President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, on his return flight from his visit to Brussels, the capital of Belgium, on the occasion of the NATO Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government, answered the questions of journalists on the agenda and said, "NATO is the cornerstone of European security. We have seen this very clearly. Türkiye is an indispensable ally in ensuring regional security."
Stating that he completed his visit to Brussels on the occasion of the Summit, President Erdoğan said that they came together as NATO allies at a time when serious changes were taking place in the perception of global security.
Citing that they also had the opportunity to evaluate the developments in the Russia-Ukraine war and its repercussions in detail at the Summit, President Erdoğan stated that they shared information with the allies about their intense diplomatic efforts to achieve a ceasefire and peace.
President Erdoğan, reiterating his emphasis on the importance of NATO's role from the point where the crisis started to escalate, said, "I have clearly expressed our stance on preserving NATO's solidarity, as well. I expressed that NATO should not be worn out for the sake of daily political calculations. Our Summit was productive and successful in every aspect. As such, we welcomed the extension of my dear friend, Secretary General Stoltenberg's, mandate for another year. This is a decision that we wholeheartedly supported. As a matter of fact, it was a decision taken by consensus and the mandate was extended for another year.”
Reminding that on the margins of the Summit, he conducted bilateral talks with the President of France, the Prime Ministers of Italy, Estonia, Spain, and the United Kingdom, President Erdoğan said, "At this point, it is clear that Türkiye's exceptional position among NATO allies, as well as its critical role in the region, are better understood. I have observed and believe that our allies and the rest of the world have become more aware of this fact."
Stating that the Madrid Summit of NATO will be held in June of this year, President Erdoğan said, "The Summit in Brussels constituted a critical turning point in the process leading to the Madrid Summit. Türkiye, as always, will play a critical role in shaping NATO's future through these summits. I pray to Allah that our visit and contacts will be beneficial."
"We will continue to fulfil our responsibilities to the best of our abilities"
In answer to the questions, "What is your assessment of NATO-EU relations in the aftermath of the Russia-Ukraine war? What has this occupation shown us? NATO Secretary General said, 'We face a new reality for our security. So we must reset our deterrence and defence for the longer-term.' What is your opinion on Türkiye's role in this new period? On the other hand, the world is on the edge of its seat regarding the use of chemical and nuclear weapons; they keep exchanging statements. What do you think about this?" President Erdoğan made the following remarks:
"Above all, this crisis has demonstrated two facts. First of all, NATO is the cornerstone and foundation of European security. We have seen this very clearly. Secondly, Türkiye is an indispensable ally for regional security. Numerous leaders have raised this point both during bilateral meetings and at the Summit. Throughout its 70-year membership in NATO, Türkiye has made the most comprehensive contributions of any ally, spanning all spheres of activity, including land, sea, air, as well as political efforts. With the spirit of alliance solidarity, we have fulfilled and will continue to fulfil our responsibilities to the best of our abilities. Türkiye has maintained the same level of determination and reliability throughout the current process. Türkiye is even setting an example in this field. This is acknowledged by world leaders and the command echelon. We are proud to see it. I would thus like to express our particular delight with this. On the other hand, we, of course, consider the use of the weapons of mass destruction to be a crime against humanity."
"Six topics are being negotiated between Russia and Ukraine"
In response to the questions "Will Türkiye be the guarantor country? Would it cause Türkiye any problem if it becomes the guarantor and Ukraine and Russia fail to follow the terms?" saying that Türkiye had been conducting effective diplomacy since the beginning of the Ukraine-Russia war, and during this, the issue of guarantor and mediator roles were raised, President Erdoğan emphasised that they made great efforts to end the war from the very beginning.
President Erdoğan stated that, in addition to talks with other leaders, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu also met with his interlocutors many times, adding, "He even brought the Foreign Ministers of Russia and Ukraine together in Antalya. Following that, he paid visits to Moscow and Lviv. Aside from that, the Minister of National Defence had many meetings with his peers. They continue to do so. Of course, all of these have been the best example of Türkiye's ability to act as a guarantor and also as a mediator."
