Breaking News: Erdoğan's 'The most important province is Istanbul' remark upon returning from Azerbaijan!

AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had traveled to the city of Fuzuli in Azerbaijan to attend the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization.

Answering journalists' questions on the plane upon his return from Azerbaijan, Erdoğan also spoke about the agenda.

Erdoğan responded to a question regarding the rallies that the CHP began organizing following the arrest of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu by sharing the results of the latest poll on his desk.

"No matter how many polls they conduct, we conduct and commission our own polls just as much. Currently, the leading party in Turkey is the AK Party. The AK Party, together with the People's Alliance, is walking on this path with firm steps," said Erdoğan, adding, "Especially, is it possible for a party in the grip of a corruption syndrome to receive approval from the Turkish nation? It is not. Currently, the most important province is Istanbul. It is obvious what state Istanbul is in. There are very serious foul odors coming from everywhere right now. As the ruling party in Turkey, we are continuing on our path with firm steps."

The full text of Erdoğan's statements is as follows:

"My dear members of the press, I greet you all with my most heartfelt feelings and respect. We have completed our visit to Khankendi to attend the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization. The Economic Cooperation Organization, of which we are a founding member, has become a regional platform since 1985 that appeals to a population of over half a billion in a geography totaling 8 million square kilometers.

The organization continues to deepen cooperation in a geostrategically extremely important region with great potential. At the same time, it manages the common values and ancient brotherhood possessed by its members. Our country also hosts the Trade and Development Bank, the Educational Institute, and the Regional Coordination Center for Food Security, which are affiliated bodies of the organization. As you know, the main theme of today's summit is 'A New Vision for a Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Future'.

Indeed, the geography our organization covers is among the regions most affected by the climate crisis. At the summit, views were exchanged on green transformation, efficient use of energy resources, sustainability, and climate change. Another important topic was increasing the effectiveness of the organization. We also had some suggestions in this regard. At this point, we evaluated measures that will consolidate the role our organization plays, especially in areas such as trade, connectivity, economic integration, and efficient use of energy resources.

We desire for the organization to support economic and commercial cooperation among its members without losing its main focus, and to transform into a result- and project-oriented structure. We saw that there is a consensus on this matter as well. We held consultations on determining the framework of the 2035 Vision Document, which is envisaged to guide the transformation of the organization on this basis. We also evaluated the outputs of the business, women's, and youth forums held just before the summit as member countries. Increasing tourism cooperation within the organization was also on the agenda.

As you know, we are continuing various activities in Erzurum, which was selected as the 2025 Tourism Capital of the Economic Cooperation Organization. In this context, we have held and are holding nearly 50 events such as the Winter Games, the Palandöken Economic Forum, and the Gastronomy Fair. Hopefully, we will continue the work on tourism cooperation together in Shusha, which was selected as the 2026 tourism capital.

In the context of regional developments, we evaluated the situation in Iran and Gaza in light of Israel's aggressive stance. We also consulted with the President of Iran, Mr. Masoud Pezeshkian, within this framework. I reiterated to him that as Turkey, we are ready to make every effort to transform the de facto ceasefire situation into a permanent calm. I once again expressed my condolences for our brothers who lost their lives in Israel's rogue attacks. I will continue to remain in contact with him regarding developments. In addition, I had detailed discussions with my brother, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, and my dear friend, Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif. We also had sincere conversations with the leaders of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. Of course, the fact that the summit is being held in Khankendi, which Azerbaijan has liberated, and that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was represented at the summit as an observer by President Mr. Ersin Tatar, held a special meaning for us. As you know, we last visited Lachin on the occasion of Azerbaijan's Independence Day and inaugurated the airport together with my brother Ilham Aliyev. This time, we gave our stance and messages on the path of peace, stability, and development in Khankendi, and once again demonstrated our solidarity with Azerbaijan. I hope that this visit of ours will strengthen the ties between the member countries of the Economic Cooperation Organization and consolidate our brotherhood. I wish for the decisions taken to be auspicious and greet you with affection."

