Erdogan spoke out against the militarization of space and announced the construction of a spaceport in Somalia

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared the inadmissibility of the militarization of space and its transformation into an instrument of the arms race, emphasizing the need for international cooperation in the space sector.

“It is wrong to turn space into an instrument of an arms race and to militarize it,” Erdogan said, speaking at the opening of the 77th International Astronautical Congress in Antalya on Monday.

He stressed that space activities should not turn into confrontation between several states.

According to the President, Türkiye stands for expanding access of various countries to the opportunities of space, developing scientific research, youth access to space technologies and greater participation of entrepreneurs in the global space economy.

The Turkish leader noted that for the country to have a full-fledged presence in space, it is not enough to independently produce satellites; it is also necessary to have the capabilities to enter outer space.

In this regard, according to Erdogan, Türkiye, within the framework of the National Space Program, attaches particular importance to the development of opportunities for access to space and the creation of a spaceport.

He also said that Türkiye, taking into account its geographical conditions, has begun cooperation with Somalia in the space sector.

“We have begun construction of a spaceport, which will be implemented in Somalia. We resolutely continue to work to implement this strategic project,” the president said.