Web Desk ; Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has warned against what he described as hostile efforts to encircle Türkiye, saying Ankara will not allow its path as an independent and prosperous state to be blocked.
Speaking after a Cabinet meeting at the Presidential Complex in Ankara on Monday, Erdogan said Türkiye’s “dignified and calm stance” should not be mistaken for weakness.
“On these lands that we have made our homeland by giving and taking lives, we will allow no one to carry out an operation,” Erdogan said.
“We will not watch from the sidelines hostile steps aimed at encircling our country in our region. Türkiye is against no country, society, faith, or culture,” he added.
Erdogan said his government remained determined to pursue Türkiye’s development while contributing to peace and stability across the region.
“Those who are disturbed by our country becoming stronger and by our efforts to establish peace and stability in our region cannot turn us back from our path,” he said.
Erdogan blames Israel for regional war
Addressing ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, Erdogan blamed Israel for the current regional war and its wider consequences.
“The bill for the war that began with Israel’s schemes and provocations is being paid not only by the Iranian people, not only by our brotherly Gulf countries, but by everyone, whether involved or not,” he said.
Erdogan also accused Israel of undermining a June framework agreement aimed at ending the conflict.
“Once again, it is Israel’s lies and sabotage that have rendered ineffective the Islamabad accord, which brought relief to our entire region,” he said.
He added that regional crises would not subside until what he called a “radical mindset” that views even the possibility of peace as a threat changes.
Türkiye expands regional ties
Erdogan said Türkiye would continue working to strengthen regional unity and solidarity under its policy of alliance and cooperation.
He also said Ankara would continue developing its relationship with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which he described as complementary to the United Nations.
Erdogan attended last week’s SCO summit in Kyrgyzstan as an honorary guest.
His comments come after Türkiye signed a Joint Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in August aimed at strengthening security cooperation amid heightened regional tensions.
Search continues after ship capsizing
Erdogan also addressed last week’s ship capsizing off the coast of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), saying Türkiye was supporting search operations.
“In cooperation with the TRNC, we are currently supporting search efforts with nine ships and 11 aircraft,” he said.
Erdogan vows to protect economic growth
Despite heightened regional tensions, Erdogan said Türkiye would maintain its economic development strategy.
“Although we are making some adjustments to our targets, we continue to keep the Turkish economy on the path of development and growth,” he said.
He added that the government would take measures to improve public welfare and address structural problems in the economy.
“We will do whatever is necessary to make the Turkish economy stronger, more competitive, and more resilient in every area,” Erdogan said.
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