President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to serving the entire nation with dedication and resolve, pledging to continue working selflessly for the peace, stability and prosperity of Türkiye as the country enters 2026.

In a comprehensive New Year message, Erdoğan bid farewell to 2025 and welcomed 2026 with renewed hope and ambition, wishing that the new year would bring positive developments not only for Türkiye, but also for the wider region and all humanity.

Paying tribute to the country’s martyrs and veterans, Erdoğan commemorated those who lost their lives in the fight against crime and terrorism, as well as those who sacrificed for the security and continuity of the state. He expressed gratitude to the nation’s veterans for the price they paid to ensure the peace and well-being of Türkiye’s 86 million citizens.

Reflecting on global and regional developments, Erdoğan underlined that Türkiye continues its “blessed journey” with determination despite escalating wars, crises and tensions in its surroundings. He highlighted the positive outcomes of the government’s economic program, pointing to strengthening central bank reserves, progress in disinflation, rising employment and export figures, and record-breaking achievements in sectors ranging from tourism to the defense industry.

Erdoğan also emphasized the importance of the recently launched 500,000-Unit Social Housing Project, noting that it will enable low-income citizens to own homes under favorable conditions while helping ease pressure on housing prices and rents. He stated that the government aims to crown its economic achievements with new reforms in 2026, particularly through the implementation of the “Century of Türkiye Reform Program.”

Addressing the aftermath of the February 6 earthquakes, President Erdoğan said healing the wounds of what he described as the “Disaster of the Century” remained the government’s foremost priority throughout 2025. While acknowledging the irreplaceable loss of lives, he stressed that cities devastated by the earthquakes have been revived with rebuilt infrastructure, public spaces, green areas, and restored historical and cultural sites.

He recalled that the keys to the 455,000th post-disaster home were handed over to its rightful owner on December 27 in Hatay, fulfilling a major promise made to earthquake victims. Erdoğan thanked construction workers, public institutions and philanthropists for their tireless efforts and invited critics to visit the quake-hit regions to witness the state’s achievements firsthand.

Erdoğan reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to standing by not only its own citizens, but also all those who look to Türkiye with hope. He said the impact of Ankara’s justice- and conscience-based foreign policy could be seen across the region, particularly in Syria and Gaza.

He noted that Syria has made significant progress toward recovery and political stability following recent developments, with around 600,000 Syrian refugees voluntarily returning home last year. Erdoğan stressed that Türkiye would continue supporting Syria’s new administration for the sake of peace and security, without discrimination among ethnic or sectarian groups.

On Gaza, Erdoğan stated that the ceasefire reached with Türkiye’s contributions remains in place despite Israeli violations. He reiterated Türkiye’s determination to push for an end to Israel’s attacks, accelerate humanitarian aid delivery, and initiate reconstruction efforts, vowing not to allow what he described as genocide to be forgotten until accountability is ensured.

He also reiterated Türkiye’s efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in the Russia-Ukraine war and warned against any provocations or unilateral actions in the Eastern Mediterranean, emphasizing that Türkiye would never tolerate violations of its rights in the Blue Homeland.

President Erdoğan highlighted progress in the “Terror-Free Türkiye” process, describing it as a historic opportunity not only for Türkiye but also for the broader region. He said critical milestones had been passed and noted the constructive approach adopted by the People’s Alliance.

He added that the National Solidarity, Brotherhood and Democracy Commission is expected to finalize its report soon, expressing hope that it would contribute positively to the process. Erdoğan stressed that the effort to end a decades-long scourge of terrorism should not be sacrificed to short-term political calculations.

Concluding his message, Erdoğan reiterated that, as in the past 23 years, his government would continue serving the entire nation with love for the homeland and the people. He emphasized that in 2026 the government would focus on concrete achievements rather than rhetoric, allowing projects and investments to speak for themselves.

“I congratulate our nation on the new year and wish that 2026 brings auspicious outcomes for our country, our region and all humanity,” Erdoğan said, calling for unity, perseverance and faith as Türkiye moves forward. (ILKHA)