President Tayyip Erdoğan attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit held in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, between 31 August and 1 September 2026. Erdoğan, who made diplomatic contacts at the summit and gave important messages in his speeches, answered journalists' questions on his return home.
Making evaluations about the summit, Erdoğan used the following statements:
My dear friends, members of the press, I greet you with my most heartfelt feelings and affection. We have completed our visit to Bishkek to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit hosted by the Kyrgyz Republic.
At the invitation of my dear friend, President Sadır Caparov, I attended this year's summit of the Organization, with which we are dialogue partners, as a guest of honor. I also attended the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games on the evening of August 31, together with the leaders, and greeted our athletes. On this occasion, I once again wholeheartedly congratulate the brotherly Kyrgyz people on the 31 August Independence Day, and express my heartfelt gratitude to the Kyrgyz people for their hosting by my dear brother, Mr. Caparov.
OUR TRADE VOLUME WITH ORGANIZATION MEMBER COUNTRIES APPROACHES 150 BILLION DOLLARS ANNUALLY
Dear members of the press, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, whose foundations were laid 30 years ago under the name of "Shanghai Five", has become the largest regional organization gathering approximately 30 countries and international organizations over time. This Organization, which is the only structure that brings together the Asia Pacific region and the Middle East, represents an economic structure worth a total of 35 trillion dollars and a population of over 4 billion. Our trade volume with the member countries of the Organization alone is approaching 150 billion dollars annually. As Türkiye, we strive to increase our relations with this great economic and human geography due to our developing economy and our strategic location between East and West. Essentially, our "Asia Again" initiative, which we announced in 2019, is a reflection of this idea. Another important aspect that brings us closer to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization is the culture of regional ownership we share. While drawing attention to this issue in my speech at the summit, I also had the opportunity to explain our diplomatic approach based on multilateralism and cooperation. I gave information about our work on issues such as combating climate change and energy, which cannot be considered separately from global justice, stability and sustainable development.
I also had meetings with my counterparts on the margins of the summit. We discussed the issues on our agenda in detail with the leaders of Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan and the Russian Federation. We also exchanged ideas with my interlocutors, including the Secretary General of the United Nations.
Dear members of the press, as we always say, as the westernmost Asian and easternmost European country, we will continue to be a natural part of every initiative that has the same values as us. We will continue our principled stance towards resolving various conflicts and crises, especially those occurring in our region, through dialogue and diplomacy on the basis of international law.
With these thoughts, I hope that our visit will be beneficial for our country, our nation, our region and all humanity.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan answered the questions of the journalists accompanying him on the plane. Erdoğan's statements were as follows:
How do the decisions taken at the Bishkek Summit affect the economic relations between Türkiye and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization? Is there a possibility for Turkey to expand its cooperation with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to full membership?
OUR GOAL; INCREASING OUR OWN WEIGHT WITH A 360 DEGREE VISION
Dear friends, first of all, the Bishkek Summit has been a concrete indicator of our country's will to diversify its economic, political and strategic options. As Türkiye, we have bilateral commercial and economic relations with the member countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Everyone now sees that Türkiye has great commercial and economic opportunities in the wide geography stretching from China to Central Asia, from Russia to South Asia. Significant progress has been made in our relations with the Organization in recent years, as a reflection of our multifaceted foreign policy understanding. Türkiye is a country that can develop balanced relations with both the West and the East and deepen its ties to this extent. This approach of Türkiye also strengthens its aim of finding solutions to global problems on the basis of cooperation and effective multilateralism. It is also possible for us to take relations with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to further levels in the coming period. I would especially like to underline this. Türkiye's membership perspective in the organization does not mean breaking away from a bloc or turning its back on the West. Our goal; It is to increase our own weight with a 360-degree vision.
One of the issues that attracted as much attention as the summit was your meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. How did the meeting you had at the summit margin go in general? What topics did you cover?