QUESTION - United States President Donald Trump has decided to increase tariffs worldwide. This has brought about the mutual increase of tariffs by countries and an increase in regional cooperation. At this point, as the Economic Cooperation Organization, were new decisions taken at this summit to increase economic cooperation among member countries during this period?

First of all, as one of the founding members of the Economic Cooperation Organization, we see this platform not only as an economic but also as a geopolitical tool. One of the goals of our organization is to contribute to the development of member countries. Cooperation is indispensable for developing together and winning together. Especially in an atmosphere where commercial costs and risks are increasing, increasing this cooperation becomes vital. At the summit in Khankendi, I emphasized that economic growth will be based on more solid foundations through regional cooperation. We have always advocated and continue to advocate for the evaluation of cooperation opportunities and the creation of new opportunities both in the Economic Cooperation Organization and in all platforms we are involved in. We have already strongly supported and continue to support steps such as the liberalization of trade, as well as logistics infrastructure integration and the simplification of customs, which are among the recent goals of the Economic Cooperation Organization. Along with all these, we aim to increase regional resilience by developing our trade volume with members such as Central Asian countries, Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, and through alternative finance models. Balances in the world are changing very rapidly now. It is also important to manage this dynamic process skillfully and to keep up with change. If you cannot adapt your commercial activities and cooperation to changing conditions, you will be the one who loses. We are working so that our friends can win along with us. In other words, we advocate and will continue to advocate the 'win-win' thesis in this area as well.

QUESTION - We know that the DEM Party is pointing to the coming week regarding the PKK laying down arms. You will also be receiving the DEM Party delegation next week. What issues will be addressed in the reception? Has the date been clarified? On the other hand, what stage are we at in the 'Terror-Free Turkey' process?

We believe that we will reach our 'Terror-Free Turkey' goal. Just as we have turned many of our nation's dreams into reality, we will also realize this dream that will consolidate our brotherhood, strengthen our internal front, and accelerate our civilization march. Steps for a 'Terror-Free Turkey' are being taken one after another in a controlled manner. Our stance is clear; we expressed this from the very beginning. We said, 'Laying down arms must be unconditional and the organization must structurally dissolve itself,' and we have reached this point step by step. The process will gain more momentum once the terrorist organization begins to implement the decision to lay down arms. With the complete removal of weapons, blood, and tears from our nation's agenda, a brand new door will be opened wide before us. Our relevant institutions are meticulously following every step and every move and are taking the necessary actions. We will not leave this process to its own devices, nor will we allow provocations. We are working meticulously and moving forward with firm steps. We will also discuss the steps taken so far and what comes next with the DEM Party delegation to reach the 'Terror-Free Turkey' goal. Our reception will be within the coming week. My Chief of Staff, Mr. Hasan Doğan, will contact them to provide the appointment date. On that date, Ms. Pervin Buldan from the DEM Party and Mr. Mithat Sancar will come together. In this meeting, our Deputy Chairman Mr. Efkan Ala and our MIT President Mr. İbrahim Kalın will also be with me. We will hold this meeting together. The laying down of arms by the terrorist organization PKK will be the beginning of a new era for Turkey in the fields of security, democracy, and development. There is no problem regarding the 'Terror-Free Turkey' title. The DEM Party group is already expressing this right now. Hopefully, we will carry out this 'Terror-Free Turkey' struggle together. We will work together on how to build a 'Terror-Free Turkey' throughout our country, in Eastern Anatolia and Southeastern Anatolia. There is no hesitation here. As the People's Alliance, we are already in agreement on this issue. Hopefully, we will build a Terror-Free Turkey together. We are also the followers of the issue of laying down arms. Both our Ministry of Foreign Affairs and our National Intelligence Organization are following the process.

