President Erdoğan addresses journalists’ questions on return flight from Italy
President Erdoğan stated, “The terrorist organisation must now recognise that it has reached a dead end and respond appropriately to the calls made to it. Our greatest motivation in this process is to leave our children a Türkiye free from terrorism."
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan commented on recent developments while addressing journalists' questions on his return flight from Italy.
Noting that his visit on the occasion of the Fourth Türkiye–Italy Intergovernmental Summit had concluded, President Erdoğan stated that he and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy had co-chaired the summit, where, with the participation of the relevant ministers, they had the opportunity to discuss both bilateral relations and regional and global issues. President Erdoğan pointed out that significant decisions had been taken to enhance Türkiye–Italy cooperation across various fields, and remarked as follows:
"Prime Minister Meloni and I jointly concluded the Business Forum, which was attended by numerous businesspeople from both countries. On the occasion of the forum, more than ten memoranda and agreements were signed between our companies and Italian firms across various areas of cooperation. Additionally, a special event was held with the participation of our defence industry firms. We are keen to further advance our steadily strengthening defence cooperation through new partnerships.”
President Erdoğan pointed out that Baykar has recently expanded its cooperation with Italian firms and that this process is continuing with a protocol signed with Leonardo. He went on: “During our meeting with Prime Minister Meloni, we set a target of increasing our bilateral trade volume from 30 billion USD to 40 billion USD. I firmly believe that, with the contributions of both our ministers and business communities, we will achieve this goal in the near future. On the sidelines of the summit, we also signed 11 documents to further bolster our cooperation and adopted the joint declaration.”
"I expressed that we are expecting concrete contributions from Italy."
Drawing attention to his meeting with President Sergio Mattarella of Italy during the visit, President Erdoğan continued:
“We had the opportunity to discuss steps to enhance our bilateral relations as well as regional developments. I extended invitations to President Mattarella and Prime Minister Meloni to visit our country. I also paid a condolence visit to the Vatican following the passing of Pope Francis and met with Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, who was serving in an acting capacity on behalf of the Holy See. During my meetings with the President and Prime Minister of Italy, I conveyed our expectation that Italy, which has consistently supported Türkiye’s EU accession process, would now make tangible contributions in this direction. At a time when Europe’s security architecture is being intensely debated, we emphasised the critical importance of Türkiye for Europe’s economic and military security. We agreed to continue working closely in this regard.”
President Erdoğan underlined that recent developments in relation to Ukraine — both on the ground and on the diplomatic front — were also discussed during the meetings. He said: “We once again emphasised that lasting peace, security and prosperity in the Mediterranean and the Middle East can only be achieved through a final two-state solution to the Israeli–Palestinian issue. We also expressed our expectation for stronger support from Italy for a ceasefire in Gaza, the recognition of the State of Palestine, and the alleviation of the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe.”
President Erdoğan added that the steps needed to restore peace and stability in Syria and Libya were also addressed, and went on to say, "We exchanged views on removing terrorist groups from Syria, strengthening state institutions, lifting sanctions, and accelerating reconstruction efforts. I hope that the decisions we have made and the meetings we have had will bring auspicious outcomes."
"We have established a relationship with African countries based on mutual respect and a win–win principle."
In response to the question, "There is a projection to increase the trade volume between Türkiye and Italy from 30 billion USD to 40 billion USD. At the same time, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has criticised Western countries for 'exploiting Africa'. Under your leadership, Türkiye has assumed a highly active role in Africa. Could cooperation between Türkiye and Italy be possible in Africa, particularly in the area of defence? And could you also share your views on the current trade volume between Türkiye and Italy?" President Erdoğan shared the following:
“Italy has expressed interest in taking joint steps with us regarding Africa. We see no reason why such cooperation should not be pursued. We would gladly take this step with Italy. I conveyed to Prime Minister Meloni during our meeting that we view this proposal positively. Indeed, there are expectations from Africa. Our approach to the continent is well known. We have taken historic steps in trade, investment, humanitarian aid and diplomacy across Africa. We have established a relationship with African countries based on mutual respect and a win–win principle, and we continue to expand it.
