President Erdoğan declares security issues in US relations – Latest news from Turkey
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivered a speech at the Closing Ceremony of the Turkey-Africa Business and Economy Forum held at the Istanbul Congress Center, emphasizing the special place Africa holds in the hearts of the Turkish people and in Turkey’s foreign policy.
President Erdoğan shared his personal connection to Africa, stating that he has visited the continent over 50 times during his tenure as Prime Minister and President. He expressed admiration for the rich culture, resilience of the African people, and the joy he witnessed in the faces of African children. He emphasized the strong bond between Turkey and Africa, highlighting that they have never been away from each other.
Regarding the Black Sea Initiative, President Erdoğan acknowledged the efforts made to prevent the deepening of the food crisis. He expressed concern that some African countries have not been able to benefit from the grain in the desired amount, attributing it partly to the lack of consideration from rich Western countries. President Erdoğan discussed ongoing negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin to address these concerns and ensure the delivery of one million tons of grain to the continent.
President Erdoğan also touched upon the Hamas-Israel conflict, expressing his worries about the escalating tensions and their potential to spread to the region. He strongly condemned attacks on mosques, hospitals, and civilian settlements, calling for the fair treatment of people in Gaza. He mentioned Turkey’s efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to the region and criticized the lack of concern from some countries, contrasting it with the support shown by the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
In response to the approach of the United States, President Erdoğan expressed his disappointment with the deployment of aircraft carriers to the region, suggesting that it does not contribute to peace or dialogue. He criticized the remarks made by the American Secretary of State, highlighting the need for a human-centered approach rather than focusing on religious or ethnic identities. President Erdoğan assured the safety of Israeli embassies in Turkey while expressing concern about the situation.
President Erdoğan concluded his speech by discussing the threat posed by the activities of the PKK’s extensions in Syria, expressing determination to eliminate terrorist threats to Turkey’s national security. He emphasized Turkey’s commitment to fighting against terrorism and called for unity in addressing security concerns with allies.
In his closing remarks, President Erdoğan stated that Turkey welcomes the theater played against them with a bitter smile, highlighting the country’s dedication to its goals and principles.
