ISTANBUL
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday warned that the US is making a “miscalculation” in the region, rejecting the “unacceptable” plan for Gaza recently proposed by President Donald Trump.
“Unfortunately, the US is making a miscalculation regarding our region. One should not be in an approach that disregards the history, values, and heritage of this geography,” Erdogan told journalists on his return flight from the Pakistani capital Islamabad, where he concluded a three-country Asia tour.
“(US) Taking the lies of the Zionists (Israeli government) seriously and interfering with the dynamics of this region will only exacerbate existing wounds,” Erdogan warned, adding, “This is the wrong path.”
However, he expressed his hope that Trump would keep the promise he has made before the election and work toward peace rather than starting a new war.
Emphasizing the flaws in Washington’s Middle East strategy, he strongly condemned any forced displacement of Palestinians—a reference to US President Donald Trump’s proposal for the future of the Gaza Strip.
“It is absolutely unacceptable to approve this forced displacement. This would be a pure atrocity,” said the Turkish president.
Regarding the ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel, the president highlighted that so far, Hamas has kept its promises and has advanced the process accordingly. “As always, the side that cannot be trusted is the Israeli administration.”
The scenes of the prisoner exchange from Gaza, which has been under heavy blockade and bombardment for 15 months, demonstrate Hamas’ psychological strength, Erdogan said.
“I don’t know how much longer the US administration will continue to spoil the Israeli government. We will also see how much longer the American people will bear the war costs of Israel, which is a black hole in their economy. The possible developments following the prisoner exchange should be closely monitored, and efforts to come together for peace should continue.”
“Gaza is a wound in our hearts. We are working tirelessly to alleviate the pain and heal the wound. Unfortunately, the Islamic world has yet to take collective action on this issue,” said the Turkish leader.
‘Syria’s steps and timeline against terrorist organizations are clear’
Turning to Syria, he reiterated Türkiye’s stance against the existence of terrorist groups in the country, underlining that its territory must be fully under the control of the government in Damascus.
“Syria’s steps and timeline against terrorist organizations are clear. We exchanged information (with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa) on the steps to be taken against terrorist organizations,” he said.
“For unity and stability to be ensured in Syria, it is essential for the (Syrian) administration to have control over the entire country.”
“Terrorist organizations must understand that they have no place in Syria. Otherwise, we will not hesitate to take action to make this reality known to them,” the Turkish leader vowed.
Ankara has not allowed terrorist organizations posing a threat to Türkiye a chance of survival in northern Syria.
“We have zero tolerance for terrorist organizations. When we start taking the necessary steps to resolve this issue, we will not allow anyone to stall us or buy time,” Erdogan said.
On upcoming talks between US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on a potential end to the war in Ukraine, Erdogan said he hoped the meeting paves the way for a “positive outcome.”
“If a positive outcome can be achieved from this meeting, as we hope in good faith, then the world will take a very different step forward,” he said.
On economic ties with China, Erdogan announced new investment plans in Türkiye’s automotive sector.
“We have made an agreement with a Chinese company. There are attempts to establish a factory in (Türkiye’s western province) Manisa. Another Chinese brand is also planning to set up a factory in (northern province) Samsun.”
Türkiye’s ties with Asia
Erdogan emphasized the strengthening of historical and cultural ties between Türkiye and Asia.
He noted that as Western dominance declines and Asia’s strategic influence grows, Türkiye’s perspective on the region becomes increasingly important.
“We are working to strengthen our economic, social, and political ties by continuously improving our relations with Muslim countries in Asia. By increasing our collaborations with Muslim Asian countries, we can also expand the number of opportunities for development and prosperity.
“By seizing these opportunities, we have the common will to transform our countries into global powers. We will never lose our determination,” Erdogan pledged.
He asserted that trade and economic ties would benefit both Türkiye and Asian countries.
“Through our visits, accompanied by business leaders, we are showcasing Türkiye as a reliable partner,” he added.