President Erdoğan explained that six titles were being negotiated between Russia and Ukraine, but there were issues that both sides were inclined to accept or reject, and added:
"Agreement appears to have been reached on four specific topics. One of them is about the issue of NATO. Although Ukraine initially placed a high priority on this issue, Zelensky later stated that Ukraine could abandon its NATO membership bid. Another topic is about the recognition of Russia as one of the official languages. Zelensky accepted it. Russian is already widely spoken across Ukraine. There is no problem about this. The issue of disarmament was also on the table. Naturally, Ukraine is a state, which means it will not accept full disarmament. Nonetheless, agreement on this issue is still possible. The Ukrainian side stated that they could make some concessions. The fourth topic is about collective security, on which Ukraine also agrees. Ukraine has displayed a positive attitude on this topic. However, Ukraine is less comfortable on the issues of Crimea and Donbas. Zelensky recently made a good move on the issue of Donbas by proposing a referendum, which, I believe, is smart leadership. This move ended the discussion on the topic. On the other hand, when Russia occupied Crimea in 2014, we objected to it very clearly. In every meeting since that date, I have told Putin that I am opposed to the occupation. However, unlike today, the West did not take a firm stance against the occupation.
We are experiencing this today as a result of their failure to take such a firm stance. Donbas, Donetsk, Luhansk and others were almost like the multipliers of Crimea. We have taken a firm stance on this. Although Ukraine has a positive attitude toward 4 out of the 6 topics of contention, there is not a positive attitude toward the remaining two. I will have a meeting with Zelensky today. I am very likely to meet Putin this weekend or early next week. In these meetings, we will make an assessment of the talks at the NATO summit, and I will direct him to be the architect of the steps toward peace. I will ask him to 'make an honourable exit"' and look for ways to settle this matter amicably."
“A favourable process is ongoing”
Upon the questions, “Are there any positive developments regarding the new F-16s and F-16 modernisation kits that Türkiye continues to negotiate with the USA? Is there a process and technical preparation in place for the return of Türkiye’s A400m aircraft remaining in Kyiv? Is the danger alleged to have arisen due to the release of certain mines laid in the Black Sea as severe as stated? Can NATO provide technical support to Türkiye in this regard?” President Erdoğan stated that the Minister of National Defense Hulusi Akar is conducting the talks concerning the F-16s with his interlocutors and that, as of now, a favourable process is ongoing in this regard.
Pointing out that there are positive attitudes regarding the modernisation of aircraft and new purchases, President Erdoğan said: “Mr Biden said ‘I will convey my positive attitude to the Congress on this issue and personally follow it.’ If the process continues and ends in this direction, I hope that we will have the opportunity to rapidly complete the purchase of new F-16s and the modernisation of the ones we already have.”
Expressing that all measures have been taken regarding the mines, President Erdoğan said: The common opinion of both the Minister of National Defense and the Commander of the Naval Forces is that they are not in an unknown position. In addition, these mines can lock themselves. In other words, as soon as they surface, these mines automatically lock and explode. They also have such a feature. Apart from that, our Naval Forces have undertaken utmost precaution.”
Noting that they continue the negotiations both with Ukraine and Russia over the A400m aircraft, President Erdoğan said, “They provide us with all kinds of assurances. They say, “If we attempt to send them now, there are some issues in the air space. Therefore, let us avoid such a risk. We keep in touch with you, and we will deliver these aircraft to you as soon as the risks are eliminated.”
"Today, we maintain our position on the S400."
We are wondering about your quick conversation with Biden. According to the American press, America wanted that the S400s be handed to Ukraine. Türkiye responded in the same manner, stating that this is not a serious claim. 'Instead of such unfounded allegations, the Western world should first integrate Türkiye unconditionally in the F-35 program,' Fahrettin Altun stated. You've also stated numerous times that this issue is no longer open for discussion. Why does the United States insist on bringing this topic up again and again? President Erdoğan said:
"First and foremost, just as we stated at the beginning that the S400 issue was no longer debatable, we continue to hold that position today. This is a closed case for us. This is our own property in the defence area; this is end of the discussion. Another point is that our Directorate of Communications has already responded to the Wall Street Journal's article with the proper sensitivity. That answer is more than enough for them. There is no need for any clarification on this point. Because their sole purpose is to sow discord. They are contemplating 'what kind of blow we can strike on Türkiye to cause havoc.' We intervene promptly; they are unable to obtain any outcomes."
"Of course, our doors are open to all who want to come to our country"
In response to the question "While there are some problems associated with the withdrawal of American corporations from Russia, what are your expectations for their arrival in Türkiye?" President Erdoğan noted that not only American corporations have withdrawn from Russia, but also a large number of global brands and organizations.
President Erdoğan added, "Of course, our doors are open to all who want to come to our country. Aside from that, if certain capital groups want to come to our country and use their potential here, we will not close our doors to them. We also keep our doors open for this."
