Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made a series of significant remarks following Monday’s Presidential Cabinet meeting, addressing issues ranging from domestic counterterrorism efforts to global diplomacy and regional normalization initiatives.

In a strongly worded statement, Erdoğan reaffirmed Türkiye’s resolve to root out terrorism and emphasized the country’s capacity to overcome all internal challenges. “Türkiye has the power to solve all its issues, particularly the terrorism problem,” said Erdoğan. “Our process of a terror-free Türkiye will be its cornerstone and shield.”

The President also touched on social and cultural policies, criticizing what he described as international efforts to impose gender-neutral ideologies. “Our struggle against the gender-neutralization policies that have turned into global bullying will continue with determination,” he stated, underscoring the government’s position on preserving traditional family values.

Türkiye offers to host Russia-Ukraine peace talks

Turning to international diplomacy, Erdoğan reiterated his commitment to mediating peace between Russia and Ukraine. He proposed Türkiye — specifically Istanbul or Ankara — as a venue for renewed negotiations. “My greatest wish is to bring [Russian President Vladimir] Putin and [Ukrainian President Volodymyr] Zelenskyy together in Istanbul or Ankara,” Erdoğan said. “I would even like to bring [former U.S. President Donald] Trump along.”

He added that, despite recent tensions, the fact that the negotiations are proceeding is itself a notable achievement: “The fact that the meeting took place despite yesterday's incident is an important success.”

Sanctions on Syria and Regional Normalization

On the regional front, Erdoğan welcomed recent developments in Syria and the lifting of sanctions by several European countries. “We are very pleased with the decision of European countries to lift sanctions on Syria following Trump’s landmark statements,” he said.

Erdoğan announced that Türkiye and Syria are moving toward normalized relations, revealing that mutual air travel would soon resume. “Syria Airlines will soon start flights to Türkiye. Our AJet company will operate regular flights to Syria,” he announced.

He expressed optimism that a stable and peaceful Syria would benefit not only Türkiye but the entire region: “As Syria achieves stability and peace, we believe that all its neighbors and all countries in the region will benefit from it.”

The Turkish president concluded by reiterating his desire to position Istanbul as a center for peace diplomacy: “I will also come together with [the Russian and Ukrainian leaders] in this meeting, so that we can make Istanbul a center of peace.” (ILKHA)