President Erdoğan answered questions from reporters on the plane on his return from a visit to South Korea. (AA Photo)
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has recalled the rooted nature of the Turkish-American ties as two important NATO allies, expressing his wishes that the U.S. midterm election results will contribute to global and regional peace.
“Our greatest wish is for the election results to contribute to lasting peace and stability in our region. To this end, we will continue to be in close dialogue with both the American administration, the House of Representatives and the Senate,” Erdoğan told reporters in his return from a trip to South Korea on Nov. 5.
His remarks followed Trump administration’s defeat in the mid-term elections which pledged the control of both chambers of the US Congress to the Democrats.
On a question on how the results would impact bilateral ties and regional developments, Erdoğan expressed his hopes that they will be both positive.
“It would probably be a bit early to make definitive statements. Turkish-American relations are deeply rooted and built on solid foundations. We are two countries that are NATO allies and possess a strategic relationship spanning many years,” the president said.
On the international front, Erdoğan stressed that the region was passing through a turbulent period for a long time. “Unfortunately, wars, conflicts, and atrocities continue all around us. We want our region to attain peace and tranquility as soon as possible,” he said.
Erdoğan mulls visiting Azerbaijan
On a question about an ongoing tension between Ankara and Baku, Erdoğan stressed that there is not any issue that can ruin the historic brotherhood between the two countries.
“There is Azerbaijan’s Victory Day on Nov. 8. I am planning to pay a visit to Azerbaijan on Nov. 8 if there would be not any extraordinary situation. With this visit, we hope to take necessary steps,” Erdoğan stated.
Azerbaijani President İlham Aliyev rejected to attend the leaders’ summit of the Organization of the Turkic States in Ankara late October after Baku reportedly accused some Turkish officials of interfering in domestic politics.
“I always say that our relations with Azerbaijan go far beyond classic diplomatic contacts. The unbreakable bond between our two countries is the product of our shared history, culture, destiny, and our future. There is no obstacle that the brotherhood of Turkey and Azerbaijan cannot overcome,” the president stated.
Türkiye to exert efforts to end Russia-Ukraine war
Erdoğan also commented on recently intensified international diplomacy to end the war between Russia and Ukraine.
“We found the opportunity to discuss all these things during the visit of [Ukrainian President Volodmyr] Mr. Zelenksy’s visit to Türkiye last Saturday,” Erdoğan recalled, stressing he conveyed that Ankara attaches great importance for the cessation of the conflict through negotiations.
“As Türkiye, we are doing our best to pave the way to peace, and we will continue to do so. Following this meeting with Mr. Zelensky, we now wish to address the Russian side of the matter by holding a meeting with [Russian President Vladimir] Mr. Putin as well,” Erdoğan said.
Steps taken to address fund-crisis
On a question about ongoing probes over multibillion dollar fund-crisis, Erdoğan reaffirmed that all relevant institutions are taking essential steps in line with a road map designed by a governmental panel.
“It is impossible for us to give any concessions [through this process],” Erdoğan said.
“Bribery, abuse [of bureaucratic powers] —all of these are being uncovered one by one. People you would least expect have become involved in these matters. The judiciary is identifying them and doing what is necessary,” he added.
“Running this process without using public resources is our fundamental principle,” the president said, adding this cleansing of the system will result in a stronger financial market.
