Erdoğan to Spanish journalist who asked about Kavala and Demirtaş: 'Don't shake your head, I'm not shaking mine'

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez pointed out in his statement at the press conference that 11 agreements demonstrating the cooperation between the two countries were signed today.

Taking the floor after Sanchez, President Erdoğan stated that they view the investments of more than 740 Spanish companies in Turkey as an indicator of the trust placed in Turkey.

Explaining that they reviewed their advanced military cooperation and defense industry collaboration with Spain in detail, Erdoğan noted that they also discussed Turkey-European Union (EU) relations during their meetings. Erdoğan said, "The picture that emerged as a result of the European Parliament elections has increased our concerns."

Following the statements, the leaders, who accepted questions from journalists, responded to a question about whether a ceasefire in Gaza is near. Erdoğan said they would follow the implementation of the United Nations (UN) Security Council's decision for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

A journalist from the newspaper El Pais asked Erdoğan a question pointing to the disregard for the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) rulings regarding the imprisonment of Selahattin Demirtaş and Osman Kavala.

'TURKEY IS A STATE OF LAW'

In his response to this question, Erdoğan said, "Turkey is a state of law. Within this state of law, the judiciary makes the decisions; our judiciary in this state of law has made its decision regarding the names you mentioned."

Stating that one of these individuals 'caused the death of more than 100 young people' and 'caused deaths in the southeast by spreading terror,' Erdoğan spoke as follows:

"It makes us think that you are asking these questions. It saddens us deeply that a member of the press would stand up and defend these terrorists in this way. Don't shake your head. Don't shake your head, look, I am continuing my work upright.

Erdoğan to Spanish journalist who asked about Kavala and Demirtaş: 'Don't shake your head, I'm not shaking mine'https://t.co/uKmX5DN5V3 pic.twitter.com/CCwvHLwyjY

— 12punto (@12puntocomtr) June 13, 2024

And always, whether it is Osman Kavala, Selahattin Demirtaş, or whoever it may be, we fulfill what the laws say. Whatever the law commands, we fulfill what the law commands. And this is what is being done. You probably don't live in Turkey. We live in Turkey. These are steps we have taken to ensure peace in the region in a serious sense, and it will continue this way from now on."

11 AGREEMENTS SIGNED BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES

According to AA, 11 agreements were signed between the two countries in the presence of President Erdoğan and Prime Minister Sanchez at the ceremony.

The agreements signed are as follows:

• Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Labor and Social Security and the Ministry of Labor and Social Economy of the Kingdom of Spain
• Memorandum of Understanding on Energy Transition between the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources and the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge of the Kingdom of Spain
• Joint Action Plan on Forestry between the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge of the Kingdom of Spain
• Memorandum of Understanding between the Yunus Emre Institute and the Cervantes Institute
• Memorandum of Understanding on Vocational and Technical Education between the Ministry of National Education and the Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Sports of the Kingdom of Spain
• Memorandum of Understanding on the Recognition of STCW Titles regarding the training, certification, and watchkeeping standards for seafarers
• Declaration on the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Türk Eximbank and the Spanish Export Credit Agency (CESCE)
• Memorandum of Understanding between the Insurance and Private Pension Regulation and Supervision Agency and the Directorate General of Insurance and Pension Funds of Spain
• Memorandum of Understanding on Scientific and Technological Cooperation between the Ministry of Industry and Technology and the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities of the Kingdom of Spain
• Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation for Peaceful Purposes in Space Studies between the Ministry of Industry and Technology and the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities of the Kingdom of Spain
• Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation between the Ministry of Family and Social Services and the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration of the Kingdom of Spain

At the ceremony, a Joint Declaration was also signed between the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye Wealth Fund and the Spanish Development Finance Company (COFIDES).

News Source: 12punto