Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan highlighted Türkiye’s growing defence industry exports, foreign policy engagements, and humanitarian assistance efforts during a press conference following a Cabinet meeting at the Presidential Complex in Ankara.

Erdoğan said Türkiye ranks as the world’s 11th-largest defence exporter and noted that more than 140 maritime platforms have been delivered to various countries worldwide.

He underlined a recent milestone with the delivery of an offshore patrol vessel to Romania, saying it marked the first time Türkiye has exported a warship to a NATO and European Union member state.

Referring to the visit of Polish President Karol Nawrocki on June 23, Erdoğan said talks covered the Russia–Ukraine war and tensions involving Iran.

He added that Türkiye attaches importance to Poland’s position on Palestine and its support for a two-state solution.

In his remarks, Erdoğan strongly criticised accusations against Türkiye, saying: “There is neither genocide nor massacre, nor oppression, nor colonialism in our history. There is only justice and mercy in our thousands-year-long glorious history.”

He said Türkiye has historically protected those fleeing persecution and has consistently provided refuge and assistance to vulnerable populations.

Emphasising national unity, he added: “Whatever our names are, our surname is the Republic of Türkiye,” stressing shared citizenship regardless of ethnic, religious, or cultural differences.

Erdoğan also addressed Türkiye’s humanitarian response to recent earthquakes in Venezuela.

He said two military cargo aircraft were dispatched in coordination with the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) and the Ministry of National Defence. A search-and-rescue team of 75 personnel, five vehicles, and six search dogs has been deployed to the affected areas.

He added that Turkish teams are working with international coordination mechanisms and that additional planning is underway to meet urgent humanitarian needs.

Erdoğan expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan government and people, saying Türkiye would continue to stand by them during the recovery process. (ILKHA)