Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said in remarks at the Presidential Complex in Ankara following a Cabinet meeting that they would not remain silent in the face of hostile moves aimed at encircling Türkiye in its region.
Erdoğan said Türkiye was not opposed to any country, society, faith or culture, adding that they would not allow the country’s progress as an independent and prosperous state to be obstructed. He said those disturbed by Türkiye’s strengthening and its efforts to establish peace and stability in the region would not be able to divert the country from its path.
Erdoğan said they would continue working to strengthen unity and solidarity across the wider region, noting that this approach was based on a policy of alliance and unity.
Search efforts following the accident off Kyrenia
Erdoğan also addressed the ship accident that occurred last week off Kyrenia, in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. He said nine ships and 11 aircraft were supporting search efforts in cooperation with the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Relations with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
Erdoğan said they would continue working to develop relations with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. Saying that they viewed the organisation as a structure complementary to the United Nations, Erdoğan said he had attended last week’s summit in Kyrgyzstan as an honorary guest.
Assessment of regional conflicts
Erdoğan held Israel responsible for the war in the Middle East and its expanding consequences. He said the cost of the war was being paid not only by the Iranian people or the Gulf countries, but by everyone, whether or not they were involved in the conflict.
Erdoğan also argued that the framework agreement reached in June to end the war had been rendered ineffective by Israel’s lies and sabotage. He said the chain of crises would not end unless the mentality that viewed the prospect of peace in the region as a threat changed.
Growth target for the economy
Erdoğan said they would maintain Türkiye’s economic growth and development trajectory despite regional tensions, adding that they had made some adjustments to their targets. He said the necessary steps would be taken to make the economy stronger, more competitive and resilient, increase public welfare and find lasting solutions to structural problems.
