In his speech in The Hague, Erdoğan was asked about his meeting with Trump: 'He is such an intelligent person'

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan spoke at a press conference following the NATO Leaders' Summit in The Hague.

Highlights from President Erdoğan's statements:

-The prominent result was the defense expenditures of our allies; we decided to increase our expenditures to 5 percent of our gross domestic product. We are an ally directly affected by many crises in our region. We are striving to keep our country away from all these crises and hot conflicts. We attach great importance to increasing our deterrence. The breakthrough of the Turkish defense industry is pointed to as an example. We have a say on a global scale in many fields. Our expenditures are above the 2 percent level. We are among the countries closest to reaching 5 percent with our existing infrastructure and investments. I find it correct that many allies are coming to the same line as us in terms of taking more responsibility in the face of threats and challenges. Mutual understanding and cooperation must also be sincerely established among allies.

-I underlined that the EU's initiatives in the field of defense and security should be complementary to NATO. Ultimately, increasing defense capabilities in Europe are in the interest of the entire Atlantic Region.

-We are among the leading allies that highlight the Alliance's role in the fight against terrorism. In The Hague, we emphasized that the fight against terrorism can only be achieved through the sincere struggle of the allies. The war that has been going on in Ukraine for 3 years has had both regional and global effects. As Turkey, we continue our efforts to end a war with a fair and sustainable peace. With our belief in diplomacy and the trust the parties have in us, we have started mediation once again. A clear exchange of views on a possible ceasefire was held. I am of the opinion that a window of opportunity has been opened for peace. With the support of our allies, I maintain my hope that the war will be concluded as soon as possible. There is no loser in a fair peace.

-I am once again drawing attention to the cruelty in Gaza that is approaching 2 years. 56 thousand Gazans have lost their lives in Israeli attacks. 80 percent of Gaza has been destroyed. Churches, mosques, and schools were bombed. More than 2 million of our Gazan brothers and sisters are fighting for survival while bombs rain down on their heads. They are even creating obstacles to the entry of the most basic necessities. The humanitarian tragedy in Gaza has turned into a humanitarian catastrophe. One stays silent while babies are sleeping, but one does not stay silent while babies are being killed. I see that the relevant institutions are insufficient in stopping Israel. Israel is adding new ones to its violations every day. Israel cannot ensure the security of its own people by making the region unstable.

-For the salvation of the entire region, we will continue to tell the truths, even if it is painful. The military escalation between Iran and Israel has left our region facing very serious risks. We conducted intense diplomacy; the Organization of Islamic Cooperation ministers met in Istanbul. A permanent solution to the problems with our neighbor Iran is possible through diplomacy and negotiation. Our region is full of examples that nothing can be achieved with war, destruction, and threats. We welcome the ceasefire achieved through Trump's efforts. We hope that it will be transformed into permanent calm as soon as possible.

-I met with many leaders within the scope of the summit. I came together with many leaders. In my contacts, we discussed ways to improve our bilateral relations with our allies. It has also been concluded that Turkey will host the NATO Summit next year. I am pleased to be hosting the NATO Summit next year.

-As long as there is no attack on Turkey, Turkey is a country of peace. It is showing all its effort for peace to prevail in its region as well. Against this unbearable attitude of Israel, we will continue to stand against oppression there. Just like in Gaza, we have stood against the oppressors in the region, we have stood against oppression.

-We will decide where the summit will be held. We will notify the NATO Secretary General of the decision we will make at the meeting where we will hold this summit, which we held in Istanbul before.

-It is not possible for peace and tranquility to exist between us while relations between Israel and Turkey continue as they are now. The steps taken threaten peace; how will you ensure peace? There are over 100 thousand dead and wounded people. Food is not being given to the oppressed people in Gaza, Israel is blocking it, and if a barbaric step is still taken, how will we establish a peaceful environment with them? It is impossible. The Red Cross wants to intervene, our Red Crescent wants to enter, Egypt wants to enter, there is no result. No matter which country you look at, you cannot get results. We invite Israel to abandon the attitude it has taken in Gaza so far at this point.

-We did not talk about the S-400 with Trump, we discussed the F-35. We made a payment of 1.4 billion dollars and we saw that Trump is also well-intentioned regarding the purchase of the F-35s. Our work on the purchase continues, and there is also the Eurofighter work; we are continuing our work with the UK and Germany.

-I met with Mr. Trump for about an hour and a half. In our meeting, the issue of turning the coastlines of Gaza into a casino, as you expressed, did not come up. If this had come up, my stance is clear; Trump is such an intelligent person that he knows well who to ask which question, and nothing like that passed between us.

-We do not have any problems with my Kurdish citizens living in the region. They have strong representation in Parliament. I requested an appointment, and I accepted them as well. We met with them. They have another appointment request, and we will realize these in the near future, there is no problem; in my country, we are all one, and protecting the integrity of my country is also my duty, and we will continue this in the best way possible.