President Erdoğan answers journalists’ questions on his return flight from Qatar
After attending the Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit, organised jointly by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab League and held in Doha, the capital of Qatar, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan commented on his visit and answered journalists' questions on his return flight to Türkiye.
Upon completing his engagements at the Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit, organised by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab League and convened at the request of the Qatari government, President Erdoğan stated, "Israel continues its banditry in the region recklessly." After attacks on Gaza, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, Lebanon, Yemen and Iran, this time it targeted the delegation in Qatar that was conducting peace negotiations in Gaza."
President Erdoğan said, "The fact that the negotiation delegation was targeted in this treacherous attack is a blatant challenge to the international system and law. This heinous attack is a flagrant violation of the sovereignty of an independent and peace-seeking country. It once again lays bare the extent of Israel’s occupationist and terrorist mentality. The whole world now sees that Israel poses a direct threat to the international order. As Türkiye, we most strongly reaffirm our solidarity with the brotherly nation of Qatar and with the people of Palestine. I would like to take this opportunity to pray for Allah's mercy upon our brothers and sisters who have fallen victim to Israel's state terrorism, and for a swift recovery for those who have been wounded.
Türkiye will continue to be the flag-bearer of the Palestinian cause under all circumstances"
Expressing that he found the participation of numerous heads of state and government in the summit highly meaningful, President Erdoğan stated:
"This summit has powerfully demonstrated both the common will of the Islamic world against Israel’s aggression and its solidarity with Qatar. In the communiqué we adopted today, we emphasised that Israel's aggression is against all Islamic states. We also called upon all states to take all possible legal and effective measures to prevent Israel from continuing its inhumane actions against the Palestinian people. Additional measures were considered, including the review of diplomatic and economic relations with Israel, as initiated by our country. On the margins of the summit, I also held talks with many leaders, most notably with the Emir of Qatar. As the current Chair of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, we are striving to do our utmost in defending the rights of our Palestinian brothers and sisters.
We laid out our common stance against Israel’s genocidal occupation and annexation policies at the Extraordinary Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers, which was convened on 25 August upon our call. I hope that during the upcoming session of the United Nations General Assembly, the front of humanity will further expand. This arduous struggle has become vital not only for the Palestinian people but also for defending international law and human dignity. Türkiye will continue to be the flag-bearer of the Palestinian cause under all circumstances. This is a responsibility entrusted to us by our faith and our history. Our ultimate goal is to establish peace, justice, and human dignity. May Allah help and guide us."
"As Israel escalates its oppression, its true face is revealed"
A journalist recalled that the United Nations General Assembly had adopted the New York Declaration for a two-state solution with 142 votes in favour and asked, "Next week, you will be at the United Nations, at the General Assembly. A large number of Western countries have declared that they will recognise the State of Palestine. Therefore, when we look from the perspective of Türkiye’s efforts, is this a turning point? Do you see this as a pivotal moment for the Palestinian cause? How will it impact the process? In the upcoming period, what should be the first step to be taken by those who voted ‘yes’?” President Erdoğan responded:
"As Israel escalates its oppression, its true face is revealed. Even those who have long ignored Israel’s systematic oppression in Palestine have begun to say, ‘This has gone too far.’ As you noted, the New York Declaration, adopted by 142 countries in the UN General Assembly, has been a process that fundamentally altered the diplomatic balance on the Palestinian issue. The outcomes of recent UN votes demonstrate that Israel is becoming increasingly isolated. The two-state solution that Türkiye has long advocated on every platform has now become the common will of the global majority. From Türkiye’s perspective, the righteousness of our diplomatic struggle has been confirmed. In one respect, the shifts in will expressed in these UN resolutions clearly show that Israel is committing genocide. This may, over time, lead those who have not voted in favour to join the ranks of those who do. I believe that the recognition of the State of Palestine by Western countries will further corner Israel. Once again, we will proclaim this at the UN. We will, inshallah, make the cry of the oppressed heard throughout the world.”