QUESTION - My question is about Gaza... Although it is seen as fragile in Iran, a ceasefire has been achieved, but our eyes are on Gaza. Because the humanitarian situation is getting worse. There are also searches for ground to achieve a ceasefire there. Can there be a ceasefire in Gaza soon? Do you expect the United States, in particular, to take steps to force Israel into a ceasefire?

Gaza has no time to lose; humanity is dying in Gaza.

Ignoring the fact that people are condemned to hunger and bombs are rained down on them is incompatible with humanity. We are striving for a ceasefire to be achieved as soon as possible and for humanitarian aid to be delivered there in the most effective way. As Turkey, we have never stopped our diplomatic efforts and we are talking about the severity of the humanitarian picture there with every interlocutor. We had a meeting with US President Mr. Trump on the evening of the first day at the NATO Leaders' Summit in The Hague. We also addressed this issue in this meeting. I asked them to get involved in the Gaza process and said, 'You are the ones who will best manage this process with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. There are people being killed in food queues, in particular. You need to get involved here to prevent these people from being killed.' I also saw their positive approach on this matter. The number of our martyrs in those food queues has reached 55-60 thousand so far. I hope that with these steps we have taken, we will put an end to this situation. Meanwhile, there are nearly 100 thousand wounded in the region. Among these wounded, there are those who are being sent to our country for treatment gradually. They are being treated in our hospitals. We are continuing that, and we will continue. We have placed the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza at the center of our agenda at both the political and diplomatic levels from the very beginning. Since the first days of the war, we have characterized Israel's attacks in Gaza as 'genocide' and have been among the countries leading the ceasefire through diplomatic channels. We have also played an active role in areas such as opening humanitarian aid corridors and evacuating patients through our Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Turkish Red Crescent. We provided direct support to the mediation mechanism running through Qatar and Egypt. With the initiatives of Mr. Trump, a 60-day temporary ceasefire plan has now come to the agenda. In this process, the US's influence on Israel will be decisive. It is very important at this point that Western countries, especially the US, increase their pressure to force Israel into a ceasefire. We think that the ceasefire achieved between Iran and Israel also opens a door for Gaza. The Hamas side has demonstrated its good will on this issue many times. However, a permanent calm could not be achieved in the region due to Israel's violations of ceasefires. We are working so that the same does not happen this time. A ceasefire that Israel will fully comply with must be built. There is a need to create a strong negotiation ground to ensure this. In particular, the issue of guarantees to be given for the ceasefire is important. The issue of uninterrupted access to humanitarian aid is also vital. The shipment of this aid must be guaranteed. On the other hand, Gaza's infrastructure has been destroyed by Israel. We are revealing what needs to be done for the reconstruction of the infrastructure, for Gaza to stand on its feet again, and for it to become livable again. Nearly a million people have been displaced, and people are living below the poverty line. In the event of a ceasefire, the international community needs to invest rapidly in reconstruction projects. If a permanent ceasefire can be achieved, a path leading to lasting peace in the region can be opened. For this, first of all, a strong and permanent ceasefire that will be fully complied with is essential. A two-state solution is the only key to solving this chronic problem in our region.

QUESTION - US Ambassador to Ankara Tom Barrack made a statement about F-35s in recent days. He said there could be a development by the end of the year. The reaction to this came from Greece. They stated that they viewed it with concern. Turkey is a country that shows concrete examples of its solution-oriented, mediator, and peaceful stance in its foreign policy. Despite this, does Greece's attitude reflect a real concern? Or could Greece's recently intensified relations with Israel have an effect on this?

