…..Slams Israeli Attacks on Journalists
By NarrativesHub
ANTALYA, TURKEY — President of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has reiterated Turkey’s long-standing ambition to become a full member of the European Union, even as he highlighted the country’s growing role in global diplomacy, its rising defense industry, and its humanitarian efforts across Africa and Gaza.
Speaking at the Fourth Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Erdogan criticized what he described as the European Union’s lack of “courage and strategic perspective” to advance Turkey’s accession process, despite its decades of alliance with the West.
The Turkish leader emphasized that Turkey’s commitment to the Euro-Atlantic alliance remains firm, citing its central role in NATO.
He said, “Claims and criticism that Turkey is moving away from its European Union goal have no validity as far as we are concerned.
“Full membership of the European Union is still the strategic goal of the country. We are ready and determined to advance our membership process and we also expect the European Union to take concrete steps.
“Commanding NATO’s second largest land forces, Turkey is ready to take responsibility for European security in the future,” he said, highlighting Turkey’s advancements in defense manufacturing.
“We have reached a localization rate of 80% in this field… We have become self-sufficient.”
Erdogan also defended Turkey’s proactive diplomacy in conflict regions such as Syria, Libya, and the South Caucasus, asserting that the nation is working to build a “belt of peace and security” through dialogue, trade, and regional alliances.
“We are one of the countries that have borne the brunt and paid the price of 14 years of conflict and instability in neighboring Syria,” he said, warning that “Syria’s stability is inseparable from our own.”
Addressing the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Erdogan delivered a strongly worded condemnation of Israel, calling it a “state of terrorism” over its attacks on civilians and journalists.
He said, “Just a few days ago, a tent for journalists in the city of Hanunice was shelled by Israeli forces… One of those martyred was Ahmed Mansour, who was burned alive,” he recounted.
“Up to now, the Israeli government has murdered 211 journalists.”
The Turkish president accused Israel of committing genocide and warned that silence in the face of its actions amounts to complicity.
“To remain silent about Israel’s massacres is to be a partner in this crime.
“Is it not cowardice to mercilessly slaughter innocent babies, children, women trying to cling to life among the ruins?”
In response, Erdogan revealed that Turkey has delivered significant humanitarian aid to Gaza.
“Since the beginning of the attacks, we have sent over 101,000 tons of humanitarian aids to Gaza.
“And with the support of sister countries in the region, God willing, we will continue to extend our helping hands.”
Turning attention to Africa, Erdogan reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to partnership with the continent.
“With our Africa partnership policy, our cooperation develops with a win-win approach,” he said, emphasizing Turkey’s growing ties and investments across the continent.
He also stressed that Turkey’s diplomatic approach is rooted in mutual respect, not exploitation.
“Wherever we have a presence, we are not interested in what is below the ground. We are interested in human beings… in the lives of people,” he declared.
The Antalya Diplomacy Forum, now in its fourth edition, continues to serve as a major platform for dialogue and policy exchange among global leaders, diplomats, and civil society.
With thousands of participants gathered, Erdogan concluded, “The Turkish nation… stands in full solidarity with its Palestinian brothers and sisters. We want peace, stability, prosperity and security for everyone in the region — as sincerely as we want it for our own citizens.”
