Minister Güler: All elements have realized that the final outcome depends on Turkey's consent

Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler attended the 2025 Central Government Budget and 2023 Final Account negotiations at the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) and delivered a presentation to the deputies.

Regarding Syria, Güler said, "As a result of the operations successfully carried out by the Syrian National Army in the Tel Rifaat, south of Al-Bab, and Manbij line, the terrorist organization has been forced to withdraw from these regions. I would like to emphasize once again that we will never allow the PKK/YPG terrorist organization to take advantage of the instability on the ground.

Likewise, we will continue our active efforts and initiatives to ensure that the political transition in Syria is secure, smooth, and capable of resolving existing problems. It is worth noting in particular that today we are beginning to hear the footsteps of a historic era more clearly.

By now, all elements and parties on the ground have realized that the final outcome and solution depend on Turkey's consent," he said.

"WE EXPRESS OUR DETERMINATION TO PROTECT AT EVERY OPPORTUNITY"

Providing information on activities in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean, Güler said, "Regarding our activities in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean, I would like to state that we are protecting our rights and interests in the region at the highest level. It is known that we have long-standing issues with our neighbor Greece. We maintain a peaceful stance to resolve these issues and are making intense efforts to ensure the Aegean Sea becomes a sea of friendship and peace.

Within the framework of the relations established recently through the efforts of our President and the Prime Minister of Greece, the tension between the two countries has significantly decreased, and the dialogue process has restarted within the scope of mutual confidence-building measures. In this context, meetings and visits between our military delegations are being carried out in accordance with the spirit of the process.

Along with all this, we express our determination to protect our rights and laws in our 'Blue and Sky Homeland' at every opportunity. On the other hand, we provide all kinds of support to our brothers in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, with whom we are of one heart in the Eastern Mediterranean, and we defend the rights of our kinsmen in the strongest way on all platforms. We demonstrated this support most clearly by celebrating our Cyprus Peace Operation, the 50th anniversary of which we are proud to reach this year, with magnificent events. The acceptance of the sovereign equality and equal international status of the Turkish Cypriots is indispensable for us. From now on, we will continue to strive for a fair solution to the Cyprus issue, primarily the recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus," he stated.

"WE PROVIDE MILITARY TRAINING, ASSISTANCE, AND ADVISORY SUPPORT TO THE LIBYAN ARMY"

Stating that they are doing their utmost for the security, peace, and stability of Libya, Güler said, "Within the framework of bilateral agreements, we provide military training, assistance, and advisory support to the Libyan army. Indeed, thanks to Turkey-Libya cooperation, peace has been established on the ground and the path for the political process has been cleared. Most recently, we hosted the '5+5 Joint Military Commission,' consisting of representatives from both sides, at our Ministry to discuss comprehensive steps that can be taken to create an environment of lasting peace and stability in Libya. In the meetings where we exchanged views on developing joint efforts between the East and the West, we emphasized that we will provide all kinds of support to this process."

Noting that they hosted a historic reconciliation between Somalia and Ethiopia, he said, "This cooperation agreement, which will contribute to the security, peace, and prosperity of the region, clearly demonstrates the constructive, effective, and successful role our country has undertaken in resolving a conflict that risked turning into a hot war, while also being a clear reflection of the trust placed in Turkey."

"WE WILL CONDUCT IT FOR 6 MONTHS STARTING FROM DECEMBER 16"

Stating that they play an active role in NATO, Minister Güler said, "We successfully fulfilled the responsibility of commanding the NATO Kosovo Force (KFOR), the largest NATO mission in the Balkans, for one year. While handing over our duty to Italy on October 11, we took over the Deputy Command of KFOR for one year on October 18. While we assumed the command of the Mediterranean Task Force for one year starting from July 1 and the Black Sea Task Force for 4 years, we took over the command of NATO's Standing Naval Maritime Group-2 for 6 months starting from December 3. We will also conduct the command of NATO's Standing Mine Countermeasures Naval Group-2 for 6 months starting from December 16."

"THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY MUST NOT REMAIN SILENT TO ISRAEL'S ACTIONS"

Noting that they are closely following the Middle East, Güler said, "Unfortunately, for more than a year, the state terrorism and actions of Israel in Gaza that disregard international law have continued. The danger of Israel's aggression spreading to the region has also manifested itself in Lebanon."

Israel is now creating new instability in the region with its attacks in Syria by taking advantage of the situation. These attempts by Israel are the clearest reflection of its occupying mentality. The international community must support this historic process, in which an important window of opportunity has opened in Syria, and must not remain silent to Israel's actions.

As Turkey, we firmly support the territorial integrity of Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine, and we emphasize that, first and foremost, the humanitarian disgrace in Gaza must end as soon as possible and a permanent ceasefire must be declared in the region. In this process, while Turkey continues to deliver necessary aid to Gaza and Lebanon, we are also determining our defense and security policies within the framework of regional developments and taking all necessary measures," he said.