President Erdoğan declares 'EU membership is not a priority for Turkey': I expect Trump to keep his word

AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made assessments regarding the new era in Syria and stated that he would visit Syria in the near future. 

Erdoğan stated that the Kurds in Syria “will have a share in peace and stability” and that Turkey will continue to strengthen its relations with Kurdish communities throughout the region. 

Erdoğan also made assessments regarding the Mecca Pact signed between Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, noting that Egypt could also join the pact. Turkey-European Union relations were also on Erdoğan's agenda. Erdoğan stated that the European Union does not appear willing to accept Turkey for membership, that EU membership is no longer a priority for Ankara, and expressed that “the loser will be Europe.”

"The Mecca Pact sent an important message"

“This agreement sent an important message to the world,” said Erdoğan, noting that Egypt's participation is one of the options for expanding the agreement in the future.

In addition to other developments in the region, Erdoğan also spoke about the tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and the wars in Syria, Gaza, and Lebanon.

"Reopening the Strait of Hormuz is a priority"

Stating that the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is a priority for Ankara, Erdoğan argued that the continued closure of the strait serves no one's interests. Erdoğan stated that Qatar plays an important role in mediation efforts to end the conflicts in the region.

"We will continue to strengthen relations with Kurds in the region"

Erdoğan also made assessments regarding Syria, Gaza, and Lebanon. 

Stating that Turkey will do everything in its power to support stability in Syria, Erdoğan also said that he would visit the country. Expressing that the Kurds in Syria “will have a share in peace and stability,” Erdoğan said that Turkey will continue to strengthen its relations with Kurdish communities throughout the region and protect their rights.

"We will not leave Gaza alone"

Regarding Gaza, Erdoğan said that Turkey “cannot leave Gaza alone” and will do everything necessary to provide support. Erdoğan also stated that Hamas is complying with its commitments in good faith, while Israel is continuing its war.

Stating that Israel's ongoing attacks on Lebanon are a source of serious concern for Ankara, Erdoğan noted that he emphasized the importance of Washington's role in ending the conflicts.

"Turkey will not leave Libya"

Erdoğan said that Turkey will continue to support Sudan and that his relations with the Chairman of the Transitional Sovereignty Council of Sudan, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, are good. Stating that the relations between Libya and Turkey are stable, Erdoğan expressed that Turkey will not leave Libya.

"EU membership is not a priority for Turkey, the loser will be the EU"

Touching upon Turkey's relations with the European Union, Erdoğan said that the European Union does not appear willing to accept Turkey for membership. Stating that EU membership is no longer a priority for Ankara, Erdoğan expressed that as a result of this situation, “the loser will be Europe.”

Trump's F-35 promise

Erdoğan also said that he received a promise from Trump regarding F-35 fighter jets and that he expects this promise to be fulfilled.

News Source: 12punto