"WE EXPRESSED TO MR. PUTIN THAT WE ARE READY TO DO OUR BEST FOR PEACE"
We had a bilateral meeting with Mr. Putin. In this meeting, we had the opportunity to discuss especially the developments between Russia and Ukraine and it was very productive. It took place in a very friendly atmosphere. We have important cooperation with Russia in many areas, from energy to trade, from tourism to investments. Above all, we host millions of Russian tourists in our country. Such a tourist does not come to Türkiye from any other country. As you know, Germany was also in a good position before. But Russia then surpassed them. Türkiye plays a role in the peaceful resolution of conflicts in our region. In particular, it is our and Mr. Putin's expectation that the war between Russia and Ukraine will end in peace as soon as possible. We want as soon as possible; Let a peace process take place between Russia and Ukraine in this region and let peace prevail in the region. It is obvious that this war has not produced any good results for both our region, our world, and the parties. So is Putin happy with this? Not satisfied. He also expects this matter to end well as soon as possible. We expressed to Mr. Putin that we are ready to do our best for peace. It is a fact that peace will win, not war. We are ready to make every effort to achieve this.
The first important meeting of the Mecca Alliance was held in Istanbul. We know that some countries in the region are extremely uncomfortable with this alliance. Why are they so uncomfortable with a defense cooperation that aims to build peace in a wide geography?
THIS ALLIANCE WAS ESTABLISHED FOR STABILITY AND SECURITY IN OUR REGION
The meeting held in Istanbul is very, very important. The Strategy, Politics and Military Committee convened to take the first and concrete step of this alliance. Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Ministers of National Defense and Chiefs of General Staff from three countries came together. Here, we have outlined the technical issues that need to be done, based on our approach to take concrete steps as soon as possible. First of all, the secretariat needs to be established and made functional. Military and political issues need to be addressed here. The defense industry is an important area of cooperation. Also, within the scope of military operational cooperation, technical issues such as military training, military standardization, military threat, sharing of opportunities and capabilities were discussed. Decisions have been made as to how and when these will be implemented. There are very few countries that react openly to this alliance, but there are also countries that react secretly. Especially the balance between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye makes it difficult for many actors to openly criticize this alliance. This alliance was established for stability and security in our region. We will continue our path, together with our brothers, getting stronger.
In the "Terror-Free Türkiye" process, the "framework law" was passed by the Parliament with a large majority. The terrorist organization is now expected to lay down its weapons. What I wonder about achieving the goal in this process is this; How long do you think this process should take to be completed?
THE PROCESS, IN ITS ENTIRETY, IS NOT CONFINED IN Narrow Molds
It is not possible to give time for such events, that is, to put forward a calendar or schedule this work. We see the "Terror-free Türkiye" process as a goal issue rather than a calendar issue. We will look at it this way. Of course, as a state, we have a road map, a plan, a calendar. Our relevant institutions regarding the process are currently working in coordination. At the point we have reached today, the strong consensus put forward by our Parliament is important and very valuable. The monitoring board formed under the chairmanship of our Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz has started to plan the steps to be taken within the framework of the duties defined in the law. In order for the law to be implemented, the organization must actually lay down its arms and be liquidated. It is clear how determinations and confirmations will be made in this regard. The process proceeds step by step. The process is not entirely confined to narrow patterns. There is comfort in this regard as well. We approach the issue with the seriousness of the state and take our steps accordingly. Our nation has also demonstrated its support for a "terrorist-free Turkey. Processes open to such provocations should not be prolonged for too long. At this point, our Group Presidents, including our Parliament Speaker, show all kinds of sensitivity and we continue on our way with this determination."
Mr. President, you are a leader who attaches great importance to the strengthening of the domestic front. While you give importance to it, the occasional contradictory voices from the DEM Party lead to comments such as "It does not serve social integration". How will a new language be built to overcome this? What would be your advice and appeal?
EVERY DISCOURSE THAT DOES NOT SERVE SOCIAL INTEGRATION CONTRIBUTE TO CHAOS.