"Israel serves not a religion but a deviant ideology"
In response to a question about Türkiye’s position on the attempts to redraw borders in the region under the concept of "promised lands", amid ongoing plots of instigation and occupation, as well as his message to the Muslim world, President Erdoğan stated:
"Let's make this very clear once and for all. Israel serves not a religion but a deviant ideology. We must recognise this characteristic of it. Netanyahu and his gang are merely spreading the fabricated tales of Zionism to the world. The UN Charter stipulates the territorial integrity of states, their sovereign equality, and that borders shall not be changed by force. We need to acknowledge this. Therefore, the scenarios constructed with the concept of ‘promised lands’ are legally null and devoid of legitimacy. Those who govern Israel are nothing but a network of murder that has transformed their own radical mindset into a fascist ideology. In this respect, Netanyahu is ideologically almost akin to Hitler. He possesses such a characteristic. Just as Hitler, intoxicated by his advances, failed to see the looming defeat that awaited him, Netanyahu too will face the same ultimate fate. This is what I believe."
Emphasising that Israel harms not only Muslims and Christians but also Jews, President Erdoğan said, "When you listen to the Jews who oppose Israel’s genocides, you clearly see how dangerous an ideology Zionism is. If Zionist Israel is to be associated with anything, it is terrorism and fascism."
President Erdoğan stated, "According to our faith, Prophet Moses and all the other prophets are also our prophets, and Israel cannot desecrate their blessed memory or the divine messages they conveyed. The Muslim world must respond to this vile attack on its prophets with knowledge and wisdom. It is also of vital importance for Islamic countries to develop mechanisms for security, cooperation, intelligence sharing, and crisis management among themselves. I advocate fostering our brotherhood, echoing the Prophet’s words in particular: ‘O servants of Allah, be brothers.’
"The Terror-Free Türkiye process advances with steadfast focus on the goal"
President Erdoğan answered a journalist who asked, “While the committee established in the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye is working on the ‘Terror-Free Türkiye’ process, there appears to be a noticeable slowdown on the ground. How is the ‘Terror-Free Türkiye’ process proceeding? Is it at the desired level? What is your take on this?" He responded:
"The Terror-Free Türkiye process advances with steadfast focus on the goal. The National Solidarity, Brotherhood, and Democracy Committee is the clearest demonstration that our goal of a terror-free Türkiye is being pursued, not only on security grounds but also on the basis of democratic legitimacy. The process is gaining momentum in such a way that it will strengthen our unity, solidarity, and brotherhood. If weeds are not cleared, they weaken the crop and reduce its yield. I believe that our unity and solidarity will uproot those harmful weeds and that our country will be further strengthened as the process reaches its destination. For this reason, we are closely monitoring every step on the ground. Our colleagues within the Committee are following the process with tremendous care. The support and prayers of our nation are our greatest guarantee. Thanks to that outstanding support, we have foiled and will continue to foil the traps set against our country. My nation should know this: we act with full knowledge of what we are doing. Let us never forget — and let us not allow ourselves to forget — that hearts that strike together cannot be subdued by artillery. We are conducting the ‘Terror-Free Türkiye’ process with a comprehensive security approach designed not only to safeguard today but also to secure the future. When the time comes, these statements of ours will be grasped with greater clarity."
A journalist asked, “What is the state of the integration process between the Damascus administration and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)? Is Türkiye undertaking an initiative for a peaceful resolution of this issue? At the end of the day, where is this expected to lead?” President Erdoğan replied that Türkiye’s greatest desire is to secure unity and solidarity in Syria and for lasting peace to prevail throughout the country, and that Türkiye will continue to stand by the Syrian people for that purpose.
President Erdoğan said that he had a meeting with President Ahmad Al-Sharaa of Syria and that they had discussed these matters thoroughly. He added, "Our messages to them regarding the Syrian Democratic Forces are clear. Efforts to achieve integration between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Damascus administration constitute an important step for Syria’s territorial integrity. From time to time, provocations are staged to hinder Syria from achieving unity and cohesion. There is currently a complex process in Syria where international diplomacy and local dynamics are intertwined. We cannot abandon Syria in this situation. For this reason, my colleagues in charge, particularly the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Director of National Intelligence, are engaged in close dialogue with Syria.”