We want F-35s primarily for our own security. The F-35 issue is not just a military technology issue for us; it is also a matter of strong partnership in international platforms, especially NATO. But of course, this issue caused us to cut our own umbilical cord and accelerated our breakthroughs in the defense industry. Strengthening our security infrastructure is not a threat to anyone. Especially not to our friends and allies. At the last NATO summit, a decision was made for allies to increase their defense spending. In other words, it was said, 'NATO countries should strengthen their own defense infrastructure, meet their needs, and this should also strengthen NATO's defense.' Therefore, Greece's concern due to the steps we have taken in the field of defense is baseless and meaningless. Turkey is not a threat to any country that does not threaten its security and interests and does not confront it with a hostile attitude. On the contrary, Turkey is an extremely reliable country for its friends, making maximum efforts to ensure peace, tranquility, and security in its region and the world. There is no conflict around us that Turkey does not strive to end with a peaceful approach. We discussed the F-35 issue among ourselves and we are following the matter. I believe that Mr. Trump will remain loyal to the agreement we made on this issue. I think the delivery of these F-35s to Turkey will take place gradually during his term.

QUESTION - Last month, you met with Mr. Aliyev at the earthquake housing key delivery ceremony in Kahramanmaraş. The very next day, you received Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Istanbul. Now we are in Khankendi, the symbolic city of Azerbaijan. Naturally, we are curious, how did these contacts go? At what stage is the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace agreement? When will the Zangezur Corridor be opened, is there any clear information about this? Finally, what kind of gain would the operation of the Middle Corridor bring to the region?

Our relationship with Azerbaijan is different from the relations between other countries. We are bound to Azerbaijan not only by friendship but also by a bond of brotherhood. The saying 'Two states, one nation' is not a word spoken casually. It contains deep meanings and has a concrete equivalent. We have proven this many times throughout history. Therefore, we cannot look at the events in this region from the outside. Peace and tranquility in the South Caucasus benefit everyone. The diplomatic framework of the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia has also been completed. With the meetings held in Brussels, Moscow, and Tbilisi at the end of 2024, an agreement was reached on the final text of the peace treaty. Although Armenia initially opposed the Zangezur Corridor, it is showing a more flexible approach to participate in economic integration. The development of this region is an opportunity not only for Azerbaijan but also for Armenia, for us, for Iran, and for other countries. With the Zangezur corridor, it will bring new opportunities not only for Azerbaijan but for the entire region. We see this line not only as a geopolitical but as a part of a geoeconomic revolution. The opening of the Zangezur Corridor will also be a strategic development for the Middle Corridor. When the corridor is opened, Turkish goods will cross the Caspian and reach Central Asia and China faster, and goods going from Europe to China will also begin to pass through Turkey. The opening of the Middle Corridor covers many countries starting from the south, including us and Azerbaijan. Apart from this, it also integrates with the road coming from China. It has such importance. We are taking all our steps in the best way during this process. The most important thing here is the Zangezur line. That line also includes the rail system. For this reason, the importance of the Zangezur line in freight transport is increasing and will increase. The Middle Corridor draws all its strength from here. It is important that the Middle Corridor integrates with the Zangezur line and, after integrating with it, performs such a function in freight transport and passenger transport. President of Azerbaijan Mr. Ilham Aliyev attaches great importance to this. Iraq also attaches importance to this. It will be a line that passes through Iğdır and integrates with Nakhchivan. With the construction of this line, I believe we will have taken an important step in freight transport. In addition, Turkey's Kars–Iğdır–Nakhchivan railway line and construction investments in Karabakh will operate more effectively when the Zangezur Corridor is opened. The world is changing, and this situation makes it necessary to take new steps. Keeping up with change and mobilizing potentials also means opening doors to profit. The peace that Armenia and Azerbaijan will sign will change the climate of the region. With the embrace that will be achieved, we will witness that new and historical windows of opportunity are opening one after another. With the mobilization of the region's potential, which has remained idle due to conflicts and wars, one of the rare examples of the winning model will be formed.

QUESTION - There is a tension between Russia and Azerbaijan. Could this turn into a regional crisis? Did this issue come up in your contacts?

