(MENAFN- Trend News Agency)
Turkish diplomacy is having its most successful period in recent
centuries, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan highlighted on Saturday
as Ankara is strengthening its axis by simultaneously maintaining
diplomatic relations on the basis of national interests, reports citing
.
'Türkiye does not have the luxury of closing in, isolating
itself from the outside world and watching the events in its region
by sitting on the fence,' Erdogan said at Parliament in the capital
Ankara.
Erdogan described Ankara's policy as 'constructive and active,'
taking initiative in solving global and regional problems.
He underlined that Türkiye does not 'seek escalation' with other
countries, nor would it 'yield to pressure no matter where it comes
from.'
'We strongly defend Türkiye's rights in all areas with an
honorable, patient, determined and prudent attitude,' he said,
vowing not to harm the nation's dignity.
Erdogan also said that a climate of diplomatic normalization had
begun to make progress in Türkiye's vicinity, the Middle East.
'Our relations with the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Israel are
developing on the basis of mutual interests, and a similar process
is underway with Egypt,' Erdogan said.
He reiterated the importance of the Palestinian cause for
Türkiye and that Ankara would always stand with the
Palestinians.
Erdogan also voiced support for Azerbaijan, underlining that
Türkiye was doing its part to ensure lasting peace in that
country's region.
'Through the special representatives we have appointed, we have
demonstrated our will to take our relations with Armenia to a new
level. Armenia should make good use of the peace opportunity we are
extending,' he stressed.
About the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, Erdogan said Türkiye had
opted for peace, dialogue and being a 'fair referee.'
'Given our close relations with both countries, we preferred to
strive to end the war instead of fanning the fire and inciting
sedition,' he said.
“The U.N., whose prestige has been shaken due to its inadequacy
in the face of global crises, saw one of its greatest achievements
in recent years through this agreement resulting from the intensive
efforts of our country,' Erdogan said.
Also, he said, a recent prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine
under Ankara's initiative has moved Turkish diplomacy up to a 'much
higher league.'
'In our contacts on the occasion of the 77th General Assembly of
the U.N., we were pleased to see the level achieved by Turkish
foreign policy.
'We have personally witnessed that the steps taken by our
country in the Russia-Ukraine crisis, the migration issue,
humanitarian aid, the fight against terrorism and peacekeeping have
won the appreciation of the whole world,' Erdogan added.
Greek provocations
Turning to the Eastern Mediterranean and the divided island of
Cyprus, the Turkish president stressed that the island is home to
two separate states and peoples.
Erdogan underlined that isolation and embargoes must come to an
end on the island and that all promises on the international
recognition of Turkish Cypriots must be honored.
He also reiterated Türkiye's refusal to accept a recent decision
by the U.S. to lift an arms embargo on the Greek Cypriot
administration of Southern Cyprus.
'The encouragement shown to Greece, which is arming islands with
non-military status in Aegean, goes against all reason, belief,'
Erdogan said, adding that it also contradicts the 'idea of an
alliance.'
The president said pursuing a policy of provocation and tension
in the region would not be in anybody's interest.
'On every occasion, we repeat that we know who unleashed Greece
on us once again after 100 years and that we are aware of the game
that is being played,' he added.
Erdogan called on the Greek leadership to refrain from
provocations that would lead it and its people to disaster.
Sweden, Finland's efforts
Referring to Sweden and Finland's bids to join NATO, Erdogan
said Türkiye had clearly shown its commitment to the fight against
terrorism during NATO's most recent enlargement.
Türkiye will not ratify Sweden and Finland's NATO membership
bids unless the two Nordic countries 'keep their promises,' Erdogan
warned.
Ankara is 'monitoring' Sweden and Finland's efforts in
fulfilling their commitments and 'can not make concessions' on the
issue of fighting terrorism, Erdogan said.
'We will maintain our principled and resolute stance until the
commitments made to our country are upheld,' the Turkish leader
added, without elaborating.
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