Ankara: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has vowed that Trkiye will take all necessary actions to avert any future genocides akin to the Srebrenica massacre. Following a Cabinet meeting in Ankara, Erdogan addressed the 31st anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide, labeling it a significant blemish on human history, particularly within Europe. He emphasized Trkiye's ongoing efforts to foster a stable and prosperous Bosnia and Herzegovina where diverse communities coexist peacefully.
According to Anadolu Agency, Erdogan expressed criticism towards the international community for its inaction during the massacre, highlighting that Western nations and institutions stood by during the ethnic cleansing attempt in Europe. He condemned the inability of UN peacekeepers to safeguard civilians in designated safe zones. Erdogan recounted the tragic loss of 8,372 Bosniaks, including women, children, and the elderly, who were murdered and buried in mass graves, noting that the pain of the genocide still lingers.
Erdogan also commented on the recent NATO meeting held in Ankara on July 7-8, stating that the event significantly enhanced Trkiye's global standing. He described the summit as historic and noted it was one of the most closely monitored NATO gatherings by the media. All 32 NATO members, including US President Donald Trump, participated, along with nearly 4,800 high-ranking officials and leaders from NATO's Asia-Pacific and Gulf partners. Erdogan emphasized the logistical and security measures undertaken by Trkiye, including reopening the Etimesgut Military Airport to manage the increased traffic.
The summit also resulted in a decision to establish a NATO Counter-Unmanned Systems Centre of Excellence in Konya, central Trkiye. Erdogan mentioned the inaugural Defense Industry Forum, drawing nearly 1,000 participants, and the discussions concerning Israel's actions in Gaza and Lebanon. He reiterated the necessity of resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict through diplomacy and dialogue. Additionally, Erdogan engaged in discussions with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa on the latest developments in Syria, with Trkiye hosting seven defense and security events alongside the summit.
Erdogan highlighted the significance of US President Donald Trump's visit to Trkiye, marking the first official visit by a sitting US president in 17 years. He acknowledged Trump's positive remarks about Trkiye and the NATO summit, emphasizing continued collaboration to enhance Turkish-American relations and trade. Erdogan conveyed condolences to Qatar following the passing of former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, celebrating his contributions to Qatar's development and support for the Palestinian cause and the broader Muslim community.