President Erdoğan: Turkey is ready to take on a facilitator role

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan gave an interview to Asharq Al-Awsat, one of the leading newspapers in Saudi Arabia and the Arab world. The interview, in which President Erdoğan presented his vision for regional peace, security, and cooperation, and included his assessments on global agendas such as Turkey-Saudi Arabia relations, Iran, Gaza, Syria, Sudan, and Somalia, was published in Arabic and English in Asharq Al-Awsat, one of the leading newspapers in Saudi Arabia and the Arab world.

Turkey-Saudi Arabia relations

Regarding a question on how Turkey-Saudi Arabia relations are evaluated in terms of security and stability in the region, President Erdoğan stated that the two countries are friendly nations with historical ties, strong state traditions, and a sense of regional responsibility, noting that this relationship is not limited to a bilateral agenda. President Erdoğan emphasized that the friendship between the two countries also holds strategic importance for regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

In his assessment regarding the main agenda of the visit, President Erdoğan said that they aim to deepen consultations on regional issues and move bilateral relations forward in concrete areas. Noting that the program was structured to include the business world as a reflection of the will to advance economic cooperation, President Erdoğan stated that regional topics, primarily Palestine, a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, and Syria, are on the agenda, while trade, investments, and joint projects will be discussed in the economic dimension.

President Erdoğan expressed that they are focusing on sustainable and concrete projects that have a karşılık (response/impact) on the ground in new cooperation steps, that they see serious potential in energy, tourism, transportation, and logistics in addition to economy, trade, and investment, and that they aim for cooperation based on mutual trust in the defense industry.

Tension regarding Iran

Regarding a question on preventing a possible conflict in the context of recent tensions with Iran, President Erdoğan emphasized that they absolutely do not want a new war in the region and that they are in favor of resolving issues through dialogue and common sense. Stating that they have expressed their opposition to military intervention against Iran on every platform, President Erdoğan said they have conveyed to their interlocutors that steps that would escalate tension should be avoided. Expressing that Turkey is ready to take on a facilitator role between Iran and the US, President Erdoğan noted that they stand against any step that would set the region on fire and support every step that strengthens peace. Erdoğan also drew attention to the importance of consultation and coordination carried out with regional countries, including Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.

The second phase of the Peace Plan in Gaza

Regarding a question on the challenges facing the second phase of the Gaza peace plan, President Erdoğan stated that the fragility of the ceasefire is one of the biggest obstacles, and that protecting civilians, delivering humanitarian aid without interruption, and ending forced displacements are the primary priorities. Emphasizing that reconstruction efforts should be started without losing time, President Erdoğan stated that permanent calm cannot be achieved without establishing trust on the ground. Erdoğan also expressed that Turkey is ready to contribute to peace in Gaza when the necessary conditions are met.

Developments in Syria

Regarding a question on the contacts between the Syrian government and the terrorist organization SDG/YPG, President Erdoğan stated that the positive developments emerging on the ground and in diplomacy show that a new political horizon is possible in Syria. Pointing to the importance of preserving Syria's territorial integrity, strengthening national unity, and establishing state authority throughout the country, President Erdoğan emphasized that the measure for Turkey is a Syria that does not produce threats to its neighbors and does not provide space for terrorist organizations. President Erdoğan stated that the future of Syria will be shaped by the will of the Syrians.

Civil war in Sudan

Regarding a question on ending the ongoing war in Sudan, President Erdoğan stated that the war in Sudan has reached its thousandth day and that the Sudanese people are paying a heavy price. Expressing that Turkey supports diplomatic efforts to ensure peace, President Erdoğan reported that the TİKA office and a Ziraat Bank branch have been reopened in Port Sudan, Turkish Airlines has started flights, and humanitarian aid continues. Erdoğan also noted that they find the constructive initiatives carried out by Saudi Arabia, the US, and Egypt valuable.

The Somaliland issue

Regarding a question on Israel's recognition of Somaliland, President Erdoğan said that this decision is illegitimate and that Turkey considers this decision null and void. Stating that Turkey will continue to defend the territorial integrity of Somalia in line with United Nations resolutions, President Erdoğan expressed that they find the statements of regional countries and international organizations rejecting the decision valuable.