Kuala Lumpur: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that the financial cost of Israel's destruction of Gaza is estimated at $100 billion. He attributed this heavy financial burden to Prime Minister Netanyahu's government for its prolonged 15-month conflict in the region.
According to Anadolu Agency, Erdogan emphasized the necessity for the Israeli administration to be held accountable for the destruction it has caused. He stated that the reconstruction process in Gaza should commence as a priority. Speaking alongside Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at the Trkiye-Malaysia Strategic Cooperation in the New Century meeting, Erdogan stressed the need for Israel to allocate resources to cover the damage caused in the Palestinian enclave.
Erdogan expressed optimism that Gaza could recover quickly if funds, which he claimed rightfully belong to the Gazan people, are collected from Israel. He also called for the return of homes, lands, and workplaces seized by the Israeli state and settlers to their rightful Palestinian owners. Erdogan reassured that no further displacement, akin to the Nakba, would be inflicted upon the Palestinian people.
Highlighting the importance of establishing an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, Erdogan described this effort as both a duty of brotherhood and a moral obligation to the oppressed Palestinian people. He also acknowledged Malaysia's consistent support for Gaza, commending Malaysia's stance against Islamophobia.
During the event, Malaysian Premier Anwar Ibrahim awarded Erdogan an honorary doctorate, praising Trkiye's rise as a geopolitical power. Erdogan noted the strengthening diplomatic ties between Trkiye and Malaysia, which celebrate 60 years of relations in 2024. He expressed the desire to double the trade volume between the two nations to $10 billion and enhance cooperation in various sectors.
Erdogan highlighted Trkiye's commitment to its Asia Anew Initiative, with Malaysia playing a pivotal role. He mentioned significant collaborations, including the Turkish Aerospace Industries facility in Malaysia, providing employment for young engineers, and the cooperation in defense industries such as ANKA drones.
Addressing the global order, Erdogan criticized the current international system post-World War II for its inadequacies in addressing contemporary challenges. He argued that a system excluding significant global populations cannot ensure justice, security, or stability. Erdogan called for a fairer global order that embraces diversity and promotes a balanced representation across economic, commercial, social, and international spheres.