President Erdoğan answered the questions of Newsweek magazine published in the USA. Asked about his main goals for the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, Erdoğan stated that the world is going through serious fractures. Stating that the Russia-Ukraine War continues in the north of Türkiye and that there are conflicts in the south and east, Erdoğan continued as follows:
"Conflicts directly affect the security, economy and stability of our region. It is the common responsibility of the international community to expand the field of diplomacy rather than narrowing it in such periods. As Turkey, our priority in the General Assembly is to prevent conflicts from spreading to wider geographies, to keep diplomatic channels open and to contribute to the parties meeting on the basis of renegotiation. Turkey is a country that can establish contact with all parties to conflicts, from the Russia-Ukraine War to the tensions in the Middle East, and take the initiative for peace."
Stating that the world's center of gravity has changed, Erdoğan said, "As new centers of power rise, more countries demand the place they deserve in global decision-making processes. The United Nations should not lag behind this change. We believe that the Security Council should have a more representative, more effective and more accountable structure. Reform can no longer be postponed for an international system where the will of the General Assembly is more strongly reflected in decision-making processes and responsibility is shared more fairly." he said.
It was stated that there is great uncertainty about the war between Iran, which has a direct border with Turkey, and the USA and Israel, and said, "You called on both sides to follow the path of peace in the US-Iran conflict. However, as the tension continues to escalate, what steps do you foresee taking to resolve the current global instability?" Upon the question, Erdogan emphasized that it was necessary to avoid steps that would escalate the tension and to bring the parties together on the basis of negotiation.
Pointing out that a permanent solution is only possible in this way, Erdoğan continued his words as follows:
"The USA is our ally in NATO. Iran is our neighbor. In our last meeting with Mr. (Donald) Trump, I stated that diplomacy should be used to the maximum extent in the tension between Iran and the USA. Our communication channels are also open with our Iranian counterparts. An important opportunity of Türkiye is to talk to the parties in conflict. We use this opportunity to reduce the tension. The results of these contacts are important for the global economy as well as the security of our region. The tension in the Strait of Hormuz affects the energy supply and global trade." "Our priority is to prevent the spread of the conflict, protect the security of trade routes and bring the parties back to the negotiation table."
"WE WANT TO STRENGTHEN PERMANENT STABILITY IN OUR REGION"
Stating that the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement signed with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is considered as "a step towards strengthening regional deterrence against both Iran and Israel, independent of the security guarantees of the United States", President Erdoğan asked: "What is the message and strategic importance of this agreement? Also, does the agreement bring with it the possibility of Türkiye intervening against the attacks of Iran or its allies in Iraq and Yemen against Saudi Arabia?" He also answered the question.
Erdoğan said, "It would not be right to consider the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement as an alliance established against Iran, Israel or any third country. This agreement is an expression of our joint responsibility for the construction of a safer, peaceful and prosperous future." shared his opinion.
Stating that they have been saying for a long time that regional issues should be embraced by regional countries, Erdoğan said:
"We want to strengthen our security, increase our deterrence and strengthen permanent stability in our region. The agreement is based on the right of self-defense in Article 51 of the UN Charter. The agreement stipulates that an armed attack against any of the three states will be deemed as an attack on all parties. The nature of the response to be given here can be determined on the basis of the call and needs of the attacked country. This need may be intelligence, logistics or ammunition support, and further military support may also be on the agenda depending on the size of the threat. The relevant political and "Military mechanisms make decisions through solidarity. Therefore, it would not be right to write an automatic military scenario for every incident that may occur in Iraq, Yemen or elsewhere."
"I DO NOT DESCRIBE Türkiye-AMERICAN RELATIONS THROUGH A THIRD COUNTRY"
President Erdoğan was asked, "US President Donald Trump often speaks highly of himself and appreciates Türkiye's lack of involvement in the Iran conflict, while he criticizes other NATO members for not being involved enough." "What kind of opportunities could this relationship between you offer in terms of taking Turkey-US relations further? For example, do you have any concerns that the current situation may change if the White House implements sanction threats against Iran's trade partners?" The question was posed.
