“Our fight against the PKK terrorist organization continues in every area”

 

Presidential Spokesperson İbrahim Kalın made statements and answered reporters’ questions in a press conference at the Presidential Complex following the meeting of the Presidential Cabinet.

In the conference broadcast live, Presidential Spokesperson Kalın said: “In his introductory address to the meeting, Mr. President highlighted the issues that are of importance for the Presidential System of Government to better serve citizens, drawing attention to the significant steps taken by the relevant ministries and institutions in order to meet the expectations of our citizens.

It was underlined that our relevant units continue to take necessary measures against the speculative moves we face from time to time in economy. It was especially pointed out that the relevant units of the state institutions and the private sector continue their coordinated efforts against the atmosphere of pressure sought to be created through the triangle of foreign exchange, inflation and interest rates. 

The issues of S-400s, F-35s and the relations with the U.S. also came up during the meeting, as related to both economy and the general political framework. I will make a few remarks on them as well.  

Mr. President gave instructions to intensify the efforts for production with a higher added value in defense industry and technology especially against such operations. In this regard, we will continue determinedly to take steps and measures in the period ahead as well so as to boost our export capacity.

Likewise, the coordination between our institutions for Turkey’s internal and external security as well as the fight against terror was also addressed thoroughly during the meeting. Our fight against the PKK terrorist organization continues in every area with determination not only at home but also elsewhere like Iraq and Syria where this organization is present. The coordinated efforts of the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Interior, the National Intelligence Organization, the Gendarmerie and other relevant security units continue to yield substantial results.

Bearing in mind that the terrorist organization may attempt to carry out various acts of terror and attacks so as to stir up trouble given the local elections held on March 31 and the dynamics of the upcoming mayoral election for Istanbul scheduled for June 23, our units are vigilantly monitoring the ongoing process.

“THE DEVELOPMENTS IN IDLIB CONTINUE TO CAUSE CONCERN FOR TURKEY”

Mr. President, in his introductory address, also drew attention to the security problems stemming from Syria. We especially underscored that the developments in Idlib continue to cause concern for us. Our relevant units have already been authorized regarding the issue of bringing to an end the attacks the regime deliberately conducts in order to provoke Turkey and gain ground in the region. Russia has especially been contacted concerning this issue and talks are ongoing. Necessary steps will continue to be taken in the period ahead as well in Idlib and Tell Rifaat as well as in the east of the Euphrates in a bid to provide for this area of security and prevent any threat against our country. 

“TURKEY PURSUES A FOREIGN POLICY CENTERED ON PEACE AND MUTUAL RESPECT”

Also on the agenda of the Cabinet meeting in the perspective of foreign policy were the ongoing developments in the Eastern Mediterranean, North Africa and Middle East. The Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of National Education and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs made their routine presentations on their own topics.

Undoubtedly, one of the most important items on the agenda of this Cabinet meeting were the developments occurring especially in our immediate environ. I know that there are some ongoing debates regarding the letter the U.S. Department of Defense wrote to our Ministry of National Defense.

First of all, we would like to underline here that in an atmosphere of regional and global uncertainty, chaos and tensions, and against a backdrop of political approaches that spark this atmosphere, Turkey pursues a foreign policy centered on peace, stability, serenity and mutual respect. As we take our steps, we pursue a foreign policy based on our national interests in a world where everything is intertwined with each other and all dynamics affect one another. That is why we look at the incidents in the world from a 360-degree perspective. Therefore, our relations with the European Union and broadly with Europe, the United States, with other global actors like Russia and China, Middle East countries, Muslim countries, and with African, Far Eastern, Asian and Latin American countries are not based on a zero sum foreign policy perspective. On the contrary, we have never seen a group of relations as an alternative to another. The good relations we have built with Europe and America, I mean the good relations we have built within the transatlantic Alliance, do not constitute an obstacle to the relations we have built with Russia, China, the Middle East or with Africa. In the same vein, our engagements and new initiatives in these regions are not necessarily to cast a shadow over the relations we have built with America, Europe or with other regions. Nevertheless, those, who still try to analyze foreign relations and the world from a zero-sum perspective, by making such speculative reports from time to time seek to call into question Turkey’s status within NATO and claim that Turkey leaves traditional alliance systems and turn towards other areas. However, we aim for comprehensive relations with everyone on the basis of mutual respect and benefit within the framework of our national interests and, in this regard, take a holistic approach to the issue of security.”