President Erdoğan: Turkey will continue to contribute to the establishment of global peace and stability in collaboration with its allies

 

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan sent a video message to the Brussels Forum session on stability, held on the sidelines of NATO Summit.

“I wish that the symposium, which is held in a difficult period when the world faces asymmetrical threats, will be auspicious for all humanity. Technological developments, demographic pressures, climate change, terrorism, irregular migration and the coronavirus pandemic all present new challenges. This situation inevitably affects our perceptions of security and stability, requiring us to approach these issues holistically.

“WE LEAD AND CONTRIBUTE TO ALL INITIATIVES AIMED AT ESTABLISHING STABILITY”

With this understanding, Turkey is doing its part as a reliable ally in its region and beyond. We implement a constructive and active policy that takes the initiative in resolving problems in the field, emphasising the human dimension. We lead and contribute to all initiatives aimed at establishing stability, from Iraq to Afghanistan, from the Caucasus to the Balkans, from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean and Africa. We consider international law, justice and equity, as well as respect for reciprocal rights and interests, in our interactions with our neighbours. I believe that the revitalisation of the channels of dialogue between us and our neighbour and ally, Greece, serves the stability and prosperity of our region as well as the resolution of bilateral issues.

“TURKEY IS THE FIRST IN LINE IN THE FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM ON ALL RELEVANT INTERNATIONAL PLATFORMS”

Today, one of the biggest obstacles to the establishment of stability is terrorism. Turkey is the first in line in the fight against terrorism on all relevant international platforms, particularly NATO. We are engaged in a heavy fight both inside and outside our borders against many terrorist organisations, ranging from the PKK/PYD to DAESH and FETO.

We remain the only NATO Ally engaged in close combat with DAESH, with our children being martyred at such young ages. We have neutralised approximately four thousand DAESH terrorists as part of our cross-border operations. Unfortunately, we did not see the support and solidarity that we had hoped to see from our Allies and partners in our fight against all forms of terrorism. We witnessed that the ringleaders of the terrorist organisations, who had the blood of innocent people on their hands in Syria, Iraq, and Turkey, have been addressed, treated, and supported at the highest level possible as though they were legitimate actors. It should not be forgotten that Turkey’s borders are NATO’s borders. We, therefore, are cognizant of our important responsibility not only for our own national interests but also for the security and stability of the Trans-Atlantic area and take our steps accordingly with this understanding.

“TURKEY PLAYS AN ACTIVE ROLE IN NATO’S ADAPTATION TO CURRENT THREATS AND CHALLENGES”

Turkey is among the top five Allies in terms of contribution to NATO operations and missions and among the top eight Allies contributing to NATO’s common budget. In addition, Turkey is in charge of NATO’s Very High Readiness Joint Task Force this year in 2021. Turkey, which has the second-largest army in the Alliance, plays an active role in NATO’s adaptation to current threats and challenges. The steps that we as Allies will take for readiness and preparedness are as much important as are the contributions that we will make to our Partners’ capacity building. Turkey will continue to contribute to the establishment of global peace, prosperity, and stability through its dynamic economy, robust defence industries, principled foreign policy, and collaboration with allies. As I conclude my address with these thoughts, I would like to stress once again the importance of acting in solidarity and cooperation during these challenging times. I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who contributed to the preparation and organisation of this event and extend my greetings to you all with respect.”