Is there a timetable for the nuclear power plant agreement with South Korea? What steps will we see in the next process? You mentioned the defense industry, is it possible to make an agreement and cooperation with South Korea in the coming period regarding UAVs and UCAVs?
When we talk about the defense industry in the relations between Türkiye and the Republic of Korea, it is not considered as putting one or two weapons on the table. The subject here is a collective defense industry technology. Defense industry technology covers all these steps, from the Altay Tank to the Fırtına Howitzers, UAVs, UCAVs, air defense systems, the latest developments in the sea and submarines. Our Ministry of National Defense discusses these with its interlocutor, they discuss all of them and we take steps accordingly.
During his visit to Turkey, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy emphasized that the war should be moved to a diplomatic stage and expressed his confidence in your mediation and diplomatic influence. He stated that "a summit at the leaders' level can be held in Turkey, and they would be pleased if Turkey organizes it." Is the same situation valid for the Russian side? Is there a triple summit on the horizon?
We had the opportunity to discuss these in detail during Mr. Zelenskiy's visit to Türkiye on Saturday. We also had a working lunch together. We expressed and explained to Mr. Zelenskiy that it is very important to take steps through diplomacy in negotiations to end this war between Russia and Ukraine. As Türkiye, we are doing our best to pave the way to peace and we will continue to do so. After this meeting with Mr. Zelenskiy, we now want to discuss the Russian side of the matter by having a meeting with Mr. Putin. In the meantime, my relevant friends, especially my Minister of Foreign Affairs, will meet with their interlocutors and hopefully prepare the Russian side for this meeting.
How do you evaluate relations with Azerbaijan? What do you think about the comments about a crisis in relationships?
Azerbaijan's Victory Day is on November 8. I am also considering a visit to Azerbaijan on November 8, unless an extraordinary situation arises. Hopefully, we will have the opportunity to take the necessary steps through this visit. I have already had phone conversations with the President of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev. Of course, in the meantime, I sent both my Head of Intelligence and my Minister of Foreign Affairs to Azerbaijan. In addition, a phone diplomacy was and is being carried out between both Mr. İlham and the spouses. They also attach great importance to Victory Day on the 8th. I always say that our relations with Azerbaijan are far beyond classical diplomatic contacts. The unbreakable bond of the two countries is the product of our common history, culture, destiny and hopefully our future. There is no obstacle that the brotherhood of Türkiye and Azerbaijan cannot overcome, God willing.
A midterm election is taking place in the USA, and when we look at the first results, we witness that the political balances have changed in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Will this situation affect Türkiye and the USA relations as well as the American administration's Middle East policy?
I hope the election results will be beneficial for the American people. At the same time, I hope that these results will have positive reflections on our region and world politics. It would probably be a little premature to make angular sentences just now. Turkish-American relations are deep-rooted and based on solid foundations. We are two countries that are NATO allies and have long-standing strategic relations. As you know, our region has been going through a very turbulent process for a long time. Unfortunately, wars, conflicts and oppression continue all around us. We want our region to find peace as soon as possible. Our greatest wish is that the election results will contribute to permanent peace and stability in our geography. To this end, we will continue to be in close dialogue with both the American Administration and the House of Representatives and the Senate.
My question is about the Terror-Free Türkiye project. Is there a pause in this project? What is the status of PKK's disarmament process? Do you see any disruptions in the process?
First of all, our Terrorism-Free Türkiye process continues within the framework determined by the Law. It is not possible for us to compromise there. We follow the process meticulously. We are proceeding carefully to achieve the great goal that our nation desires. Sometimes these advances may not be visible due to the decency of the subject. But our determination here is very clear. The caves beyond our borders are being evacuated gradually. Detection and confirmation efforts continue as planned. Our board, chaired by our Vice President, and the relevant institutions of our state are extremely knowledgeable on the subject. We will move on to a new phase when the disarmament is fully realized and the detection and confirmation processes are completed. Solving such big issues requires sensitive process management. We are trying to do this and manage the issue sensitively. Together, we will carry our country to a terror-free future. I hope we will see and live together that terrorism is completely over by emptying all these caves, no matter what comes from the right, the left, from where.
I had a question regarding the fund investigation. The judicial aspect of the matter continues with new detentions and arrests. A road map for the liquidation process was determined. The relevant law was passed by the Parliament. He started making repayments. How will the process work from now on? What is the latest situation regarding this fund investigation?
We created the necessary road map in this regard and gave the necessary instructions. According to the road map, each institution fulfills its own duty. So, as I said in my previous statements, it is not possible for us to make any concessions. Both legislation, administrative measures and judicial processes are all under our close monitoring. Bribery, irregularity, abuse, all these are revealed one by one. Of course there is a truth? What is this truth? You see that people you never expected are involved in these things. The judiciary detects these and does what is necessary.
As you know, I appointed the State Supervisory Board. They are also conducting their own investigations. The result that comes from there is also very important. Our Fund Coordination Board, chaired by Mr. Cevdet, meets regularly and frequently. Necessary steps are being taken regarding payments within the framework of the decisions taken by the Board. After the ordinary liquidations, as you know, payments started in extraordinary liquidations as of Friday last week. As assured, these payments are made uninterruptedly. Our basic principle is to manage this process without using public resources. I would like to underline that the use of public resources is out of the question here. On the contrary, everyone will pay what they have to pay regarding the fund, liquidations will be made and payments will be made to the necessary places after the collections are made.
My dear nation should know this very well; Anyone who makes unfair profits, manipulates the capital markets or facilitates them will be held accountable. We will clean our capital markets from this microbe and hopefully make them healthier in every respect.
We are now also on the 24th anniversary of the AK Party government and you are meeting this day again on the road. There has never been a gap between your human side and your political side. Still, what we are most curious about is what you have seen and felt in these 24 years?
Whatever our sensitivity was regarding this trust we received 24 years ago, this sensitivity continues with the same determination today. We did not take over these seats from our nation to sit here permanently. We will run, we will get tired, we will sweat, and we will deliver to our nation the trust it deserves. Days are not enough to compare today's Turkey with the Turkey of 24 years ago. We have taken so many steps, produced so many works and services that we cannot count them. Of course, it wasn't a bed of roses while doing these. You all know what kind of Türkiye we received, we all know. And what kind of Turkey are we in now? All the obstacles and traps we have faced over time are obvious. If we said 'Everything is for Türkiye', we will do what is necessary. Years have changed the world, our region, life. We will see this, evaluate it thoroughly and take our steps accordingly. There is no stopping, we continue the journey stronger, more determined, more determined.