Stating that he has a direct and open relationship with Trump, Erdoğan said, "I think this is an important opportunity for Türkiye-US relations and even for the developments in our region." made his assessment.
Stating that they directly discussed a wide agenda from the Iran issue to regional security, from Gaza to bilateral relations in the last meeting, Erdoğan continued as follows:
"When there is open communication between leaders, it becomes easier to manage the differences of opinion that may arise from time to time and to produce common solutions. Turkey and the USA have deep-rooted and multidimensional alliance relations going back many years. We have a serious cooperation practice, especially in the defense industry, trade and regional security, and we have the potential to develop it further. Therefore, I do not find it appropriate to talk about our relations with such strong foundations in terms of possible scenarios. We have a sincere dialogue with Mr. Trump regarding the current situation between Iran and the USA, and we will discuss any possible developments with him in due time." "When it comes, we will talk openly again. However, I can say that Turkey, as a sovereign state, will act by considering its relations with its neighbors, alliance obligations, regional responsibilities and national interests in the most balanced and appropriate manner, as it has done so far."
Recalling that Trump also has a close relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, he said, "Are you concerned about Israel's influence on the US administration at a time when some Israeli officials have begun to describe Türkiye as the 'next threat' after Iran?" On the question, Erdogan said, "I do not describe Türkiye-US relations in terms of a third country. Our interlocutor in Washington is the United States administration. When there is an issue we need to discuss with Mr. Trump, we talk about it directly with him." he replied.
Stating that it is known that there are serious differences of opinion with the Israeli administration on many issues, Erdogan said, "Recently, an erroneous discourse aimed at presenting Türkiye as a new source of threat has been fueled in Israel. We consider that this discourse is linked to the internal political process and election atmosphere in Israel. We do not see this language as a responsible approach that contributes to regional peace. Türkiye has no hostility with the Israeli people or any society. Our objection is to policies that we see as contrary to international law and steps that deepen instability in our region." he said.
President Erdoğan said, "Issues such as Israel's recent attacks on Syria and Israel's defense agreement with Greece have come to the fore as topics that increase the tension in the competition between Israel and Turkey. Do you foresee the possibility of these tensions turning into a military conflict? What would such a situation mean for NATO?" He also answered the question.
"Türkiye does not base its foreign policy on inevitable war scenarios." Using his statements, Erdoğan stated that their approach to Syria is clear.
Emphasizing the "integrity of Syria", Erdoğan said: "We want the sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity of Syria to be protected. It is in the interest of our entire region for the country to recover, strengthen state institutions and increase its capacity to fight terrorism. We evaluate Israel's attacks on Syria in this context. It is clear that Israel's attacks, which disregard international law and established rules, clearly damage Syria's sovereignty and make it difficult to establish stability in the region. However, the stability of Syria will contribute to the peace and development of our entire region, including Israel."
Noting that Türkiye is in a strong position within NATO, Erdoğan stated that the relations that Greece or another country develops with third states is his choice.
President Erdoğan made the following evaluations: "Turkey does not interpret every bilateral relationship as a threat to itself. However, we closely monitor the steps to be taken against our national security, legitimate rights and interests. Turkey has a strong position and weight within NATO. Instead of discussing today what consequences a hypothetical military conflict will have for the Alliance, it would be better to focus on diplomacy that will prevent the emergence of such a possibility. The way to permanent security in our region is to reduce tension and strengthen deterrence." "It is passing through a security architecture built on alliance relations and regional partnerships that go beyond the understanding of mutual siege and are shaped on the basis of a 360-degree security approach based on international law."
TERRORISM-FREE Türkiye IS THE STRATEGIC GOAL
"Despite the tensions in Syria, we have witnessed a number of positive developments in this area for Türkiye's interests, including the dissolution of the PKK. What does this development mean for Türkiye's national security? Also, are you concerned about possible attempts by the United States or Israel to support Iranian Kurdish opposition movements in Northern Iraq, some of which have historical ties to the PKK?" Upon the question, Erdoğan underlined that "Terror-free Türkiye" is a strategic goal for the country rather than a calendar issue.