President Erdoğan remarked that Syria has moved past its former days and is entering a new era, noting, ‘However, as you are aware, Israel is exerting pressure on Syria from the south, attempting to wear it down. They are making efforts to secure gains there through a 'divide and rule' mentality."
President Erdoğan pointed out that, despite all this, a Syrian government that is striving to be inclusive is now in power, noting that this has shifted the balance in the country and that some actors are struggling to come to terms with it.
President Erdoğan went on to add:
"The most appropriate path forward for Syria’s current circumstances would be for all sides to recognise the new situation and adjust their steps accordingly. Let me ask you: When peace offers a shared win, why suffer losses through conflict? Let's focus on that. We must move forward without yielding to provocations, without going off course, and without allowing ourselves to be manipulated by those who thrive on the bloodshed of Muslims. We stand in solidarity with all Syrians, without distinction. In particular, our Minister of Foreign Affairs and our Director of the National Intelligence Organisation frequently engage in talks with their counterparts in the Syrian administration, maintaining close and intensive dialogue. These talks are set to continue. I truly believe that, ultimately, Allah willing, it is Syria—and our entire region—that will prevail."
"No one should engage in schemes that would inflict further suffering on the island of Cyprus"
In response to the question, "There will be a presidential election in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) in October. Do you think the outcome of the election poses any risks to Türkiye's achievements and claims in the Eastern Mediterranean?" President Erdoğan stated that the TRNC is a sovereign state and will hold its elections under the supervision of its independent judiciary.
Erdoğan said, "The TRNC is our brotherly country. We consider the rights and interests of the TRNC inseparable from our own. We will not allow any interference in this," and underlined that Türkiye's guarantor rights are legitimately recognised within the framework of international law and United Nations resolutions.
President Erdoğan noted that these rights provide assurance for the existence of the TRNC and its maritime jurisdiction areas in the Eastern Mediterranean, regardless of which political party comes to power.
Highlighting that the island of Cyprus has long been a playground for regional and global powers, President Erdoğan stated that recent history has shown how bloody the games played there can be.
President Erdoğan said, "No one should engage in schemes that would inflict further suffering on the island of Cyprus. Neither we nor the Turkish Cypriot people have forgotten what they have gone through. Memories of suffering remain vivid. No one can subject the Turkish Cypriots to similar suffering again; we will not allow that. I wish the elections in the TRNC to yield auspicious outcomes."
"We believe a constructive dialogue must be established between the East and West in Libya"
In response to the question, "There have been noticeable positive developments in Türkiye's relations with the Haftar administration controlling eastern Libya in recent months. There is a strong expectation that the Benghazi administration will ratify the delimitation of the maritime jurisdiction areas agreement Türkiye signed with Tripoli. On the other hand, Greece’s pressure on the Haftar administration is evident. Is Haftar's visit Türkiye on the agenda? Are we expecting Benghazi to sign the agreement?" President Erdoğan replied, "Haftar’s son maintains contact with our intelligence and is also in occasional dialogue with our Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They have not cut off contact with us, simply put. We believe that a constructive dialogue must be established between the East and West in Libya. We would like Libya’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political unity to be preserved. We take steps accordingly."
President Erdoğan explained how Türkiye has supported the legitimate Tripoli government from the very beginning of the process despite recent policy shifts to establish open diplomatic channels not only with Tripoli but also with eastern Libya, adding, "These multifaceted diplomatic efforts of ours reflect Türkiye's regional vision and its pursuit of peace. We expect Libya’s political process to advance through fair, credible, and transparent elections. Surely, there will be those who seek to prevent Libya from achieving peace and stability. We will continue to stand with the people of Libya and cement the groundwork for dialogue. The Benghazi administration’s approval of the maritime jurisdiction agreement signed between Türkiye and Tripoli would be a significant achievement in terms of international law."
