Erdoğan: Türkiye will not maintain or develop relations with Israel

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated, "The government of the Republic of Türkiye, led by Tayyip Erdoğan, will neither maintain nor develop its relations with Israel. We have no such intention."

During his return from visits to Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan, President Erdoğan spoke with journalists on the plane.

He highlighted his address at the second extraordinary joint summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab League held in Riyadh, where he pointed out the genocide occurring in Gaza and Lebanon.

He emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire and the uninterrupted and systematic delivery of humanitarian aid to those in need.

"Türkiye Is Undoubtedly the Country Taking the Most Concrete Steps"

Erdoğan stated, "As you know, we are putting significant effort into maintaining pressure on Israel and implementing coercive measures against this country within the framework of international law.

Türkiye is unquestionably the nation that has given the strongest reaction to Israeli atrocities, including concrete measures such as halting trade."

BLOCKING THE SUPPLY OF ARMS AND AMMUNITION TO ISRAEL

Erdoğan emphasized that Türkiye is at the forefront in terms of the volume of humanitarian aid sent to Gaza. He continued, "Fifty-two countries and two international organizations have expressed their support for the initiative we launched at the United Nations to prevent the supply of arms and ammunition to Israel. Recently, we submitted our letter regarding this initiative to the President of the United Nations General Assembly and the Secretary-General."

He recalled that at the Riyadh summit, a decision was made inviting all OIC and Arab League members to sign this letter. Erdoğan noted that Türkiye's steps to halt the massacre and its humanitarian efforts were praised at the summit.

"OPPORTUNITIES FOR BILATERAL TALKS"

Erdoğan mentioned that the summit provided an opportunity for bilateral discussions. "We met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. It was a productive meeting. Additionally, we engaged in discussions with Jordan's King Abdullah, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, and leaders from Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Iraq, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Chad, Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, and the Maldives," he said.

CLIMATE LEADERS SUMMIT IN BAKU

In the second leg of his visit, Erdoğan attended the World Climate Leaders Summit held in Baku. He expressed his gratitude to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev for the warm reception extended to him and his delegation. Erdoğan noted that the summit, the most significant climate event under the United Nations framework, was attended by heads of state and government from 80 countries.

He remarked, "The main topic of negotiation with the highest expectations at the summit was climate finance. We discussed how to generate the financial resources needed, particularly by developing countries. We also evaluated the reaffirmation of the $100 billion annual climate finance target announced at the 2009 Denmark Climate Summit for the post-2025 period, along with the support of additional mechanisms."

"IMPORTANCE OF THE ZERO WASTE MOVEMENT"

In his address at the summit, Erdoğan shared Türkiye's efforts in combating climate change. "I emphasized our commitment to contributing to global climate efforts. I highlighted the significance of the Zero Waste Movement initiated by my wife, Emine Erdoğan, which has quickly turned into a global project. I also pointed to our progress in areas like afforestation, water management, and renewable energy. We rank fifth in Europe and eleventh globally in renewable energy. In addition to our water efficiency campaign, we have declared every November 11 as 'National Afforestation Day,' and as of yesterday, millions of saplings have started being planted with the support of our people."

"CONSULTATIONS ON REGIONAL DEVELOPMENTS"

Erdoğan also held bilateral meetings with his counterparts attending the Climate Leaders Summit. "In this context, we met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, President Maia Sandu of Moldova, President Jakov Milatović of Montenegro, and President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan. We discussed both our bilateral relations and regional developments. I hope the decisions made at both summits will yield positive outcomes. I extend my gratitude to our Saudi brothers and to dear Azerbaijan, especially to my brother Ilham, for their gracious hosting," Erdoğan concluded.

Following his statements, President Erdoğan answered questions from the journalists.

Erdoğan: Cross-border operations remain on our agenda for national security

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan emphasized that cross-border operations are always on the agenda for Türkiye's security and the peace of its citizens, stating: "We are ready to launch cross-border operations at any moment if we perceive a threat."

PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS

On his return from visits to Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan, President Erdoğan held an interview with journalists onboard. He discussed his speech at the second extraordinary joint summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab League in Riyadh, where he addressed the genocide in Gaza and Lebanon, calling for an immediate ceasefire and continuous humanitarian aid.

"Türkiye is undoubtedly the country taking the most concrete actions"

Erdoğan underscored Türkiye's strong stance against Israel's actions, noting: "We are making extensive efforts to maintain pressure on Israel and push for measures based on international law. Türkiye has taken the most decisive action, including halting trade with Israel."

BLOCKING THE SHIPMENT OF ARMS TO ISRAEL

Erdoğan highlighted Türkiye's leading role in humanitarian aid to Gaza and stated: "We initiated a campaign at the United Nations to halt the shipment of weapons and ammunition to Israel. So far, 52 countries and two international organizations have expressed their support. We have submitted our letter regarding this initiative to both the UN Security Council President and the UN Secretary-General."

BILATERAL MEETINGS AND SUMMIT ENGAGEMENTS

Erdoğan mentioned that he had the opportunity for bilateral talks during the Riyadh summit, including a productive meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as well as discussions with leaders from Jordan, Palestine, Qatar, the UAE, Lebanon, Iraq, and several African nations.

DISCUSSIONS ON REGIONAL DEVELOPMENTS

The President also held talks with the Prime Ministers of the UK, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Montenegro, and Azerbaijan, discussing bilateral relations and regional developments.

"We have taken measures and will continue to do so"

Erdoğan reiterated the importance of addressing climate issues with the same seriousness as conflicts and migration, emphasizing that Türkiye is focused on efficient use of limited global resources and aims to elevate civilization.

THE NEED FOR COLLECTIVE ACTION

He stressed the importance of a coordinated response to climate change, indicating that if some countries ignore necessary measures for profit, the global problem cannot be solved. He called for a mobilization involving families, institutions, local governments, and international organizations.

"Our environmental sensitivity remains high"

Erdoğan reaffirmed the commitment to environmental and climate sensitivity, noting the continued efforts to implement and expand the Zero Waste initiative.

TÜRKIYE-U.S. RELATIONS AND EXPECTATIONS WITH TRUMP'S RETURN

Erdoğan expressed that developing relations with the U.S. cannot rely solely on phone diplomacy and emphasized the importance of face-to-face meetings, including potential interactions with Elon Musk, who has shown interest in technology collaboration with Türkiye.

ISRAEL'S OCCUPATİON THREAT AND DIPLOMATIC STANCES

The President pointed out that Russia and China's stances against Israel's attacks are significant, as both nations supported Türkiye's UN initiative to halt arms shipments to Israel.

"TO STAND AGAINST OPPRESSION, BEING HUMAN IS ENOUGH"

Erdoğan made a passionate appeal, calling on all nations to oppose the massacres in Gaza, stating: "It does not matter what language you speak or your beliefs—what matters are your human values."

STRENGTHENING THE ALLIANCE FOR HUMANITY

Erdoğan highlighted efforts to expand the alliance for humanity with Arab countries and Turkic states, emphasizing a united response against the atrocities in Gaza.

TÜRKIYE'S COMMITMENT TO PALESTINIAN CAUSE

The President affirmed Türkiye's unwavering support for Palestine and criticized those who continue relations with Israel despite the ongoing violence. He stated: "We have cut off all relations with Israel; this is a definitive stance of the current government."

OPTIMISM FOR SINCERE DIALOGUE WITH ASSAD

Erdoğan expressed hope for renewed dialogue with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, emphasizing the need for normalization to pave the way for peace in the region.