President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan underscored Türkiye’s domestic achievements and regional initiatives during a press conference following the Presidential Cabinet Meeting at the Presidential Complex on Monday.

Addressing a broad range of issues, from economic development to regional security and humanitarian aid, Erdoğan portrayed the country as moving steadily toward its long-term “Century of Türkiye” vision.

Domestic Achievements and Economic Progress

Erdoğan described Türkiye’s current period as among the most successful and productive in the nation’s history, noting that the country has become the 17th-largest economy globally and the seventh-largest in Europe. Highlighting progress across infrastructure, public services, and national projects, he credited “confident, competent, honest, and hard-working” government cadres for driving the country’s development.

“Our Century of Türkiye vision is coming true step by step,” Erdoğan said. “Inshallah, we will never allow anyone, any malevolent person at home or abroad, or any circles serving imperialist interests, to hinder this sacred march.”

Military Cargo Plane Incident

Erdoğan also addressed the recent crash of a Turkish military cargo plane near the Signagi region, close to the Azerbaijan–Georgia border. Authorities have recovered the aircraft’s black box and the bodies of those on board. Erdoğan stated that the examination of these materials would provide clarity on the cause of the incident, and pledged that relevant units are working diligently to understand the circumstances behind the crash.

Cyprus Peace Talks and Regional Diplomacy

Turning to regional issues, Erdoğan highlighted discussions with Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Tufan Erhürman regarding a potential settlement on the island. He emphasized Ankara’s stance that no solution can be achieved without acknowledging the sovereign equality of Turkish Cypriots. Erdoğan warned that attempts to revisit past proposals, which had repeatedly failed, would be unproductive, and reiterated that a fair and lasting settlement would require a two-state framework reflecting the realities on the ground.

Erdoğan also spoke about regional developments in Iraq and Syria. He welcomed the peaceful conduct of Iraq’s parliamentary elections on November 11 and expressed satisfaction over Syria’s growing engagement in international relations. He reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to supporting the implementation of the March 10 agreement, aimed at strengthening Syrian unity and territorial integrity, while maintaining a determined stance to safeguard regional stability.

Humanitarian Aid to Gaza

On the humanitarian front, Erdoğan highlighted Türkiye’s ongoing aid efforts in Gaza. Following the recent ceasefire agreement, which Türkiye helped facilitate, Erdoğan noted that Hamas had honored its commitments, despite what he described as provocations by the Israeli government. Erdoğan also pointed to constructive engagement from the U.S. administration, citing the support of former President Donald Trump’s approach to the ceasefire.

He reported that Türkiye’s 18th humanitarian aid ship, carrying 810 tons of supplies, reached Egypt’s al-Arish Port last Friday. Additionally, 47 truckloads of humanitarian aid were delivered to Gaza via the Rafah border crossing. Erdoğan stressed that Türkiye’s aid efforts aim not merely to address immediate needs but to create sustainable solutions that ensure long-term stability in the region.

Support for Palestinian Statehood and Long-Term Peace

Erdoğan emphasized the critical link between lasting peace in the region and the establishment of a Palestinian state. He stated that continued occupation and territorial usurpation in Palestine hinder broader regional security and stability. “The door of peace will open to the extent we come closer to a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders, and it will close to the extent we move away,” he said.

The president stressed that Türkiye is committed to working alongside regional partners and international actors to expand dialogue, deliver humanitarian support, and build a foundation for a prosperous and peaceful future. “We aim not to save the day, but to build a prosperous future. We will work harder, make greater efforts, and Inshallah, ensure that the path to lasting peace in the region is widely opened in the upcoming period,” Erdoğan said.

Looking Ahead

Erdoğan concluded by reaffirming Türkiye’s role as a stabilizing force in the region. With ongoing domestic and foreign policy initiatives, from infrastructure development to humanitarian aid and diplomatic engagement, the government aims to strengthen the country’s economic and strategic position while promoting peace and security for its neighbors. (ILKHA)