Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held a press conference following Monday’s Presidential Cabinet Meeting at the Presidential Complex, where he outlined Türkiye’s growing defense capabilities, deepening international partnerships, and continued economic outreach to Africa.

In his remarks, President Erdoğan emphasized that Türkiye’s determination to advance its indigenous defense industry remains steadfast despite internal and external challenges.

“As we are rapidly commissioning our indigenous and national defense projects, we will also strengthen our defense cooperation with our European allies on a win-win basis,” Erdoğan stated. “Türkiye will continue to make history in the defense industry despite all overt and covert prevention efforts.”

President Erdoğan highlighted recent diplomatic engagements with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, during which Ankara discussed new investment, trade, and defense agreements. He underscored that Türkiye had entered a “new era” with the Eurofighter Typhoon procurement deal, which marks a significant milestone in strengthening Türkiye’s air defense capabilities.

He also announced that Türkiye’s indigenous combat aircraft, Kaan, will be officially added to the Turkish Air Forces’ inventory on schedule, symbolizing national pride and technological achievement.

Erdoğan further welcomed Spain’s decision to procure 45 Turkish-made HÜRJET jet trainers, describing the move as a testament to Türkiye’s rising status in the global defense sector.

“This is proof that our national defense products have now reached international recognition,” he said.

Turning to foreign economic relations, President Erdoğan highlighted the success of the Türkiye-Africa Business and Economy Forum held in Istanbul on October 17, which he described as part of Türkiye’s vision for the Century of Türkiye.

“Our trade volume with Africa, which stood at 5.4 billion dollars in 2003, reached 40 billion dollars by the end of 2024,” Erdoğan noted. “Turkish contractors have undertaken over two thousand projects on the continent, valued at approximately 97 billion dollars. The market value of our investments across Africa has now surpassed 15 billion dollars.”

He announced that Türkiye will host the 4th Türkiye-Africa Partnership Summit next year, aiming to further deepen cooperation in trade, development, and investment.

Addressing national security and the government’s counterterrorism efforts, President Erdoğan reiterated his government’s determination to eliminate terrorism permanently, particularly in Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia.

“When we achieve the goal of a terror-free Türkiye, the winner will be each and every individual among our 86 million citizens,” Erdoğan said. “Not only our country but also our brothers and sisters in the region—from Syria to Iraq—will benefit from the opportunities provided by a climate of peace and stability.”

He stressed that terrorism, violence, and separatism bring only destruction and suffering, emphasizing that true progress can only be achieved through unity and national solidarity.

“Nothing can be achieved through terror, violence, or arms,” he said. “We work for peace, development, and a strong Türkiye.”

President Erdoğan concluded his remarks by reaffirming the government’s commitment to building the Century of Türkiye—a vision focused on national strength, technological independence, and regional peace. (ILKHA)