Türkiye will continue pursuing development and prosperity despite conflicts in the region, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said.
“Türkiye is on the right path, God willing. Its direction is clear, and sooner or later it will reach its destination,” Erdogan said in an address following a Cabinet meeting in Ahlat, Bitlis on Tuesday.
“Türkiye is safe. The trust entrusted to safe hands, representing 86 million people, is secure. We will under no circumstances allow this sacred trust to be cast into shadow,” he added.
The Cabinet met under Erdogan’s chairmanship at the Ahlat Presidential Complex.
Erdogan said the meeting addressed issues including foreign policy, trade, security and the government’s “Terror-Free Türkiye” process.
He said regional economic crises were affecting Türkiye, but the government would remain committed to its goals in employment, exports, agriculture and tourism.
On the economic impact of tensions between Iran and the US, Erdogan said: “As the shockwave caused by the Iran-America tensions in the global economy gradually loses its effect over time, we will have the opportunity to clearly see its repercussions on daily life.”
‘Terror-Free Türkiye’ process
Turning to the “Terror-Free Türkiye” process, Erdogan highlighted a law recently approved by parliament with 467 votes, calling it a historic consensus and saying it had strengthened the process.
“Turkish democracy has the maturity to resolve any problem when it acts with an understanding that puts the country and the nation at the centre rather than daily political calculations,” he said.
Erdogan called on people from all political views to contribute to the process, describing it as a matter concerning the entire state and its 86 million people, rather than only the government and its alliance.
“Come, let us fulfil our debt of gratitude to our martyrs and veterans properly by ridding Türkiye of terrorism,” Erdogan said.
He warned that any initiative that complicates, sabotages or provokes the process, or stands against it, would be held responsible before history.
Erdogan also called on civil society organisations and opinion leaders in the region to contribute more to the process.
Regional conflicts and peace
Turning to regional conflicts, Erdogan reiterated Türkiye’s efforts to promote peace.
“As Türkiye seeks peace for everyone in its region, together with its citizens, the plans of criminal networks built on blood and conflict are being disrupted,” he said.
“We see what bloody scenarios are being devised for our region. God willing, we will not allow them to be carried out.”
“We will not refrain from working to establish peace in our region because some do not want it, are concerned about it or see their plans disrupted,” Erdogan added.
He said Türkiye would continue supporting its neighbours’ recovery despite opposition from what he described as “criminal networks with the blood of innocent people on their hands.”
“We have no hidden agenda or intentions, contrary to what some claim. Our aim is for an atmosphere of peace to prevail around us,” Erdogan said.
