President Erdoğan answers journalists’ questions on his return from visits to the TRNC and Azerbaijan
President Erdoğan: "Where is NATO's counter-terrorism pillar? NATO must initially address this issue. Unless this issue is addressed, we cannot pretend that all is well in Vilnius.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan answered journalists' questions and commented on the recent developments on his return flight from visits to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and Azerbaijan.
President Erdoğan stated that he completed his first official visits to the TRNC and Azerbaijan following the elections on May 14 and 28, and that they held productive bilateral and inter-delegation meetings with President Ersin Tatar of the TRNC and President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan.
President Erdoğan stated that in the TRNC, they reaffirmed the strong ties between Türkiye and the TRNC, assessed the issues on the bilateral agenda, and discussed the latest situation on the Cyprus issue.
President Erdoğan noted that they discussed their joint efforts to facilitate the convenient provision of state services to Turkish Cypriots despite all the unfair and illegal embargoes imposed upon them. President Erdoğan added, "We have considered the steps we have taken and will continue to take to turn the TRNC into a centre of attraction in the Eastern Mediterranean. As Türkiye, we will continue to do our part to protect the rights and interests of Turkish Cypriots so that peace, security, stability, and prosperity can prevail in the Eastern Mediterranean. Defending the rights of Turkish Cypriots, who are the primary element of the island, will remain our top priority as we build the Century of Türkiye. I have reiterated our resolve to Mr. Tatar regarding this issue. We have decided to maintain our cooperation in the subsequent process."
President Erdoğan stated that after Nicosia, he travelled to Baku.
President Erdoğan emphasised that they will never forget the solidarity Ilham Aliyev and the Azerbaijani people showed to Türkiye after the quakes on February 6 by stating, "Like our own people, our Azerbaijani brothers mobilised and took action for our earthquake victims. During the election process, we personally witnessed the Azerbaijani people's moral support. On the evening of May 28, Baku, Ankara, and Istanbul all shared the same enthusiasm, excitement, and happiness. Our Azerbaijani brothers were just as happy as our nation and ourselves with our election victory. During our visit, we thanked them for their moral support and prayers, as well as thoroughly discussed the issues on our agenda."
President Erdoğan emphasised that during the talks, they discussed the distance covered in the normalisation processes with Armenia and that the progress of the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia will significantly benefit the normalisation of Türkiye's relations with Armenia.
"We will continue to work with Azerbaijan for the unity and peace of the Turkic world"
Noting that they have seen that the door to peace has been opened in the region after so much suffering, and that they expect all relevant parties to act responsibly so that this opportunity is not missed, President Erdoğan went on to say:
"We want to maintain the momentum in our bilateral relations with Azerbaijan by utilising mechanisms such as the Strategic Cooperation Council and the Joint Economic Commission. We will strengthen regional cooperation and consultation mechanisms, particularly the Organisation of Turkic States. We will continue to work with Azerbaijan for the unity and peace of the Turkic world. This historic visit we made following the elections, I believe, strengthens our existing solidarity. I hope that our visits, together with our bilateral relations, will yield auspicious outcomes for our entire region. I would like to thank Mr. Tatar and Mr. Aliyev once again on my behalf and on behalf of my nation for their gracious hospitality extended to me, my wife, and my delegation."
"Our concern is to be on the same page with all countries in this century"
When asked, "How will the Century of Türkiye be reflected in foreign policy? Will Türkiye's focus in the new era be Western-oriented, or will it maintain its influence in other parts of the world and lead the way to the top through a balanced policy?", President Erdoğan responded:
"In this year, which marks the 100th anniversary of our Republic, making a distinction between East and West is not among our principles. We are equally close to the East and the West. Our concern is to be on the same page as all countries around the world, particularly in this century... We will make every effort to keep our talks with all of them on track. We will continue to resume our relations that we have maintained so far with the rest of the world in a comfortable and principled manner in the future as well. We hope to take the initiative by prioritising dialogue and diplomacy to do whatever is necessary for the sovereignty of peace and stability in our region and the world, and we will endeavour to do so. On this basis, our primary responsibility will be to defend the rights, the law, and the common interests of all humanity, in addition to the rights of our nation."
