'Türkiye determined to eliminate terrorism': Erdogan

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stressed the need for the PKK to be officially recognized as a terrorist organization in a press statement on his flight back to Iraq. Underlining Türkiye's determination to fight against terrorism and eliminate its existence, Erdoğan expressed his satisfaction with Iraq's decision to recognize the PKK as a terrorist organization.

During his visit, Erdogan reaffirmed Türkiye's support for Iraq's Prime Minister Shia al-Sudani's efforts to ensure stability and prosperity in Iraq. The talks covered various sectors, including counterterrorism measures, trade, transportation, energy and climate change impacts. Erdogan emphasized the importance of ending the PKK's presence in Iraq and expressed optimism that concrete results will be achieved in the near future.

Development Road Project a turning point in Türkiye-Iraq relations

Emphasizing the progress in bilateral relations, Erdogan highlighted the Development Road Project, supported by a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed during the visit, as an important milestone. The president stated that 27 agreements and MoUs were signed, including a strategic framework agreement aimed at enhancing institutional cooperation and achieving tangible results.

Erdogan also met with Turkmen leaders in Baghdad and reaffirmed Türkiye's unwavering support for the Turkmen community. He reaffirmed Türkiye's determination to stand by Turkmens both as a nation and as a country.

Standing firm against terrorism

Responding to questions on Türkiye's strategy, President Erdogan reiterated Türkiye's unwavering determination to fight against terrorism in Iraq and emphasized a cooperative approach with the Iraqi government.

Underlining Türkiye's uninterrupted fight against various terrorist organizations, Erdogan emphasized the comprehensive nature of the fight against PKK/YPG elements based in Iraq and Syria. Erdogan reaffirmed Türkiye's adherence to international law and respect for the territorial integrity of neighboring countries while conducting counter-terrorism operations.

Condemning Israeli aggression

President Erdogan emphasized Türkiye's position on the situation in Gaza, condemning the genocide committed by Israel and stressing the urgency of achieving a lasting ceasefire. He underlined Türkiye's active diplomatic efforts, including recent meetings with leaders such as the Hamas leader and contacts with various stakeholders.

Regarding the prospects for a permanent cease-fire, Erdogan underlined the need for a heightened sensitivity and a change of approach in view of Israel's actions in Gaza. He warned of the possible consequences of Israel's aggressive actions, including settlement expansion and new occupations. Erdogan pledged to mobilize international support, including contact with the United Nations secretary-general, to counter Israeli aggression.

Emphasizing the importance of the Gaza issue for the Islamic world, Erdogan called for proactive engagement and effective policies to resolve the crisis. Erdogan reiterated Türkiye's commitment to ongoing talks with Hamas officials and leaders of other countries and prioritized efforts toward a solution.

Meeting with Haniyeh

President Erdogan described his meeting with Haniyeh as sincere and emphasized Haniyeh's determination in the struggle against Israel. Erdogan reiterated Türkiye's unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and underlined the strong bond between Türkiye and Palestine. Emphasizing that any attempt to separate Türkiye from its Palestinian brothers is wrong, Erdogan reaffirmed Türkiye's consistent stance on the issue both in international forums such as the United Nations General Assembly and in its ongoing contacts.

We stand firmly with our Palestinian brothers and sisters, including Hamas, and we never leave them alone in their struggle. To date, we have sent around 45,000 tons of aid to Gaza and this support will continue. We are also currently providing medical care to the wounded in our hospitals in Ankara and Istanbul. We resolutely continue our solidarity through initiatives such as our field hospital, President Erdoğan said.

Erdogan urges Armenia to choose wisely amid regional changes

Asked about Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian's characterization of the 1915 events as a "great catastrophe" instead of "genocide" and his criticism of the inclusion of Mount Ararat in Türkiye's state emblem, Erdogan said: "A new order is being established in the region. It is high time to put aside unfounded memorizations. It is always better to act in accordance with the realities of the time than to act on fictional historical narratives. This is what Pashinian now understands.

Historians are interested in what happened in history. We have been very clear about this from the beginning and we said we would open our archives and we did. Now it is time to create new road maps on a realistic basis."

Erdogan expressed his hope that Armenia will break free from the constraints imposed by the diaspora and move toward a brighter future. Warning against external influences trying to change Armenia's course during this period of transformation, Erdogan urged Armenia to choose wisely for the benefit of its people and the entire region.

Source: Newsroom