Ankara: Trkiye is navigating the current Mideast conflict with caution and prudence, while maintaining its commitment to brotherhood and neighborly relations, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated on Tuesday. He emphasized the country's determination to avoid falling into "traps set for us," following a recent Cabinet meeting in Ankara.
According to Anadolu Agency, Erdogan highlighted Trkiye's unique position both regionally and globally, asserting its ability to call right "right" and wrong "wrong." He referenced the attacks against Iran on February 28, under pressure from Israel, as a pivotal moment that has increased discussions around Trkiye's assertive stance. The president underlined Trkiye's recognition for accurately analyzing and addressing the evolving situation that has affected the region.
Erdogan elaborated on the country's preparedness for the global environment of conflict and war. He noted efforts to bolster energy supply security through diversification and projects utilizing domestic resources. Additionally, Trkiye has focused on enhancing its infrastructure, transportation, and financial resilience against external shocks.
The president also detailed Trkiye's growing international engagement, noting expanded cooperation with countries, particularly in Africa and Latin America. He pointed out advancements in industrial capacity with new organized industrial zones and technoparks despite facing "hidden and open embargoes." Trkiye has achieved self-sufficiency in various fields, notably in defense, with developments in unmanned aerial vehicles, missiles, and electronic warfare systems.
Erdogan spoke of a shift in Trkiye's security doctrine, highlighting an expanded security perimeter beyond its borders. He described this as a transformation in the country's security paradigm, reflecting broader global changes.
He observed that the global system has been undergoing transformation since the 2008 financial crisis, with intensified competition across technology, data, supply chains, and energy resources. The region, he noted, has become a main arena of competition as traditional alliances wane and new ones form.
Erdogan praised Trkiye's transportation achievements, such as enabling uninterrupted rail travel from London to China, showcasing the infrastructure developments within the country.
Addressing the ongoing conflict, Erdogan criticized Israel's radical stance under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging for regional peace and proactive international stances against the uncompromising positions that undermine diplomatic solutions. He stressed that no country valuing global peace should fuel the conflict further, reiterating Trkiye's commitment to working towards peace, justice, and stability.
He warned of the psychological impacts of war, emphasizing Trkiye's dedication to a language of love, peace, and brotherhood in the region. Erdogan pointed to developments in northern Syria and actions against Iran as validation of Trkiye's strategic vision, which seeks to disrupt long-standing conflicts and promote unity among regional peoples.
Erdogan concluded by affirming the shared history and enduring relationships among the region's peoples. He pledged that Trkiye would continue to uphold peace and brotherhood, resisting the divisive forces of violence and hatred.