Zangezur Corridor
When asked about Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's participation in the Inauguration Ceremony, Türkiye-Armenia-Azerbaijan relations, and the current status of the Zangezur Corridor, President Erdoğan stated that Pashinyan's acceptance of his invitations was a significant step.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, stated that Pashinyan accepted the invitation after overcoming numerous obstacles and opposing viewpoints in his country, and went on to say the following:
"At this ceremony, we were only able to have a brief encounter with Prime Minister Pashinyan. During this brief interaction, we expressed our appreciation for his acceptance of our invitation. In addition, their recent declaration that they would recognise Azerbaijan's territorial integrity, including Karabakh, was significant in this regard. Undoubtedly, their recognition is of great importance. However, as you mentioned, the reactions in Armenia against Pashinyan are also crucial. Pashinyan has remained steadfast on this issue thus far. Regarding the Zangezur Corridor, this is not an Armenian issue. The Zangezur Corridor is an issue with Iran. Thus, two countries where Muslims constitute the vast majority of the population. It is upsetting to both Azerbaijan and us that Iran is adopting such a stance here. In fact, it ought to upset them as well. Unfortunately, the fees per wagon here are also very very high. I hope that we are able to resolve this issue quickly. If they had taken a positive stance on this, Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and Iran would have been integrated via land and sea routes, and perhaps the Beijing-London route would have been opened.
The accession of Sweden to NATO
When reminded of the forthcoming NATO Leaders Summit in Lithuania, and asked, "Sweden anticipates a positive approach from Türkiye regarding Sweden's NATO membership. There were specific measures that Türkiye desired Sweden to take. What is the current status of this issue?" President Erdoğan indicated that they would participate in the Vilnius summit unless an exceptional circumstance arose.
"These expectations of Sweden do not mean that we will comply with them. President Erdoğan said, "In order for us to comply with these expectations, first of all, Sweden must fulfil its duty." and noted that he recently had a meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in Istanbul.
Regarding his meeting with Stoltenberg, President Erdoğan said:
"What we told him is this: If you expect us to respond to Sweden's expectations, first of all, Sweden must eliminate this terrorist organisation's activities. While Stoltenberg was conveying these to us, unfortunately, terrorists were demonstrating on the streets of Sweden at the time. Later, İbrahim sent those images to his counterpart and said, 'Our President is meeting with Stoltenberg at the moment, but terrorists are still demonstrating in Sweden.' We need to see a tangible initiative so that we can say, while discussing in Vilnius, 'Okay, you genuinely addressed this issue, and you didn't allow these terrorists to demonstrate in the streets. So let's approach this with goodwill.' Given the current situation, we cannot approach this issue positively. After all, this issue is neither about the constitution nor legislation. What is this about? What does law enforcement do? The duty of law enforcement forces is to stop them.
Did we need to make constitutional amendments or regulate laws before raiding these terrorists' hideouts at Cudi, Gabar, Tendürek, and Bestler Dereler? No. Law enforcement forces already have authorities granted to them in laws and constitutions. Put these authorities into action. You don't use your authority, but approach us and say, 'Accept us (Sweden) into NATO." Where is NATO's counter-terrorism pillar? NATO must initially address this issue. We cannot treat Sweden as the blue-eyed boy in Vilnius unless they address this. Today, my Chief Advisor, Ambassador Akif Çağatay Kılıç, will hold the fourth meeting of the Permanent Joint Mechanism with a delegation from Sweden, Finland and NATO. He will give this message to them in advance: 'So this is the opinion of our President, definitely do not expect anything different in Vilnius.'"
Relations with Greece
"Another election will be held in our neighbour, Greece, on June 25," President Erdoğan said. Mitsotakis said that if elected, he would look for an opportunity to meet with you at NATO. When asked, "What do you think the future holds for relations with Greece?" Erdoğan responded:
"Mitsotakis called and congratulated me after the elections. Such a development occurred. Therefore, if something similar happens in Vilnius, we will not hesitate to meet. We are two neighbouring countries. So long as there are no inappropriate messages exchanged, we want to reduce hostilities rather than escalate them. Therefore, we will also discuss these with him there. There is undoubtedly something here. We already know what we are going to say. One of these is: 'Stop this armament right now, Mr Prime Minister. What is the purpose of this armament? The US continues to supply you with a large number of weapons. Are you taking them because they are free, or are you taking them because the US doesn't want your money?' We will likely discuss these. Remember that we exist to make fewer enemies rather than more of them. This is Türkiye; this is Erdoğan.''
President Erdoğan said that some steps might be taken to develop and strengthen the Organisation of Turkic States when asked if the union of the Turkic world could become a model similar to the European Union.
