BUDAPEST: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday said that Turkiye’s full inclusion in European Union defence efforts is “essential” for peace and security in Europe.
Speaking at the fifth European Political Community summit in Budapest, Hungary, Erdogan said “Today, we have gathered here to address the multidimensional security challenges facing Europe.”
In his speech, he outlined the broad range of security challenges facing Europe, from military threats to energy security, cyberattacks, migration, and pandemics. He stressed that many of these challenges are too complex to overcome alone.
Erdogan also expressed concern over the prolonged war in Ukraine, noting that it has left less room for diplomacy. “The negative consequences of the war in Ukraine are growing with each passing day,” Anadolu Agency quoted Erdogan as saying.
Advocating for negotiations with both Russia and Ukraine to reach a lasting and just peace, he said that the war being dragged out is leaving less and less room for diplomacy.
Gaza genocide
In his speech, Erdogan also highlighted the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which he described as a “genocide” and a “shared disgrace for all humanity.”
He condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza and called for international pressure to secure an immediate ceasefire and an uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid.
He said that he had initiated efforts at the UN to stop more weapons and ammunition going to Israel.
Turkiye sent a letter with the signatures of over 50 countries and international organisations to the UN secretary-general, the UK, which holds the UN Security Council presidency in November, and the president of the UN General Assembly.
“I commend Ireland, Norway, Spain, and Slovenia for their steps in this direction, and I congratulate them on behalf of my country and people.”
He criticised growing hate, Islamophobia, and racism in Europe, warning that these issues threaten social cohesion and stability.
Erdogan also addressed Turkiye’s longstanding EU accession process, arguing that there is no valid reason to block it.
He called for more cooperation from European partners, particularly in combating terrorism and addressing the threat of the PKK and the Fetullah Terrorist Organisation (FETO), which was behind the 2016 coup attempt in Turkiye.