Turkey is a country that has deep diplomatic and strategic relations with both Azerbaijan and Russia. We are following the tension closely and calling on both countries to exercise restraint. We believe that the issue will be resolved more easily and reasonably with statements that will soften the diplomatic tension. I hope that the negative developments between the two countries will end as soon as possible. Our greatest desire is that the unfortunate events that have occurred do not cause irreparable damage to the relations between Russia and Azerbaijan. It is possible to resolve the local events that have occurred and their consequences without taking them out of their own course. It is necessary to approach the issue without losing restraint. We know that both of our friends are at a level of understanding that will overcome this problem. We will continue to support constructive steps to be taken on the path to resolving the issue. Our priority will be to avoid sudden escalations that will shake the hard-won stability of the region, which has already witnessed enough war and conflict. The Caucasus has no tolerance left to endure a new conflict. As Turkey, I believe that by taking the side of calm, we will resolve the issue through diplomatic processes. The subject came to our agenda in our meeting with President of Azerbaijan Mr. Ilham Aliyev. Mr. Ilham is taking a very careful and cautious step here. He is not in favor of chasing or fueling this business. I understood from the statements Mr. Ilham made to me that they will compensate for this.

QUESTION - US President Donald Trump lifted sanctions on Syria. This was a very important step for Syria's economic development. My first question is, what will be Turkey's role in Syria's development? For example, would we see a free trade zone in the later stages? On the other hand, while lifting the sanctions, Trump also requested Syria to join the Abraham Accords. Their ambassadors also approved this. The US is conducting preliminary security talks between Syria and Israel. Their demands from Syria there are also issues such as good relations with Israel, the integration of the SDF into the system, and finding missing Americans. What does this process mean for Turkey?

Turkey supports all developments that support Syria's prosperous future and reinforce peace and tranquility. Just as we have stood by the Syrian people since the first days of the civil war that took place in Syria and is now behind us, we will also be by their side in the process of rebuilding their country and their unity. We believe that the Syrian administration will take faster steps on the path to development after the US and Europe's decision to lift sanctions. The process of rebuilding bilateral relations between Turkey and Syria is also progressing rapidly. We are developing our cooperation with our neighbor in every field. We think that a stable, peaceful, and strong Syria will also be beneficial for its neighbors and that this will also support the peace and security of its neighbors. Syria's territorial integrity is very important to us. We have taken an effective position on the ground with operations such as Euphrates Shield, Olive Branch, and Peace Spring to ensure our own border security and to end the instability in Syria. The sole owner of Syria's resources, opportunities, and potential is the Syrian people. We can implement models such as free trade zones, logistics bases, and border markets in the north of Syria. While doing all this, we have clearly emphasized our red lines. We will not accept a plan that will legitimize terrorist organizations or their extensions. We are providing all the support we can for terrorism to be completely neutralized on Syrian soil, for all armed elements to be disbanded, and for only the Syrian Army to have dominance over the entire Syrian territory. Lasting peace and stability in Syria are also in our interest. Those who strive to disrupt this will also find Turkey against them. As Turkey, we will take the side of economic development and evaluate the opportunities. In this process, we will increase our gains on the table by observing our military, diplomatic, and economic interests. Syrian President Ahmed Shara does not think negatively about these issues, which are shaped around the lifting of sanctions and contacts with the US. His approach is also positive. In our meeting with my brother Ilham Aliyev, he also said, 'I am ready to provide all kinds of support' regarding natural gas to Syria. It is very, very important that Ilham Aliyev puts forward such an approach. Because Syria's most important problem right now is natural gas. Natural gas must come so that there can be energy. There is a problem in energy. We are also striving to help with energy up to a certain point. But today, when I received this good news from Mr. Ilham, I was really very, very peaceful. As soon as I return, I will give that good news to my Minister of Energy. He will also inform Mr. Shara about this. Hopefully, we want to take this step together by integrating the steps we have taken with the support that Azerbaijan will provide. Steps to lift the sanctions have already been taken. We intend to continue this by strengthening it.

