Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made a statement after a cabinet meeting at the presidential palace. In his speech, the Turkish leader touched upon a wide range of pressing issues. Erdogan reaffirmed Turkey's historical responsibility in maintaining peace in the region.
Turkish Air Force C-130 plane crash
Erdogan, commenting on the crash of a C-130 military transport plane on the Azerbaijan-Georgia border, said: "Based on the data collected by the investigation and the results of the analysis of the black boxes, we will be able to understand much more clearly the causes of this tragic incident, which took the lives of 20 compatriots. We will share this information transparently with the public, especially the relatives of the victims."
"The solution to the Cyprus issue depends on the coexistence of two states."
Commenting on the situation on the island of Cyprus, Erdogan noted that if the Greek side "shows a constructive stance, a just and realistic solution based on the principles of sovereign equality and equal international status can be found on the island."
Cooperation with all parties to the conflict in Syria
Erdogan stated that Ankara pursues a multifaceted policy both domestically and internationally.
"We are for peace, justice, stability, and common development, as well as mutual benefit, from Iraq to Syria, along our southern borders. We strive to live in peace with all our friends and brothers with whom we share a common history, a common destiny, and a common future. From Iraq to Syria, along our southern borders, we are for peace, justice, stability, common development, and mutual benefit," he said.
Expressing satisfaction that the November 11 Iraqi House of Representatives elections were held smoothly and peacefully, Erdogan expressed hope that the elections would benefit the Iraqi people. He stressed that Turkey would continue to support Iraq.
Erdogan noted that he was pleased to see the dynamics of the development of international relations in Syria: "We maintain a firm position on the implementation of the March 10 agreement, which, in our opinion, will strengthen the unity, cohesion, and integrity of the neighboring state. Turkey is ready to provide all possible support for a peaceful resolution of this issue."
Erdogan noted that on the eve of the first anniversary of the December 8 revolution, no one should dwell on the past and should instead seek ways to move forward with a shared vision for the future. He emphasized that no weight should be given to the suggestions, hints, and provocations of those pursuing expansionist goals in the region.
Gaza issue
The Turkish President stressed that the ceasefire in Gaza achieved with Turkey's help is extremely important: "Hamas, despite all the provocations of the Netanyahu government, is fulfilling its obligations. We observe that the American administration, particularly under Mr. Trump, is also adopting a constructive approach to this issue. Despite various disruptions to humanitarian aid by Israel, we are using all possible means to deliver our aid to Gaza."
At the same time, he noted that the situation in Gaza is deteriorating. According to him, it is impossible to fully establish peace, stability, and security in the region without the creation of a Palestinian state.
"As long as the occupation in Palestine continues, as long as Palestine suffers, as long as Palestinian lands are seized, I honestly say that no country in the region can be safe. We are approaching a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders," he concluded.
