Erdogan says Israel’s 'provocations' must end for lasting Middle East peace

ANKARA: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkiye would keep working to deepen regional cooperation, strengthen its defence capacity and pursue renewed diplomatic engagement with both NATO allies and the European Union, while stressing the need for stability in the Middle East.

Speaking to reporters aboard his return flight from Kazakhstan on Friday, Erdogan said lasting peace in the region would require an end to what he described as Israel’s actions and to short-term political calculations.

First, Israel’s provocations must be neutralised, and then genuine peace must be built.

he said, referring to US-Israeli attacks against Iran.

If lasting stability is desired in the region, everyone must put aside short-term calculations. Countries should defend the rights of their own citizens, not the interests of actors outside the region.

Erdogan added.

He said Turkiye attached importance to the participation of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in the activities of the Organisation of Turkic States, and said the wider Turkic world was meeting its responsibilities toward Turkish Cypriots.

We attach great importance to the TRNC’s participation in the organisation’s activities. The Turkic world is embracing the Turkish Cypriot people by fulfilling its responsibilities.

he said.

Erdogan also said Ankara would seek to further strengthen the Organisation of Turkic States when it assumes the bloc’s chairmanship after the next summit.

During our chairmanship, which we will assume with the 13th Summit we host next fall, we will take our organisation to higher levels.

he said.

On the upcoming NATO summit, the Turkish president said Ankara expected major decisions concerning the alliance’s future and the shape of the global security order.

We expect important decisions to be taken in Ankara regarding the future of the alliance and the future shape of the global security architecture.

he said.

Erdogan also described Turkiye as a major opportunity for the European Union and said the bloc faced what he called a historic choice on whether to fully benefit from that opportunity.

Addressing defence ties with the United States, Erdogan said discussions on the F-35 fighter jet programme were continuing between Turkish and American officials.

Our demands regarding the F-35 are clear. Our officials are continuing talks with their American counterparts. We hope for a positive outcome.

he said.

He also pointed to Turkiye’s domestically developed fifth-generation fighter jet project, KAAN, saying it marked the start of a broader shift in the country’s defence industry.

When the process is completed, a new chapter will begin in this field. KAAN is our first step. We can and will build even better and stronger ones.

Erdogan said.

The remarks came as Erdogan outlined Turkiye’s priorities across regional diplomacy, defence cooperation and multilateral engagement, while linking long-term Middle East stability to de-escalation and a broader political approach beyond immediate calculations.