Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke candidly with journalists after his return from visits to Kyrgyzstan and Hungary.

Addressing topics ranging from Turkish-American relations to EU accession efforts, Erdogan emphasized hopes for stronger diplomatic ties with the United States under Donald Trump’s recently won presidency, while condemning Israeli actions in Gaza and reaffirming Türkiye’s stance on regional security.

Erdogan, who personally congratulated Trump on his victory, expressed optimism about the future of U.S.-Turkish relations. “First of all, I hope this election brings good to the United States, our region, and the world,” he stated. Referring to Trump’s campaign hurdles, including a reported assassination attempt, he noted, “Trump succeeded in this despite everything thrown at him. Early in the campaign, it was said that Kamala Harris would easily win, and people doubted him. But he believed in himself, and look where he stands now.”

Discussing a recent dinner with Trump, attended also by Elon Musk, Erdogan remarked, “It was a sincere conversation. We discussed the election process and potential areas of cooperation between Türkiye and the United States. I invited him to visit our country, and I hope he will accept our invitation, which could bring a new dynamic to our relationship.”

Erdogan addressed the unresolved F-35 and S-400 defense issues, citing Trump’s prior commitment to Türkiye. “Trump once told them, ‘They paid the money, but you still haven’t given them the planes.’ We will see how these matters unfold in the new term,” he said, adding that a focus on cooperation could help overcome these longstanding defense disagreements.

Turning to Türkiye’s European Union accession efforts, Erdogan expressed frustration with the delays. “Today, I met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. While recent discussions are promising, we still face baseless obstacles. Our goal remains full EU membership, and we expect a visionary approach from Europe.” He highlighted the importance of “equal and sincere” treatment, urging European leaders to update the Customs Union and visa liberalization policies as a starting point.

Asked about Trump’s stance on NATO and the Ukraine-Russia conflict, Erdogan voiced hopes for a peaceful approach. “If the Trump administration approaches this issue from a resolution perspective, we believe the war can end swiftly,” he said. Recalling Türkiye’s diplomatic efforts, he emphasized, “More weapons, more bombs will not end this conflict; only more dialogue, more diplomacy, and more agreements will open the door to peace.”

Erdogan also stressed the need for lasting peace in the Middle East, specifically calling for an end to Israel’s military actions in Gaza. “What we see in Gaza is nothing short of genocide,” he declared. “As Türkiye, we mobilized all resources to support our Palestinian brothers and sisters, delivering over 85,000 tons of humanitarian aid. We will continue these efforts.”

Erdogan's recent visit to Kyrgyzstan concluded with the signing of 19 agreements, elevating Türkiye-Kyrgyzstan relations to a “comprehensive strategic partnership.” He also attended the 11th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States, where he signed a Civil Protection Mechanism Agreement to strengthen disaster response coordination.

“Such steps will add to the strength of these organizations,” Erdogan stated, underscoring Türkiye’s leadership in promoting unity within the Turkic world.

In response to questions on Türkiye’s military operations in Syria and Iraq, Erdogan reaffirmed his government’s commitment to a security corridor along the Turkish border, aimed at neutralizing terrorist threats. “Our operations will continue without compromise,” he declared. “Türkiye will take every measure necessary to protect itself and its people.”

Erdogan concluded the press conference by reiterating his dedication to advancing Türkiye’s diplomatic agenda across various fronts, pledging an unwavering commitment to peace and security in the region. (ILKHA)