Speaking at the 2nd Istanbul International Ombudsman Conference, Erdoğan said: "Let me underline that what actually lies at the essence of being a good administration is respecting people and their natural rights. What makes a state ‘great’ is not just having wide borders or lots of money. The capability to ensure the security, peace and happiness of all its people individually is what makes a state ‘great’."

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made a speech at the 2nd Istanbul International Ombudsman Conference at Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul.

"What actually lies at the essence of being a good administration is respecting people and their natural rights," said Erdoğan, noting: "What makes a state ‘great’ is not just having wide borders or lots of money. The capability to ensure the security, peace and happiness of all its people individually is what makes a state ‘great’. The topics we refer to as the principles of good administration each serve this purpose. If the threats to the security, peace and happiness of individuals emanate from states themselves, then there is a great problem."

"We have embraced everyone that has come to our door"

 Erdoğan continued as follows: "It is this crookedness that lies behind most of the civil wars, states of turmoil and chaos and humanitarian crises that occur in many parts of the world. Turkey pays the price for the ongoing humanitarian crises in its region by facing with both terrorist attacks and big refugee flows. Developed countries whose economies and administration systems are way ahead of ours have shut down their doors for their citizens’ security and peace. We, for our part, have done what our humanitarian sensitivity calls for and embraced everyone that has come to our door."

"We have for years shared the means at our disposal in every area, from accommodation to education and healthcare, with over 4 million wronged and oppressed refugees," stressed Erdoğan, adding: "We are in a fight against all terrorist organizations, including DAESH, Al-Qaeda, PKK/YPG and FETO, which threaten our country and the world. Turkey not only ensures its own security and peace with all its efforts, but also pays the moral debt of the entire international community." (ILKHA)