We are also happy to broaden our cooperation in Africa with Western nations who share this approach. We are always open to bilateral and trilateral partnerships in this regard. Both Türkiye and Italy have the capacity to raise their bilateral trade volume from 30 billion USD to 40 billion USD. Our relations with Italy have followed a positive trajectory throughout history. Our historical ties, our shared sea, our long-standing cooperation, common interests, and the many areas in which we think alike all strengthen our hand in further developing our relations. For this reason, we set realistic and concrete goals and strive diligently to achieve them. Our primary goal is to strengthen cooperation between Türkiye and Italy, particularly in trade, but also across many other fields."
“There is strong cooperation between Türkiye and Italy”
When a journalist noted that Greece consistently advises against cooperation with Türkiye at every step taken by Baykar, and reminded that Greece is set to purchase two frigates from Italy, asking, "Did you raise this issue during your meeting? Do we have a vision for advancing defence industry cooperation with Italy in other fields, such as maritime, aviation, or missile technology?", President Erdoğan gave the following response:
“There is strong cooperation and potential for joint projects between Türkiye and Italy. One of our key areas of cooperation is the defence industry. The increasing interest of Italian companies in Türkiye, influenced by geographical and cultural proximity, and our firms’ investments there, serve the interests of both countries. Beyond defence, we are also exploring opportunities in high-tech fields such as aviation and space.
In recent years, defence has become a focal point for many European countries. We have made significant progress in this field over many years, and we are continuing this path. The weapons systems, munitions and equipment we have developed for air, land and sea are being closely followed with great interest around the world. Italy is also a country with considerable experience in the defence industry. Mutual technology transfer will not only strengthen Türkiye’s domestic defence industry but also offer Italy a fresh perspective and renewed momentum. Cooperation with a key country like Italy in this field will help both our nations make greater progress. Our objective in this regard is to achieve a fully domestic and nationally developed defence industry. We are also making efforts to advance our cooperation with Greece on the foundations of good neighbourly relations, friendship and alliance."
"Terrorism-free Türkiye is not a process of compromise"
In the context of Terrorism-free Türkiye, President Erdoğan also answered questions regarding "the anticipated declaration of the terrorist organisation PKK that it will dissolve and disarm itself, as well as the health status of Sırrı Süreyya Önder, Deputy Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye and DEM Party İstanbul Deputy." Noting that the National Intelligence Organisation continues its efforts in this regard, President Erdoğan went on to say:
"As you are aware, Sırrı Süreyya Önder is a member of the DEM delegation. I wish him a speedy recovery. The National Intelligence Organisation is responsible for this mission, and İbrahim Kalın is spearheading the efforts in this regard. Our objective is to completely eradicate the scourge of terrorism, which undermines Türkiye's unity, integrity and fraternity, and to advance into the future. We have achieved significant progress in the fight against terrorism. We have taken the most progressive steps for democratisation. As the People's Alliance, we have demonstrated a strong and resolute will to completely eradicate terrorism and pave the way for a new era. The terrorist organisation must now recognise that it has reached a dead end and must heed the call made to it. Our greatest motivation in this process is to leave our children a terrorism-free Türkiye, a terrorism-free country. We sustain our motivation. We are striving for a Türkiye in which civil politics is empowered, peace prevails, and our resources are channelled towards the future, technology and development. Friends and foes will understand that there is no room for dissent in Türkiye and that no one will ever silence our hearts beating for our nation. I have previously said this. Terrorism-free Türkiye is not a process of compromise but a climate of brotherhood. It is our nation's decades-old aspiration."
Referring to a conference held in northern Syria and asked, "At this conference, the SDF and groups affiliated with them demanded a federative structure, so to speak. What is your assessment on this matter?" President Erdoğan responded, "Syria's territorial integrity is indispensable for us. We are aware that the Syrian government is acting with the same sensitivity."
Pointing out that it is very important for the armed groups in Syria to unite under the umbrella of the Ministry of Defence of Syria and contribute to the unity and integrity of Syria, President Erdoğan added:
"The issue of a federative structure is nothing more than a mere dream. It has no place in the reality of Syria. I would advise them to make decisions that will serve the stability of the region rather than decisions that will pose a threat to the region by dreaming of a federal administration in Syria. We will not allow fait accompli in our region, and we will not tolerate any attempt to threaten and jeopardise the lasting stability of Syria and the region. Syrian authorities have declared that no authority other than the Damascus government and no armed organisation other than the Syrian Army would be recognised in Syria. They continue their efforts in this respect. We share a similar perspective on border security."