Regarding sanctions, President Erdoğan stated,
"We also assess certain UN sanctions areas, but keep in mind that we cannot put our relations with Russia on hold while taking all of these steps. As you are aware, I have previously explained the situation. Taking merely the natural gas we use now, we purchase roughly half of it from Russia. In addition, we are now constructing the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant with Russia. That, too, cannot be ignored. When I told Macron this today, he answered, 'You are right.' There is nothing that can be done. We must preserve our sensitivity in this matter. First and foremost, I cannot abandon my people in the snow and cold of winter. Second, I cannot completely reset our industry. We must protect them. We are the state, with a population of 85 million people. We carry out all of the responsibilities that have been assigned on us. We have currently sent 56 humanitarian aid trucks to Ukraine, each bringing food, clothing and medicine. These aids are still on the rise."
In response to questions “President Emmanuel Macron of France made mediation attempts in this crisis. How would do you describe France’s efforts? Also, how do you see relations with US President Biden?" after being reminded of what President Macron said two years ago "NATO is brain dead." and the current situation, President Erdoğan said, "Let's start with the part about Macron. That is to say, NATO is not brain dead. There was no such thing. That was a truly unfortunate remark."
"After this unfortunate statement, Macron is now one of the leaders who plays the most active role in NATO." President Erdoğan went on to say,
"He is quite diligent. Macron is highly active in meetings with Ukraine, Russia and other countries, in my opinion. As a result, the perceptions of other countries and leaders regarding Macron have changed. Additionally, there were some steps taken between Türkiye and France. We have agreed to continue our initiatives to reconsider those steps and Türkiye-France relations, as well as to re-introduce the trilateral steps we took as Türkiye-France-Italy. I hope that that following the election, we will jumpstart this new process.
In response to Biden question, we had a quick chat during this Summit. We will have the opportunity to discuss several topics with him via phone diplomacy in the coming period. Of course, our Minister of National Defence addressed the issue of F-16s with his counterpart."
President Erdoğan responded to the question, "When you say trilateral, do you mean the France-Italy-Türkiye SAMP/T missile?" by saying, "Yes, Eurosam. We have discussed this issue with Draghi as we did with Macron. Draghi also brought it up at his subsequent meeting with Macron."
In answer to the remark that neither Europe nor the US has taken concrete steps toward a resolution since the beginning of the war and the question "Did you notice a tendency toward de-escalation or toward resolution during the Summit?", President Erdoğan stated that the majority of the leaders were in favour of de-escalation.
President Erdoğan added:
"Because the greatest disaster of the past era is unfolding. Unfortunately, thousands of children, women and civilians are being killed. After witnessing all of this, it is still impossible to say, 'just shoot.' When we consider the situation on a financial level, it is another disaster. They are now attempting to assess how a ceasefire may be reached as soon as possible in light of all of these events. Everyone brings up the urgent need for a ceasefire. It is my hope that we will ensure it, that we will reach it via our solidarity. If we can do this, we will genuinely be serving humanity."
President Erdoğan was asked about the recent hosting of several leaders in Ankara "Is this just due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict? Türkiye has become a key state as a result of your efforts, but I am curious as to whether the leaders are heading to Türkiye to establish a new corridor or a new order." President Erdoğan said that, of course, Russia-Ukraine is the primary focus of their agenda.
However, President Erdoğan underlined that during these visits, they had the chance to discuss bilateral relations, adding:
"Additionally, we are addressing regional issues with the participating countries. For example, during the one-day visit of President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, my brother, our main focus was Russia and Ukraine. He is one of the leaders who are most familiar with Russia. His relations with Mr Putin are well-known. He is one of the best analysts of this war. We had the opportunity to speak openly and clearly with him about these matters. President Duda of Poland is likewise truly admirable. Poland hosts around 2 million refugees in the region. On the other hand, he believes that his country may be the next target for Russia after Ukraine. That is why, of course, he takes all the precautions that he deems necessary. For example, Biden is visiting Poland today. Ukraine, of course, is not a NATO member, but Poland is. We also have a high-level dialogue with Poland. This is another point to consider. As a result, the Russia-Ukraine issue is a priority in our relations with him, but we also had the chance to discuss our ties with Poland regarding the defence industry and economy."
Regarding Greece’s visit, President Erdoğan stated that it was discussed how to address the known issues in Turkish-Greek relations, adding, "In the coming period, we say let's hold our meetings directly, without intermediaries, let's hold our talks through our special representatives, let's continue like this."
President Erdoğan said:
"We also addressed bilateral relations with other participating leaders, but the primary focus was on Russia-Ukraine. Among the most significant visits was that of President Herzog of Israel. A visit by Prime Minister Bennett of Israel is also being discussed as part of this process. With his visit, we may be in a position to initiate a new phase in Türkiye-Israel relations. This, we hope, will also have a beneficial effect on the Palestinian issue. Naturally, the primary concern here is what we can do collectively with the Eastern Mediterranean. I believe that the natural gas problem will emerge as one of the most critical moves we can take in bilateral ties. After the parties agree on a date, we will send our Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Energy and Natural Resources to Israel for their assessment. We will begin these talks with the efforts of our Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Energy and Natural Resources to made in Israel."