Noting that an upcoming leaders' summit will take place in Turkestan, Kazakhstan, soon and indicating his desire to attend the summit, President Erdoğan said:
''It would be appropriate to talk about this or other related topics when the Turkic Republics gathered there. There are undoubtedly benefits to addressing them. We took the initiative to rename the organization as the Organisation of Turkic States on the Democracy and Freedoms Island. We need to develop this. If we move forward but end up adding a comma there, it will not happen. Whatever you do, make sure to put a period on this and then process it. We will become stronger considerably faster due to what is happening within the Organisation of Turkic States. Also in need of this power is the Organisation of Turkic States.''
Recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus' sovereign equality rights is a prerequisite
When asked, "Is there a possibility of new dialogue taking place in Cyprus? Is there a desire for this, particularly among Greeks or other circles?'' Erdoğan said that the Greek-Cypriot side's current administration operates in a more peaceful atmosphere than previous ones.
President Erdoğan stated, "If they maintain this peaceful atmosphere and say 'Yes' to protecting the sovereign equality rights of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus without getting caught up in provocations, notably the European Union, we will say 'Why not,'" and emphasised that the Greek Cypriots must recognise the TRNC's sovereign equality rights as a prerequisite.
Recalling his meeting with the Greek side in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, during his prime ministry, President Erdoğan continued:
"At that time, they assured us, and said, 'We, as the European Union, will stand with you regarding the outcome of the referendum.' Sadly, they did not support the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and instead promptly integrated the South into the European Union, leaving the TRNC out. This has been going on ever since, and the European Union has been dishonest. Our efforts have been going on for 50 years, but the European Union has not budged, and nothing has changed. We will bring these issues to the table. We need to reconsider this as well."
"My mind remains unchanged"
Regarding the question on the economic policies in the new period and the increase rates in the minimum wage and civil servant salaries, President Erdoğan remarked, "Undoubtedly, in this period, as in all periods, it is anticipated that the economy will continue to grow stronger."
Emphasising that the economy cannot be ignored and that the economy is the first priority of every country, President Erdoğan pointed out the steps taken by the Ministry of Treasury and Finance, the Central Bank, the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency, and ministries relevant to the economy such as Trade, Industry and Technology, Transportation Ministries, and the defence industry.
Underlining the importance of food, agriculture, and animal husbandry, President Erdoğan made the following remark:
"Because they are trying to strike at us through this issue. We will continue all of our work in infrastructure and superstructure without giving them any credence. Concerning these issues, we will also endeavour to strengthen our financial sector. We continue to seek funds in the financial sector, and we will continue to do so. We have no problem with regard to the banks. Our banking sector is already strong. But the whole point now is to strengthen financial management and thus accelerate the fall in inflation.
Certain individuals should not be fooled by the supposition, 'Is the President going to make a significant change to interest policy?' My mind remains unchanged. Regarding the present outlook of our Minister of Treasury and Finance, however, we approved that he should take the steps he intends to take with the Central Bank as soon as possible, we wished him success, and we informed him of our resolve to reduce inflation to single digits. On what basis do we make this assertion? As you may recall, during my tenure as Prime Minister, when we reduced inflation to single digits, the interest rate was 4.6 per cent and inflation was 6.2 per cent. We accomplished these in the past, and now that we have conveyed the details to our Minister, we should proceed in the same manner together. We operated under the guiding concept of 'low interest rate, low inflation' during that time. I am still working the same understanding, I am of the same mind, and I believe we can achieve our goal by proceeding in this fashion."
"We have been informed of our sister's accomplishments"
When asked about the appointment of Hafize Gaye Erkan as the new Governor of the Central Bank, President Erdoğan noted that Minister of Treasury and Finance Mehmet Şimşek had presented him with this proposal.
President Erdoğan emphasised his belief in the personal selection of staff, saying:
"What I mean is that I have taken the office, and I have taken it with my staff, select my fellow ministers, run my assessments, and proceed further; if there are alternative names, I will also consider them and establish my cabinet accordingly. Currently, all of my fellow ministers have presented me with the names of their deputy ministers during the formation of this cabinet. After taking their names, I worked on them with the intelligence service as well. I conduct background checks in the same manner, both domestically and abroad. If they live abroad, we are investigating who they are and what they are doing.
Unfortunately, there have been outlandish attempts at fabrication. Oh my goodness, they are making up a great deal of stories with these attempts. Obviously, we have seen it all before; we do not buy them, but we are working and trying nonetheless. Her achievements have been communicated to us. They told us about her achievements in the banking and finance industries, including Goldman Sachs. We believed that a female governor should be appointed to the Central Bank this time. We took this auspicious step forward. In addition, we also shared our expectations with her. Along with these steps, neither our Minister of Treasury and Finance nor our Central Bank Governor will let us down, and if Allah so wills, we will achieve good results."