QUESTION - I will actually ask a general foreign policy assessment. As you know, our surroundings are a place of fire. We saw the Israel-Iran war, the Ukraine-Russia War continues in our north. Attacks continue in Palestine and Gaza in the same way. In other words, the conflicts experienced by the struggle of global powers directly affect Turkey's foreign policy. However, Turkey continues to defend its own interests and its own theses in Karabakh, Palestine, and Syria. In this framework, starting from your 'The world is bigger than five' and 'A fairer world is possible' discourses, what new things will we see in Turkey's foreign policy within the framework of these new developments and the new conjuncture?

We do not evaluate foreign policy with a combative spirit. We are taking our steps by prioritizing the peace policy, and we will continue to do so. Thank God, we have not fallen into the trap of the ring of fire around us, and we will not. We will continue our foreign policy understanding, which is peace-oriented, in cooperation and solidarity with our surroundings. Developments already show this. We approach those who want to draw us into a trap by saying, 'A fairer world is possible,' on the contrary. We approach by saying, 'The world is bigger than five.' In the foreign policy negotiations we conduct on this matter, we are also drawing those countries here. This understanding of ours is highly accepted, and thus we are continuing this process, and we will continue. In other words, no matter how much our interlocutors try to draw us into a fight, we will not fall into that trap. We continue to explain Turkey's rightful theses on all platforms, without stopping or resting. We are pleased that the number of those who accept Turkey's rightfulness is increasing day by day. Our discourses of 'A fairer world is possible' and 'The world is bigger than five' have now become our country's foreign policy vision. This vision has also found a serious response in domestic public opinion. Our country's independent stance in foreign policy has become a source of pride and confidence for our citizens. This gives us the motivation to explain more and make our voice heard more. We are working to be the voice of oppressed and victimized geographies and to show that a master-slave order does not prevail in the world. We will continue to explain that the source of injustices in the world is that the strong are seen as right. We will explain that the foundation of a fairer world can be laid by distinguishing the right from the wrong in the fairest way. We express the values we believe in and the rights and interests of our country with a high tone on all platforms, and we can get our rightfulness accepted. As the rising power of diplomacy, Turkey has also solidified its place among the countries of the world as a 'stabilizing power.' We will shout that decisions about the future of the world cannot be made by a handful of decision-makers, but only by the nations that make up the whole world equally. It is now better understood that this distortion lies at the root of the system crisis we have experienced in recent years. This increases our responsibility. We must make our voice heard more strongly and explain these truths to more people. For this, we must use new communication tools in addition to conventional methods. We will strive to use new media tools that will carry and spread our voice and words in the most effective way. As Turkey, we aim to rise to the top ranks in the global league by reinforcing our regional leadership with a strong moral argument. And we support all these not only with discourse but also with concrete projects in the axis of infrastructure, education, economy, defense, and diplomacy.

QUESTION - I want to ask a question about domestic policy. The Republican People's Party management has been calling citizens and the public to the streets for 100 days. They want 'Freedom for Ekrem İmamoğlu.' They are expressing their demands for early elections. However, we have not seen them be very successful in this. The citizen is not taking to the streets. In your opinion, how does society and the public view the CHP and their way of doing extremely harsh politics? They still claim to be the leading party. How do you see it?

The CHP's politics is now a politics without return. The solid body of facts is destroying the idols of perception they created with their own hands through virtual media one by one. They thought they could manage people's consciousness with various perceptions and manipulations, but our nation noticed this dirty game. My citizen knows that street protests will only serve separatists and coup plotters. My advice to CHP administrators is to be patient and wait for the decisions of the independent judiciary. This process should also serve as a mirror for the CHP management.

Instead of contributing to the country's politics and producing projects, the CHP management hopes for street protests. They are trying to cover up their crimes with efforts to erode our judicial institutions and to whitewash criminals with street protests. Wait, be patient... Let our independent judicial bodies make their decision; the truth will come out sooner or later anyway. But because they cannot trust either themselves or their mayors, they are concerned with distorting the issue with street protests. They probably see themselves a bit in dream syndromes.