Emphasizing that they want to permanently remove the issue of terrorism, which has been taking lives, consuming resources, and hindering the development of Türkiye and the region for decades, Erdoğan said:
"We see the decisions taken by the PKK regarding dissolution and disarmament as an important threshold in this regard, but the main thing is that the decisions taken are fully implemented on the field. The organization must lay down arms with all its elements, the illegal structure must be liquidated, and this process must be determined and confirmed by the relevant institutions of our state. We follow the developments in Syria with the same understanding. The integration of all armed elements there under the central state structure is essential for the fortification of Syria's sovereignty, territorial integrity and social unity. We must ensure that this process proceeds on the basis of equal citizenship, including the Kurds." We support the establishment of an order in which all Syrian people will feel safer, freer and more prosperous. As the unity of Syria strengthens, the security of our region will also strengthen.
We are also closely following PKK/PJAK's attempts to take advantage of the emerging conditions during the developments in Iran. Iran's internal issues should be resolved by the Iranian people, away from foreign interventions. Activating ethnic and sectarian fault lines will drag Iran and our entire region into long-term instability. This should not be allowed."
"THE MEASUREMENT OF Türkiye IS NOT ETHNIC IDENTITY, BUT TERROR, VIOLENCE AND THREAT TO OUR NATIONAL SECURITY"
President Erdoğan said, "Kurds are our brothers. We have been living together for a thousand years. Our joy is the same. I always say: As Kurds, Arabs and Turks, we are as close as flesh and nail. We keep the peace, security and welfare of our Kurdish brothers separate from the calculations of terrorist organizations or foreign powers. The measure of Türkiye is not ethnic identity, but terrorism, violence and the threat to our national security. We believe that no community in our region should be allowed to be used in proxy wars of other countries." made his assessment.
"Türkiye IS READY TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE RE-NEGOTIATION TABLE"
Recalling the Russia-Ukraine War, President Erdoğan said, "As the Commander-in-Chief of NATO's second largest army, as well as a leader who maintains communication with President Putin, are you concerned about a possible escalation towards a larger-scale conflict in Europe? Do you think that Türkiye still has a role to play in mediation to establish peace?" He emphasized that they did not ignore the risk of this war spreading to a wider geography.
Stating that the allegations of sabotage and hybrid activity in Europe have also increased the sensitivity of the current security environment, Erdoğan said, "In this process, it is necessary to act with common sense, evaluate the allegations based on solid evidence, and avoid steps that will further escalate the tension. Our priority as Turkey is to prevent the war from turning into a conflict that draws in new countries." he said.
Pointing out that Türkiye's attitude towards the Russia-Ukraine War has not changed for more than 4 years, Erdoğan continued as follows:
"The Istanbul talks, the Black Sea Grain Initiative and the prisoner exchanges are the concrete results of our ability to talk to both sides. Turkey is a strong ally of NATO. At the same time, we can establish direct contact with Mr. Putin and the Ukrainian administration. I do not see a contradiction in this. In order to mediate, you need to be able to talk to both sides of the conflict. In our last meeting with Mr. Putin in Bishkek, we clearly stated that we, as Turkey, are ready to do our part to ensure peace." I did.
One of the issues we focus on with sensitivity today is the security of the Black Sea. We continue our contacts with the parties to keep civilian shipping, trade routes and energy infrastructure out of war. I believe that there is a need for a mechanism that will permanently ensure the security of commercial maritime transportation in the Black Sea. As the war drags on, the human, economic and political costs grow. "When the necessary political will is demonstrated, Türkiye is ready to contribute to the re-establishment of the negotiation table and paving the way for peace."
"THE QUESTION TO Türkiye: 'WEST OR EAST?' "WE DO NOT FIND IT RIGHT TO IMPOSE A PREFERENCE LIKE THIS"
"With the change in geopolitical trends, the emergence of new centers of power
