President Erdoğan addresses journalists’ questions on return flight from G20 Summit
President Erdoğan: "Hamas is showing great patience in the face of all these provocations by Israel and adhering to the ceasefire. It is essential that this ceasefire is implemented completely."
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made statements to journalists and answered questions on his return flight after the G20 Leaders' Summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Stating that they had concluded the G20 Leaders' Summit hosted by the Republic of South Africa, President Erdoğan expressed his hope that the 20th Summit, held under the theme of “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” would be beneficial for humanity. Recalling that he made a comprehensive assessment at the press conference following the summit, President Erdoğan expressed his satisfaction that the G20 Summit was held on the African continent for the first time.
"The oppression faced by our Gazan brothers and sisters was at the top of our agenda"
Emphasising that everyone recognises the importance Türkiye attaches to developing its relations with African countries, President Erdoğan continued his remarks as follows:
"This summit is also important and meaningful in this regard. Türkiye will continue to advance its cooperation and solidarity with the continent in every field. In our meetings and statements on the margins of the summit, we addressed many critical issues from the genocide in Gaza to the climate crisis, from sustainable development to green transformation. We placed our country's stance and policies on these matters on record.
The oppression and difficulties experienced by our Gazan brothers and sisters were at the top of our agenda here as well. We emphasised the importance of maintaining the ceasefire — to which our efforts also contributed — after two years of brutality in Gaza, and highlighted the need for reconstruction activities. We emphasised the financial support needed by the least developed countries to ensure they do not fall behind the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and stressed that the principle of "Leaving no one behind" should guide the international community. On the margins of the summit, we also came together as MIKTA leaders. In the future, we will continue to reinforce our cooperation with the MIKTA countries, all of which are also members of the G20. I hope the G20 Johannesburg Summit proves beneficial once again."
"Energy security is no longer a luxury; it is a strategic requirement."
Upon the question, "The first G20 meeting also focused on 'inclusive and sustainable economic growth without leaving no one behind.' In this framework, what new economic measures are required for both Türkiye and the world to ensure that progress does not come to a halt, and no one falls behind?" President Erdoğan stated that the title of the session is more than a slogan and represents the true search for global justice. President Erdoğan emphasised that the world economy has taken a hard hit by the difficulties of recent years, ranging from the pandemic to active conflicts, from the challenging periods of so-called "trade wars" to migration, and from the climate crisis to natural disasters and offered the following evaluations:
"As Türkiye, we were also affected by all these periods. However, we have successfully come through all these difficult tests and are now recovering swiftly. Negative developments and crises occurring anywhere in the world today can quickly affect countries. Therefore, global sustainable development cannot be achieved solely through the efforts of one or two countries, but only through collective and determined action. For this reason, we always prioritise cooperation on both international platforms and at our bilateral meetings. We stress the necessity for countries to engage with each other economically through a win-win perspective. We must diversify our economies and strengthen their resilience to crises. Energy security is no longer a luxury; it is a strategic requirement. In this regard, inclusivity is another concept we emphasise. In our view, an approach that seeks benefits only for oneself and a select group of privileged countries is flawed and unsustainable. A fairer world is possible... As long as powerful states sincerely pursue policies that prioritise humanity."
Israel's ongoing massacres in Palestine
When asked, "The peace plan in Gaza belonged to Trump. He is also, in a way, the guarantor of the ceasefire. However, unfortunately, this circumstance also failed to stop the massacre in Gaza. Will you take action to address this matter with Trump? What can be done to stop Netanyahu at this point?" President Erdoğan responded as follows:
"I believe that a firm, consistent, and enforceable resolve on the part of the international community would be capable of stopping Netanyahu. We are confronted with a brutality that breaks its promises without hesitation and commits killings openly and without restraint. It should by now be clear to everyone that Israel is not speaking the truth, fabricating excuses to kill people, and oppressing Palestinians. Hamas is showing great patience in the face of all these provocations by Israel and adhering to the ceasefire. It is essential that this ceasefire is implemented completely. Palestinians are also coping with the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. It is the duty of all countries to support them in their arduous struggle. Countries that have emboldened Israel to act so recklessly must immediately shoulder their responsibility. Unfortunately, the United Nations has so far failed to fulfil its obligations. It is essential that the UN exert its authority through the steps that will be taken from now on. It is an urgent necessity to significantly intensify diplomatic pressure on Israel and to secure the unimpeded, continuous delivery of humanitarian aid to the region. Winter is beginning to take hold across the area. As Türkiye, we maintain the same determination on the Gaza issue as we did on the very first day.”
Asked how he interpreted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s remarks implying that “we stopped Türkiye in Syria” and that “Israel wants an agreement with Türkiye,” President Erdoğan underlined that Syria’s territorial integrity remains fundamental, and that the Syrian people will decide their country’s future — a position Türkiye has reiterated many times and continues to uphold today.
Erdoğan stated, “Türkiye knows better than anyone how even the slightest turmoil or instability in Syria comes at a heavy cost. Our previous actions when our national security and public peace were at stake are well known. We do not want to face a similar threat or danger again, but if we do, we will take the necessary steps.”
“We want peace, stability and security in every inch of our region”
President Erdoğan stressed that Türkiye has no claims on any country’s land or sovereignty, saying: “We want peace, stability and security throughout every inch of our region — particularly in Syria, Iraq and Lebanon. And we want this for everyone — for all nations, without exception. In fact, the Israeli government is fully aware that every step it takes in the region is both unlawful and a source of instability. Your focus should be on what Türkiye is doing, rather than on what the Israeli press is writing. The results will speak for themselves. Within the framework of our strategic priorities, we are doing what is needed and will continue to do so going forward."
In response to the question, ''US President Donald Trump has presented a 28-point peace proposal to Ukraine. But Ukraine has opposed it, calling it 'a major threat to our sovereignty' and 'unacceptable.' It has also been reported that the parties will meet and hold talks in Geneva. What is your perspective on this peace plan? Do you think there is a framework on which an agreement can be reached?'', President Erdoğan highlighted that creating a foundation for peace in Ukraine has long been an issue they have been working on diligently. President Erdoğan stated:
''We have also shared our views on Ukraine with the US President Donald Trump on various occasions. We believe that there would be no losers in a fair peace. We are of the view that the path to achieving a fair peace lies in negotiation and coming together. It is now being debated whether the peace plan put forward provides a foundation. Is it possible to reach an agreement on this plan? Yes, it is possible. But how? We need to focus on this. An agreement will be possible if the plan addresses the parties' legitimate expectations and security needs without creating new instabilities. We believe that reconciliation is possible through negotiations initiated with mutually agreed topics on a positive agenda. If a foundation that satisfies all parties is established, it will open the door to a lasting solution. Initiating negotiations with proposals that will pave the way for a fair and lasting peace positively influences the process. Having played a pivotal role in İstanbul previously, Türkiye is ready to uphold the same constructive attitude today.''
