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"A fair and inclusive global governance architecture needs to be established to overcome the crisis of trust in the international arena"

Presidency of The Republic of Turkey

16.05.2025

Addressing the 6th meeting of the European Political Community, President Erdoğan said: "A fair and inclusive global governance architecture needs to be established to overcome the crisis of trust in the international arena. We must start the transformation at home, as the European continent, which will be built on the principles of the indivisibility of security and a more equitable allocation of prosperity."

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan spoke at the 6th meeting of the European Political Community in the Albanian capital of Tirana.

"WE GROW STRONGER AS WE UNITE"

President Erdoğan said: "We have come together to discuss about a new vision that will redefine our continent. It is now more important than ever before for us to act in unity, through cooperation, and in a spirit of collective action. A fair and inclusive global governance architecture needs to be established to overcome the crisis of trust in the international arena. We must start the transformation at home, as the European continent, which will be built on the principles of the indivisibility of security and a more equitable allocation of prosperity."

President Erdoğan stated: "There are a wide range of areas in which we harbor a vast potential for cooperation such as defense industry, energy, transit routes, interconnectivity, supply chains, digital markets, and critical minerals. Efforts to develop the European Union's own defense industry are beneficial at this critical time when we are conferring on the future of European security. We think these efforts should include non-member allies as well without any prejudice to NATO's central role. We believe that sticking to this understanding while implementing initiatives such as ReArm and SAFE will be to the benefit of the European security. Many wars and conflicts that have occurred in Europe show us that we get weaker as we divide on issues of vital importance such as defense and security, and yet grow stronger as we unite."

"UPDATING OUR CUSTOMS UNION WITH THE EUROPEAN UNION WILL CONTRIBUTE TO THE SECURITY OF SUPPLY CHAINS"

President Erdoğan noted: "While thinking about our shared future, we undoubtedly have to discuss about the steps as well that will ensure our economic security. With its $1.3 trillion economic growth, with its young and dynamic population of over 85 million, and with its competitive industry and direct access to vast consumption markets, Türkiye is of critical importance. We are of the opinion that updating our Customs Union with the European Union will contribute to the security of supply chains. We also believe that this step will pave the way for joint production and investments in critical sectors such as automotive, medicine and defense industry. It is imperative to review visa practices such as Schengen, which restrict the mobility of our people and therefore of goods, services, and capital."

"With our recent investments and agreements in natural gas, we are steadily approaching our goal of making our country an important energy hub in the region. Possessing the most advanced energy infrastructure in the region, Türkiye is an important player in energy transformation in Europe. Our steps in renewable energy offer opportunities for both our country and the whole region. Located at the intersection of multilateral transit routes, Türkiye contributes significantly to the protection of uninterrupted supply chains," President Erdoğan stated.

"WE ARE AT A CRITICAL JUNCTURE IN ORDER FOR WEAPONS TO FALL SILENT IN UKRAINE"

President Erdoğan said: "We are at a critical juncture in order for weapons to fall silent and a basis for peace to be established in Ukraine. As we have done so far, we continue to contribute to every initiative undertaken for a solution, first and foremost an inclusive ceasefire. Given the sensitiveness of the process, it is very important to encourage the parties without any imposition in order to achieve a fair and lasting peace. I held separate phone calls with Mr. Trump, Mr. Putin, and Mr. Zelenskyy. Mr. Macron and Ms. Meloni called me. Mr. Zelenskyy was in Ankara yesterday. Following our call, he decided to begin technical talks. A window of opportunity has opened for the first time since March 2022 to stop the bloodshed. What is more, the negotiations are underway right now in Istanbul under the chairmanship of my foreign minister. I believe this opportunity shouldn't be missed. At this stage, we trust in the support of all our partners present here to ensure that the channels of dialogue between Ukraine and Russia are kept open to promptly establish peace. As I always say, there will be no losers in a fair peace. Türkiye will continue to do its part in this process."

"WE MUST MOBILIZE ALL OUR RESOURCES TO ENSURE A PERMANENT CEASEFIRE IN GAZA"

"An unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe has been taking place in Gaza for 20 months," underlined President Erdoğan. "Tens of innocent people, mostly children and women, are being massacred every day. We must say 'enough', we must say 'stop' to this. Netanyahu's uncompressing, aggressive and arrogant stance is putting Gaza and the entire region as well as people of various faiths living here at risk. We expect Europe to display the necessary enthusiasm and interest for the establishment of a ceasefire in Europe. International community's lack of action as over 2 million people in Gaza are being subjected to starvation is compatible with neither conscience nor the dignity of humanity. We must mobilize all our resources to ensure a permanent ceasefire, to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid, and to restore livability to Gaza. Our ultimate goal must be to implement the two-state solution, which is also the only sustainable solution."

"A NEW PAGE FULL OF HOPE HAS OPENED IN SYRIA"

President Erdoğan went on: "With the cessation of nearly 14 years of conflicts in Syria, a new page full of hope has opened. U.S. President Mr. Trump's announcement of his decision to lift sanctions on Syria is a valuable step in order for Syria to achieve prosperity as soon as possible. With this decision, Mr. Trump has once again demonstrated the importance he attaches to stability and development in the region. We hope this decision will set an example for other countries. Likewise, we expect the European Union to urgently lift the sanctions that were originally imposed on the previous regime, and to provide financial support for reconstruction efforts. Such support will definitely facilitate the voluntary, dignified and safe return of the Syrians living outside the country to their home."

President Erdoğan added: "The current environment of increased uncertainties bounds us to uniting around shared solutions. I wholeheartedly believe that there are no threats or challenges that we cannot overcome if we can act in solidarity, make better use of our resources, and foster a sincere cooperation."