Noting that Türkiye serves peace, President Erdoğan said, "We will not allow any imposed structure just beyond our borders, except for a unified Syria. The wisest option is for all groups to strive for a unified Syria and to dedicate their efforts and energy to this objective. We prioritise the representation and dialogue of all groups in Syria. Through our thousands of years of state tradition, we serve peace by upholding our tranquillity."
"Israel's actions are a provocation, and this is unacceptable"
When asked, "What are Türkiye's red lines towards Israel in the context of Syria? What is Ankara's assessment of the Israeli attacks on Syrian territory? What is the likelihood of a confrontation between the forces of the two countries?" President Erdoğan responded that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Director of the National Intelligence Organisation, the Minister of Defence, and the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources are in contact with President Ahmed al-Sharaa of Syria and his team and that these contacts continue in a close manner.
“Our ministers are following these developments with their counterparts,” President Erdoğan said, adding, "Our country believes that many steps need to be taken for the construction and reconstruction of Syria. We have a 910-kilometre-long border with Syria. This cannot be underestimated. We have always stated and will continue to state that we will stand by Syria with all our means in the future. There are certain unfavourable developments that indicate that we must exercise due diligence."
Stating that the steps to be taken by Turkish investment companies in Syria would contribute to Syria's recovery, President Erdoğan said, "The steps to be taken within the scope of construction and reconstruction efforts will contribute to Syria's recovery. We had the opportunity to discuss this with al-Sharaa at the Fourth Edition of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Antalya. Inshallah, we will continue to take these steps. We will continue to move forward in this regard, without stopping."
Stating that Israel is striving to cause conflict, blood and tears in the region, President Erdoğan added:
"It is gradually expanding the wave of violence and aggression that unfolded in Palestinian cities, particularly in Gaza. The blood they have shed in Lebanon and the suffering they have inflicted on the Lebanese people are evident. Currently, they are on their way to spread the flames and cause bloodshed in Syria as well. Israel's attacks on Syrian territory are an attempt to undermine the positive atmosphere that prevailed with the new Syrian government. Israel's actions are a provocation, and this is unacceptable. We respond in various ways to any attempt to plunge Syria, our neighbour, into yet another unstable scene. Our concern is peace and tranquillity in our region rather than more conflicts."
On the question of what the greatest risk for Türkiye in Syria is, President Erdoğan responded, "The risk there is clear: terrorist organisations. The Syrian administration has already been taking steps against terrorist organisations in a very secure manner. In this process, our Ministers of Foreign Affairs and National Defence and the Director of the National Intelligence Organisation had the opportunity to discuss these with them during their visit to Syria. Accordingly, we have determined which steps we will take."
''So far, Israel has yet to embrace a permanent ceasefire"
In response to the question raised in light of the fact that humanitarian aid has not been able to reach Gaza for some time and that there has been no progress on a ceasefire plan: “Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan met with Hamas officials in Doha. How close are we to a ceasefire? Meanwhile, President Mahmoud Abbas of Palestine harshly criticised Hamas, and Hamas issued a response. How do you foresee the process evolving in Gaza and in Palestine overall?”
President Erdoğan responded, ''So far, Israel has yet to embrace a permanent ceasefire. Without the pressure of the United States of America, Israel has no intention of ensuring a permanent ceasefire," and he added:
''Israel appears to accept a temporary ceasefire in exchange for the release of hostages. Our Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been engaging with Western counterparts, Palestinians, and the Israeli side on humanitarian aid on a regular basis. In the past, the ceasefire and humanitarian aid were inextricably linked issues. However, hunger and poverty have reached such a level that Palestinian civilian mortality outside of the conflict could be exceedingly high. So our methodology has not altered, but when we emphasised the ceasefire, we also highlighted the opening of the corridor for humanitarian aid. Even if the parties are waging their own wars, it is critical that civilians are not held captive and deprived of their most fundamental needs. This is what we are currently reiterating to the international community. Previously, they frequently associated the ceasefire with humanitarian aid. We have somewhat differentiated it now. However, even in this case, as long as Israel does not face extra pressure, there is currently no easing.''
