Erdogan: Hope to channel escalation with Iran into diplomacy, not weapons - Sarmad

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed his hope that the recent escalation in tensions with Iran, which has recently intensified, would be channeled into diplomacy rather than weapons.

During his speech at the opening of the summit of heads of state of Turkish-speaking countries in Ankara, under the theme “The Turkish Century: Unity of Language, Thought, and Action,” Erdoğan stressed that conflicts in the region benefit no party and have severe consequences for the global economy, trade, and energy markets.

Erdoğan called on participating countries to make further efforts toward a just resolution of the Palestinian issue, to provide the necessary contributions to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and begin its reconstruction, and to continue supporting the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

He affirmed that a peaceful and stable South Caucasus would provide important opportunities for the countries of the region, and he endorsed the communications being conducted by Azerbaijan with Armenia, reaffirming Turkey’s continued contribution toward lasting peace.

Erdoğan emphasized that there is no room for division or discord in the family image of the Turkic world, as they are all one, united, and brothers. He confirmed that during their rotating presidency of the organization, they would work to convert institutional capital into tangible gains and strengthen common interests on a win-win basis, while respecting the national sensitivities of each member.

He also expressed his aspiration to see Turkmenistan as a full member of the organization and to strengthen the Council’s ties with the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. He noted that they would develop an action plan for artificial intelligence and digital development, and that cybersecurity is no less important than land, air, and maritime security.