Budapest, November 7, 2024 – The Europe Today: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has emphasized the critical importance of Türkiye’s full inclusion in the European Union’s defense framework, highlighting its essential role in maintaining peace and security across Europe.
Speaking at the European Political Community Summit in Budapest on Thursday, President Erdogan addressed the General Session, where he expressed strong discontent with the EU’s prolonged delay in Türkiye’s accession process.
“There is no reasonable explanation for obstructing the accession of a candidate country like Türkiye, which contributes significantly to the continent’s prosperity and security,” Erdogan stated, stressing that Türkiye’s involvement is vital for regional stability and the EU’s strategic interests.
Erdogan also called for enhanced cooperation among European nations in combating terrorism, with a particular focus on the PKK. He urged European partners to take concrete steps towards joint efforts, especially in intelligence sharing and coordinated actions against terrorist organizations that threaten regional peace.
Further, he underlined the need for stronger judicial and administrative cooperation from European countries where the FETO movement remains active, citing the importance of tackling this issue as part of broader counterterrorism initiatives.
On the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, President Erdogan expressed concern over the war’s escalating consequences, noting that the conflict is increasingly diminishing the potential for diplomatic solutions. “The negative consequences of the war in Ukraine are deepening each day, leaving less space for diplomacy,” he remarked, referring to his recent diplomatic efforts with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian officials to push for peace.
In a poignant segment of his speech, President Erdogan condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza, describing them as “genocide” and a “shared shame for humanity.” With the death toll in Gaza approaching 50,000, Erdogan stressed the urgency of an immediate ceasefire and the provision of humanitarian aid.
“Immediate pressure on Israel is essential to ensure a ceasefire and the delivery of sufficient humanitarian aid to the region,” Erdogan said. He further criticized nations that provide unconditional support to Israel’s aggression, stating, “Those who offer unconditional support to Israel’s aggression must know they are complicit in these crimes.”
The Turkish President also called on countries that have yet to recognize Palestine as a state to do so, urging the international community to contribute to global justice and peace by supporting Palestinian statehood.
Erdogan’s remarks reflect Türkiye’s continued commitment to regional security, global diplomacy, and human rights advocacy.
