concern that requires prompt action. What is it? There has been a lot of unrest in Syria due to terrorist organisations, particularly in the country's northern regions. From over there, they occasionally threaten and provoke our country, doing everything. We have made decisions, whether it is on the Sochi deal or Astana. What exactly is the decision? Our security corridor stretches 30 kilometres south of our border. We will take every action in this security corridor if we are disrupted."
President Erdoğan reminded everyone that this is nothing new and that it is already on the agenda of Astana, saying, "Furthermore, we also met and talked in Sochi. This is the situation. Besides, our coordination with Russia in Syria is not new. Then there is the issue of coalition forces to consider. Who are the coalition forces? Currently, the United States ranks first, followed by France, Germany, and Britain. In a geography where all these things are unfolding, we take our measures for the security of our country."
"I don't require anyone's permission on whom I speak to"
President Erdoğan stated that there are sources of support for the terrorist organisation in Syria, noting:
"Where does this terrorist organisation receive the biggest support? From the coalition forces. Where do they receive it? From the oil wells. These oil wells are currently under the protection of the coalition forces. Where do they sell it? They sell it to the regime. Who is selling it? The terrorist organisation is selling it. Of course, we have been patient up until now. However, patience has run out. We have taken, and continue to take, numerous steps toward those refineries, oil wells, and so on. Of course, this deeply shocked the terrorist organisations. It will shock them in the coming period. However, we tell them, particularly the US, that if you continue to supply these terrorist organisations with thousands of trucks of weapons, ammunition, tools, and equipment, we will take matters into our own hands, as we always say."
Upon the question, "You stated that you want to take a step with Syria and Russia. The timing of such a step will undoubtedly be critical. Former US Special Representative for Syria, James Jeffrey, stated that 'the US takes a dim view of Türkiye's meeting with the Assad regime'. What is your take on this?" President Erdoğan said, "So you still do not know your President. I do not seek permission to decide who, when, and how to meet with someone. I met with the President of Egypt in Qatar. I did not seek permission from anyone. Our national interests will drive our actions in Syria. This is one of the steps we will take, along with the safe zone in Syria and measures against the terrorist organisation."
When asked, "High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, stated that Türkiye should 'join sanctions against Russia' What is your take on this? Among your counterparts, which leader do you find most aligned with your policy regarding Russia-Ukraine?" President Erdoğan said, "I do not consider Borrell my counterpart. He can only be Mr Çavuşoğlu's counterpart. His remark is not at all courteous. In other words, Borrell cannot direct or coordinate our relations with Russia. He lacks both the qualifications and the capacity to make such a decision. It is a very tactless remark."
"The measures taken by German authorities are appropriate"
"How can you evaluate our relations with Russia within the scope of sanctions? So where does 44 per cent of Europe's current grain supply come from?" President Erdoğan asked and added:
"It comes from the Black Sea region. Who is the mediator? Türkiye. Any thanks for that? No. All European leaders express their appreciation; however, you make such a statement. Moreover, now the issue of fertilisers and ammonia will also be on the agenda regarding Russia. There is also a very interesting gesture by Mr Putin. What is that? He says, 'I will deliver the grain free of charge.' We said, 'After obtaining it from you, let's grind it free of charge in our mills and then ship it to least developed countries.' Of course, Mr Putin was really pleased with our response. Because 44-46 per cent of it goes to Europe, 14 per cent goes to Africa. When we presented this offer, Mr Borrell's game and plan must have been broken. So, he had to make such a statement."
When stated and asked, "A group of people were arrested in Germany on accusations of plotting a coup. They recognised them as a terrorist organisation, and an investigation into the attempted coup was initiated. There does not appear to be a circumstance that can be compared with what happened in Türkiye. A country acting like this hosts both the terrorist organisation PKK and the putschist terrorist organisation FETO within its border at the same time. How did you feel when you heard this news? Did you believe Germany would demonstrate some empathy for Türkiye? What are your expectations?" President Erdoğan remarked that he considered the measures taken by German authorities against the coup plotters appropriate.
