President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has described the “Terror-Free Türkiye” initiative as a comprehensive strategic state vision that will shape Türkiye’s future, strengthen national security, and open new horizons for the country in its second century.

Speaking at the opening session of the National Security Conferences held at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, Erdoğan outlined his government's approach to national security, counterterrorism, regional stability, and technological development.

Cross-Border Operations Reshaped Türkiye’s Security Doctrine

President Erdoğan said Türkiye has faced complex security challenges for centuries due to its strategic geographical location and has responded by pursuing a multidimensional fight against terrorist organizations.

He emphasized that cross-border military operations conducted in northern Iraq and Syria have played a key role in establishing a security belt along Türkiye’s southern borders and protecting the country's national interests.

“The cross-border operation process, from the decision-making stage to the implementation stage, has assumed a role that reaffirms Türkiye’s independence,” Erdoğan said. “We have clearly demonstrated that we will pay heed to nothing when our national security is at risk.”

According to the president, operations in Iraq and Syria marked a turning point in Türkiye’s security strategy by eliminating long-standing restrictions on the country's ability to act independently against perceived threats.

‘Terror-Free Türkiye’ as a Strategic State Vision

Erdoğan described the “Terror-Free Türkiye” process as a strategic state project rather than a temporary security initiative.

“Beyond being a security policy, the Terror-Free Türkiye process is the name of a strategic state vision regarding our country’s new century,” he said.

He added that achieving the objectives of the initiative would not only strengthen Türkiye’s domestic front but also reinforce national security and create new opportunities for economic growth, regional influence, and social cohesion.

The president stressed that Türkiye formulates its policies according to its own priorities and interests.

“Türkiye is not a country that is given a role in the scenarios of others,” Erdoğan stated. “It writes its own story, shapes its own future, and has become a playmaker in its region.”

Security Remains a National Priority

Erdoğan underscored that security remains one of the most fundamental needs of the Turkish nation and said Türkiye must remain strong both for its own future and for the stability of neighboring regions.

“Türkiye has no chance but to be strong,” he said. “We do not separate our security from the security of our region, and we want both ourselves and our friends and brothers to live in peace.”

The president noted that the nature of modern threats has evolved significantly, pointing to changes in warfare, alliances, cyber threats, and information operations.

Technology and Data Security at the Center of National Defense

Highlighting the importance of technological advancement, Erdoğan said Türkiye considers domestically developed technologies an inseparable component of national security.

He stressed that software engineers, data analysts, cybersecurity experts, and ordinary citizens resisting manipulation and disinformation all contribute to the country's security architecture.

“We attach great importance to data security,” Erdoğan said, adding that recent global conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war and regional crises over the past three years, have demonstrated the growing importance of technological capabilities in modern security strategies.

Reducing Foreign Dependence

The Turkish president also pointed to advances in the country's defense industry, saying Türkiye has significantly reduced its dependence on foreign suppliers by investing in indigenous defense technologies and expanding domestic production.

According to Erdoğan, stronger coordination among state institutions has helped eliminate vulnerabilities and improve national resilience.

He further stated that efforts to remove the influence of what he described as hostile networks within state institutions had strengthened Türkiye’s security structure and reduced the risk of internal sabotage.

“By strengthening our defense industry, we have minimized foreign dependency. By maximizing coordination among our institutions, we have eliminated risks,” Erdoğan said.

Focus on Stability and Preparedness

Concluding his remarks, Erdoğan emphasized that Türkiye will continue adapting to emerging security challenges through innovation, strategic planning, and institutional reform.

He said the country has closely studied recent conflicts and drawn lessons from changing global dynamics, enabling it to prepare for future threats while maintaining a balance between security and democratic governance.

The National Security Conferences are expected to bring together policymakers, academics, military officials, and security experts to discuss evolving challenges facing Türkiye and the wider region. (ILKHA)