When asked whether aid could be delivered to the region, President Erdoğan responded, ''It was possible to deliver aid up to a certain point. Meanwhile, the delivery of aid has been interrupted again.''
''Inshallah, this temporary ceasefire will lead to a lasting peace''
In response to the question, "How do you interpret the process in the Russia-Ukraine peace process?" which was posed with a reminder that Russia had declared a full ceasefire between May 8 and 10, President Erdoğan remarked, "Our hope is to further improve and broaden this ceasefire. Inshallah, this temporary ceasefire will lead to a lasting peace.'' Noting that Türkiye has maintained its position from the outset that the war between Russia and Ukraine can be resolved through a fair and lasting peace, President Erdoğan added:
''We have never abandoned our hopes regarding this issue. From time to time, even in times of escalating conflict, we gathered the parties around a table and proposed negotiations for peace. Such times are susceptible to provocations and interventions. As a result, both Russia and Ukraine should sincerely call for peace, and this war should come to an end without giving any opportunity to those who want to undermine the process. This war is critical not only for the two countries but also for global security. Because this war has taken a toll on all sides. Russia and Ukraine have suffered the most significant losses. But there are no losers in a fair peace. To ensure the long-term success of the peace process, both sides must nurture mutual trust. As Türkiye, we will continue to contribute to and promote peace.''
''We will meet with President Trump in person at the earliest opportunity''
President Erdoğan was asked the following question, with the remark that every issue discussed at the table regarding foreign policy is expected to be among the topics raised in his meeting with President Donald Trump of the US: "Has a date been set for a face-to-face meeting? There were claims that President Trump would visit three Gulf countries in May and might then add Türkiye to his itinerary. I would like to ask about that. Additionally, in light of President Trump's positive remarks about you personally and Türkiye since taking office, how do you view the development of Turkish-American relations—what are the opportunities and the risks?"
Stating that they, from time to time, communicate with President Trump via telephone diplomacy, President Erdoğan noted:
''We will meet with him in person at the earliest opportunity. Our phone conversation was very cordial, productive, and friendly. The two countries have long-standing and profound relations. We have a lot to discuss and many steps to take. Our ministries are therefore continuing their preparations for our meeting, which will shape the course of relations between Türkiye and the US. The timing is also being addressed as part of the preparations. We, from time to time, communicate with President Trump via telephone diplomacy. I am confident that my friend Trump and I will offer an entirely renewed impetus to our bilateral relations in the new era. We also share his vision of peace, particularly between Russia and Ukraine. We are pleased to acknowledge his behaviours that regard Türkiye's sensitivities. Concerning Syria, we can see that we understand each other as leaders. Our pursuit of a reasonable negotiation will, of course, persist in areas where our perspectives differ. We are two leaders who are of the opinion that we can resolve issues that are perceived as risks by certain groups through the use of dialogue and diplomacy.''
''We will step up our efforts to have the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus recognised''
In response to a question regarding the relationship between the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and the Organisation of Turkic States, as well as his upcoming visit to the TRNC, President Erdoğan pointed out that TEKNOFEST will be held in the TRNC over the weekend. President Erdoğan stated that he plans to be there on Saturday and noted that they constructed a magnificent parliament building and a presidential complex in the TRNC, describing both as structures to be admired. President Erdoğan announced that they will be taking steps to initiate the construction of judicial buildings in the TRNC, stating, ''With its nation's gardens and facilities, we have created a truly magnificent project there, and we will be there on Saturday. We are confident that a two-state solution on the island of Cyprus will allow us to leave historical problems behind, and we are progressing our efforts towards this goal. We will step up our efforts to have the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus recognised. As Türkiye, we will never leave the TRNC alone and unsupported."
Emphasising that defending the rights and interests of the Turkish Cypriots on every platform is a historical and humanitarian responsibility of the Republic of Türkiye, President Erdoğan stated that they are fully determined to fulfil this responsibility.