Emphasising the significance of illuminating the entire process in the context of the rule of law, President Erdoğan said, "My people, my country, will best comprehend the sentiment in Germany against the coup plots. Unfortunately, we have not seen the same empathy and understanding from our ally and friend Germany."
"Nothing is solved"
Noting that they have urged Germany to empathise with Türkiye for decades, President Erdoğan added:
"However, recently, unusual occurrences have emerged for some reasons. Currently, Germany is the most significant haven for terrorist organisations in Europe. Where are the organisations PKK/YPG/PYD right now? They are there. Where is FETO? There. We want them; they are not concerned about handing them to us. Now, of course, terrorism has come knocking on their door. We cannot forget the Solingen attack. And we can't forget that infamous NSU murders. We have had multiple conversations with Merkel. She said, 'We took care of it, we are on it, we solved, we are solving.' This is still going on. In addition, our citizens there do not have the required rights and freedoms in education; moreover, our non-governmental organisations there are subjected to harsh penalties. We have always stated this to them. They said, 'No worries, we'll solve it, don't worry.' However, nothing is solved."
Pointing out that Türkiye now has over 3 million citizens in Germany, both with single and dual citizenship, President Erdoğan stressed that these people went to Germany in the 1960s and struggled very hard.
"There are many steps we have taken and will take with Germany"
Stating that after a process that began with challenges, the third generation in Germany now has a place and a home, and there are Turks who have important jobs and employ hundreds of thousands of Germans in their workplaces, President Erdoğan said:
"While all of these were clear, we attempted to arrange far better days with Germany, but they were unable to do so. We have always discussed these matters with Mr Scholz, and we continue to do so. Of course, I am actually content with Mr Scholz in our bilateral meetings. I mean, he is not an incompatible person. Our relations in this regard are also very good. However, we expect more determined solutions and decisive steps. I believe that Türkiye needs Germany and Germany needs Türkiye. Especially in the defence industry, there are many steps we have taken and will take with Germany. But unfortunately, there are people who interrupt these steps. Unfortunately, at the time of the interruption, this issue is not resolved. If these issues are resolved, I believe the trade volume between Türkiye and Germany will be significantly higher than the current figure."
"We have taken very serious measures"
Recalling that under the AK Party's 20-year rule, legislation and punishments enacted to safeguard women and prevent sexual crimes against minors were intensified upon the question: "The reported incidence involving a 6-year-old child pained our conscience. We are aware of your sensitivity to children and your unwavering commitment to our cause. Can an action plan be proposed to increase deterrent punishments and safeguard children?" President Erdoğan replied that there is no limit to the plans and the steps to be taken at any time.
Emphasising that they have always maintained their determination regarding the measures to be taken on this issue since the day they came to power and never said, "Some penalties have been introduced before us; what are we doing now?" President Erdoğan said, "On the contrary, if these penalties need to be increased, even more, we increased them without hesitation and worked on it. All of this, including even shelters, started with us, and we took steps to develop them further. Not only on the state level but also in the local administrations, we have brought decisions and legal regulations to take such steps. We have taken very serious measures. There are penalties that we have launched with new legal regulations."
Change in Twitter management
Upon the question, "We know your views on Twitter and your attitude towards this platform. But there are intense debates in the US. After Elon Musk took over the management, he started to disclose files regarding the political censorship of the former Twitter management. You are one of the world's three most engaged leaders on Twitter. We have observed before that the tags supporting you on social media have been blocked and removed from the agenda. Could such a thing have happened? Can Türkiye question this? Could there be a request from Elon Musk?" President Erdoğan said that if such a thing happens, they can meet and talk to Elon Musk, at least hold a phone call, and talk about Twitter as they talked about space before.
Stating that they closely monitor the issues that came to the agenda regarding the previous Twitter management's interventions in the political arena, President Erdoğan said, "I have already stated that I do not have a very favourable view of social media. We did not achieve our success in politics or diplomacy thanks to social media. The contest field of politics is not social media. Politics is carried out directly with the nation, for the nation. If you have a sincere bond with your nation, neither Twitter nor any other power can prevent you."