Minister Akar Addresses Conference in Kayseri
Turkey’s Minister of National Defense Hulusi Akar spoke at a conference titled “New Generation Defense Industry in Turkey and the Importance of Kayseri”. Akar highlighted that in a time where security concerns are high, Turkey follows all developments closely and takes all kinds of measures regarding defense and security. He also shared that Turkey has become a subject with the multidimensional relations established by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in the international arena.
Akar emphasized the success of the Mehmetçi forces in protecting borders with the understanding of “border is honor”. He also stated that while ensuring border security, the fight against terrorism continues with the neutralizing of 37,818 terrorists since July 24, 2015, in the country, northern Iraq, and Syria. He added that a new wave of migration and human tragedy were prevented by the prevention of the terror corridor intended to be established in the south of Turkey.
Akar expressed that they focus only on terrorists in their operations and postpone some operations with the thought that they may harm civilians. He further added that wherever the terrorists are, that’s where their target is. Turkey respects the territorial integrity and sovereign rights of their neighbors and targets only terrorists. Turks and Kurds are brothers, and their only target is terrorists, regardless of religion and ethnic origin.
According to Akar, developing the domestic and national defense industry is their struggle for the national future. He stated that Turkey has made significant gains in land, sea, air, and space systems with national applications, especially in the last 20 years. Akar applauded the leadership, support, and encouragement of President Erdogan in achieving an 80% level of domestic and national defense industry despite all negativities and obstacles. He added that Turkey has the resources, potential, young people, universities, and social capital to meet their basic needs in national defense.
Akar concluded his speech by stating that the number of defense industry projects in Turkey has grown from around 70 in 2002 to nearly 800 presently. The success achieved in the defense industry over the last 20 years has destroyed the notion that Turkey cannot succeed. The country has restored its self-confidence befitting its nation and its glorious history.
After the conference, Akar participated in an interview program with the producer and screenwriter of popular Turkish TV series. Additionally, he attended the opening of the Space Sciences and Satellite Technologies Laboratory at Erciyes University and received information from the students about their work.
