Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said no hostile activity by Israel targeting Turkey will be tolerated. Erdogan gave this warning in remarks Monday after a Cabinet meeting in Ankara.
He said no one should mistake Turkey’s calm and restrained position for weakness. No one, he said, can stop Turkey’s advance as an independent, stable and prosperous nation.
Erdogan said Turkey is not against any country, society, religion or culture. But wherever injustice, oppression and unlawful activity come from, Turkey will stand against it. He said Turkey will also not accept any hostile move to regionally encircle it.
Direct allegations against Israel’s actions
Erdogan blamed Israel for the ongoing war in the Middle East. He alleged that the fallout from Israel’s provocations and actions is not being paid only by Iran and the Gulf states — its impact is being felt across the entire region.
He alleged that the Islamabad agreement also failed to take effect because of Israel’s “lies and sabotage.” Erdogan said the storm of the Middle East crisis will not subside until the “extremist mentality” that sees even the slightest chance of peace as a threat changes.
Erdogan’s remarks came at a time of rising conflict and tension in the Middle East centered on Iran. He had previously warned that the impact of Israel’s attacks could also affect Turkey’s security.
Turkey to deepen ties with SCO
Amid the regional tensions, Erdogan also announced plans to further strengthen ties with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
He said strengthening regional unity and cooperation is essential. Alongside deepening ties with the SCO, he said, Turkey will continue working for regional peace and stability.
Rescue efforts after shipwreck
Erdogan also spoke about Turkey’s assistance in rescue efforts for those missing after a shipwreck off the coast of northern Cyprus. He said Turkey is assisting the search and rescue operation with nine ships and 11 aircraft.
Focus on the economy amid the crisis
Despite the regional tensions, Erdogan pledged to keep Turkey’s economy on a growth path. He said that while some adjustments may be needed to achieve economic goals, Turkey will not stray from the path of development and growth.
He said necessary steps will be taken to make the country’s economy stronger, more competitive and more stable.
The Turkish president also spoke of working to increase public welfare and permanently resolve the economy’s structural problems.
In other words, as the war in the Middle East intensifies, Erdogan sent a message of hardening Turkey’s stance against Israel’s actions, while also emphasizing greater regional cooperation and keeping the country’s economy stable.