In response to the comment that the crisis has shifted the global power balance, and the question "Considering the visits of world leaders to Türkiye during a period of a global energy shortage, Türkiye had the goal of becoming an 'energy hub,' Can we argue that the distance to that goal has been reduced?", President Erdoğan said, "Inshallah, this will open new doors for us. I will not reveal it right now. Inshallah, as a result of these talks, several new areas of energy will become available to us, and when you hear about them, you will wonder, 'Where did this come from?' Inshallah, these talks will yield a solid result. We held the initial talks, inshallah, our friends will continue the talks, and we will make a statement in the subsequent talks.
The issue of oil and food security
It was stated that food security was a hot topic of discussion throughout the world, and the danger associated with this issue was pointed out. In response to the question, "What would you say about oil and food security for Türkiye?" President Erdoğan said that they took every measure regarding food security. Asking, "Is there a country in the world today where there is no problem in terms of food security?" President Erdoğan continued, "Every country, more or less, has a problem in this regard. At the moment, we are partially experiencing these issues, but we are taking all necessary measures."
"I have met with over 40 leaders in March alone"
When asked to comment on the following statement, "Türkiye was once a country that was listened to, but now people turn their backs when Türkiye's name is mentioned." President Erdoğan said, “How is it possible that everyone has turned their back on us when all of the world's heads of state and government visit our country and engage in heavy phone diplomacy with us?"
President Erdoğan noted that he had over 40 face-to-face meetings or phone calls with leaders in March alone, adding:
"We maintain constant contact with President Putin of Russia and President Zelensky of Ukraine via telephone. We also spoke with President Biden over the phone. Also this month, we hosted my brother President Aliyev of Azerbaijan, President Herzog of Israel, Prime Minister Mitsotakis of Greece, Chancellor Scholz of Germany, President Duda of Poland, Prime Minister Kim Boo-Kyum of South Korea, Prime Minister Rutte of the Netherlands, President Osmani-Sadriu of Kosovo in our country. We also had phone calls with the UN Secretary-General Guterres, NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg, President of the EU Commission Leyen and the President of the European Council Michel, as well as the presidents of France, Austria, Moldova, Serbia, Lithuania, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and also the Prime Ministers of the Netherlands, the UK and Canada. In Antalya, we met with NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg, Prime Minister Rama of Albania, Founding President Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan, President Pahor of Slovenia, Presidential Council Members Džaferović and Dodik of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Prime Minister Petkov of Bulgaria, President Embalo of Guinea-Bissau, Prime Minister Barzani of the Iraqi Regional Government, President Bazum of Niger, President Bio of Sierra Leone, President Weah of Liberia. I also held bilateral meetings with the President of France and the Prime Ministers of Italy, Estonia, Spain and the United Kingdom during this NATO Summit. All these meetings took place this month. Each of these leaders expresses their appreciation for our country's diplomatic efforts towards peace. To say, 'The world is turning its back on Türkiye,' is not something that can be explained with logic."
Answering a question about how Türkiye will start the forthcoming period of tourism in the light of the developments, President Erdoğan remarked: "An explosion or a serious rise in tourism in such a period would be a very ambitious statement." President Erdoğan said:
"However, our Minister of Tourism continues to negotiate with countries on this issue with great zeal. In the same vein, we continue our negotiations with Russia, Ukraine, and Poland, in short, with all regions. They, and particularly Putin, stated, 'We will not block the way, particularly in tourism; we will encourage it and will place no impediments in the way of our citizens visiting Türkiye.' Additionally, they may suggest using their own national currencies in conducting business. We already offered this to Russia previously. We stated that we should conduct business in our national currency, our domestic currency, and in rubles and Turkish liras. Now that our point has been justified, they say that they can conduct business using rubles and other foreign currencies. This is how we will take this step. Additionally, President Duda of Poland stated, 'We encourage our citizens to visit Türkiye for tourism.' More than 2 million tourists come to our country from Ukraine and more than 5 million tourists from Russia. Given Türkiye's reputation as a reliable country, I believe we will not have serious problems in attracting tourists and will have the opportunity to receive additional visitors from the United Kingdom in the future. The same is true for Germany. We are working, and we will continue to work. We had a productive meeting with Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany, and I am optimistic about the next phase of the dialogues between Germany and Türkiye."