There is no such thing as the CHP being the leading party. In other words, no matter how many polls they conduct, we conduct and commission our own polls just as much. Currently, the leading party in Turkey is the AK Party. The AK Party, together with the People's Alliance, is walking on this path with firm steps.

Especially, is it possible for a party in the grip of a corruption syndrome to receive approval from the Turkish nation? It is not. Currently, the most important province is Istanbul. It is obvious what state Istanbul is in. There are very serious foul odors coming from everywhere right now. As the ruling party in Turkey, we are continuing on our path with firm steps.

Hopefully, we are holding the Kızılcahamam camp next week. After the Kızılcahamam camp, our organization will spread throughout Turkey, and we will continue our work province by province throughout Turkey. We are currently only looking at our work. As the AK Party, as the People's Alliance, we will hopefully be in a race to serve our nation with effort, and we will continue on our path without getting involved in such filth.

QUESTION - Last week, there was a struggle against the major fires that started in many points of our country, especially in İzmir. Of course, most of them have been brought under control, but as far as we know, there are still ongoing fires. Both AFAD teams and the General Directorate of Forestry are making a great effort in the field. You are also following the process closely. What is the latest situation, Mr. President?

With the beginning of the summer months, Turkey has entered the most sensitive period in terms of forest fire risk. Fires broke out simultaneously in our forests and wooded areas, especially in our Aegean and Mediterranean regions. This year, 3,140 fires broke out, 1,332 of which were in forest areas and 1,808 in non-forest areas. 720 of the 721 fires that broke out in just the last 9 days have been brought under control. Efforts to bring the fire in Hatay Dörtyol under control are also continuing. I had a meeting with my Minister of Agriculture and Forestry while coming to the plane. Cooling works are currently being carried out in the remaining places. Thank God, we are in a good position. Let us pray for our forest heroes. May they continue this process successfully. Our teams fighting the fires from the air and land are working by putting their lives on the line. We are the country with the best air and land fleet in our region in the fight against fires. This makes us strong in the fight, and fires are extinguished before they grow. However, in some regions, air temperatures reaching 45 degrees, the severity of the wind, and the low humidity rate make it difficult to control the fires. Our helicopters and planes are making sorties one after another. On the ground, our forest heroes are trying to extinguish the fires with fire trucks, water supply vehicles, and bulldozers. Our forestry organization has had martyrs in these struggles, and there have been those who were wounded. I wish God's mercy upon our martyrs and healing to our wounded. The wind is very effective in the spread of fires. Our teams are taking effective measures to stop the flames. We had expanded our air vehicle fleet. We have an air fleet consisting of 27 planes, 105 helicopters, and 14 UAVs. In addition, we can intervene in fires instantly with 6 thousand land vehicles and 25 thousand forest heroes. We are conducting a meticulous study regarding the cause of every fire. Judicial proceedings are being carried out rapidly against those who have intent and negligence regarding fires that broke out due to some intent, some negligence, and some natural causes. Allegations regarding whether it is sabotage are being investigated by our police and gendarmerie units. The judicial process regarding some suspects who were caught is continuing. I am constantly receiving information from both our ministers and our governors regarding the fires. I am following the interventions closely by receiving instant status and updates from fire centers.

Our necessary teams have been sent to the relevant regions for the rapid extinguishing of the fires. Our state's resources have been mobilized to extinguish these fires. 90 percent of the fires were brought under control within the first 24 hours. In such fires, Turkey is now a much more prepared country compared to the past. However, our citizens should be more sensitive, especially in the summer months. Lighting fires outside and in agricultural areas causes fires. Unfortunately, a spark that is not cared about can cause our forests to burn. We are also fighting against those who try to provoke our citizens, which we see in every forest fire. Forest fires experienced in the summer seasons are not only seen in our country. Extreme heat and low humidity increase the fire risk everywhere in the world. With more attention and effort, we hope to pass this season without new fires breaking out.

News Source: 12punto