We cannot look at the issue from a narrow perspective. We will be sincere. We will be responsible. We will be prudent, we will protect our brotherhood. We approach the subject from the broadest perspective and thus focus on the target. We cannot tolerate approaches that damage the brotherhood of the nation, harm social integration, and risk reactivating the fault lines created by terrorism in the past. Some people with political identities may have some excessive statements. There may also be people who do this to infect the process. Let it be known that; Any discourse that does not serve social integration contributes to chaos and serves no other purpose. Frankly, I think our nation has developed a resistance against such provocations. The nation fermented this process and the ferment took hold. Strengthening the internal front does not mean eliminating differences. We didn't say this for nothing. We will strengthen the internal front. We will unite on the denominator of Türkiye, despite our differences. We call this the “Great Türkiye Consensus”. Let's not forget this. We proceed on this path knowing what we are doing to reach the target.
Let me continue with the topic of “Terror-free Türkiye”. How will you evaluate the decision to terminate the YPG-PYD, the organization's structure in Syria?
Frankly, I was pleased with the announced decision on behalf of the brotherly Syrian people. We evaluate the decision taken and the integration positively. Of course, we are following the implementation of the decision on the ground, both on the Syrian side and as a neighboring country with a very long border line with Syria. We most wish for Syria to be one and whole with all its elements. This is important for sustainable development and capacity increase in Syria. That's why we have always stood by our Syrian brothers, and we will continue to stand by them from now on. In this regard, President Ahmed Shara has successfully managed and continues to manage difficult processes. We are hopeful about both the integration process and the gains that the Syrian people have achieved in a short time. I believe that this process will open the door to a new era not only for Türkiye and Syria, but for the entire region. The book of terrorism must now be closed, the era of weapons and violence must be closed.
I will continue from Syria. We see that America has emphasized the territorial integrity of Syria, especially in recent times, regarding its Syria policy. Even Americans started to emphasize the "one flag, one army" discourse. On this occasion, do you see a rapprochement between Washington and this Syria policy that Türkiye has been advocating for years?
SPACE SHOULD NOT BE CREATED FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO DEAL A BLOW ON SYRIA'S INTERNAL PEACE
As Turkey, we say the same thing today about Syria as we did yesterday. We said that Syria cannot be an area where terrorist organizations run rampant, that instability there could spread to the entire region, and in the end we were right. So, America has now become aware of the realities of Syria. The Syrian people paid a heavy price, but they protected their homeland. Now they are working to rebuild the whole of Syria. In this regard, I invite all neighboring and friendly countries to Syria to help with the reconstruction and reconstruction of Syria. And we will make this call, we will continue to do so. The situation in Syria is also important because it proves how correct our vision is and how realistic our Syria policy is. The issue of combating provocations is also important. It is imperative that no space is opened to those who want to deal a blow to Syria's internal peace. The path to Syria's stability is through clearing the seeds of discord.
It is stated that in connection with the issue of Türkiye's re-inclusion in the F-35 program, steps may be taken to transfer the S400s to a third country. Did this issue come up on the table during your meeting with Mr. Putin?
WE ARE NOT GIVING UP ON DEVELOPING OUR OWN AIR DEFENSE SYSTEMS
We discussed every issue on our bilateral agenda with Mr. Putin. As you know, Türkiye was one of the partners of the F-35 program. He made significant contributions within the scope of this program. Our negotiations regarding Türkiye's re-inclusion in the program continue. We think that this issue will be left behind once the processes in America are completed as soon as possible. While we carry out all these diplomatic efforts, we do not give up on KAAN. We are not giving up on developing our own air defense systems. On the contrary, we are increasing Türkiye's options. This is strong Türkiye. This is the road map of a strong Türkiye.
My question will be about the Black Sea. During the war between Russia and Ukraine, commercial ships can also become targets in the Black Sea from time to time. And from time to time, Turkish ships may also be damaged in this process. Did this issue come up in your meeting with Mr. Putin? Will a common solution be developed?
The safety of not only Turkish flagged ships or ships used by Turkish operators, but also all civilian maritime transportation in the Black Sea is important to us. The struggle between fans should not be carried to a point where it undermines the security of civilians and commercial life. For these reasons, we act with a much broader perspective. We need to solve this problem. Because now the damage it causes is increasing. There is a need for a mechanism that will permanently ensure the security of commercial maritime transportation in the Black Sea. I would like to say clearly that we see that the grain crisis is emerging again, especially in the African continent. The problem gets bigger
