Turkey's accession to the European Union “is no longer a priority” for Ankara, said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, going so far as to claim that “Europe will be the loser” as a result of this development.
In an interview on Al Jazeera Arabic’s “Al Muqabala” program, the Turkish president addressed a range of critical issues, from relations with the EU and the F-35s to the new Mecca defense agreement, Egypt, the Strait of Hormuz, Syria, and Gaza.
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According to Turkey’s NTV, Erdogan argued that the European Union does not appear willing to accept Turkey as a full member.
Erdogan stated that EU accession is no longer high on Ankara’s agenda. As he noted, Europe shows no real willingness to admit Turkey into the Union, and, in his view, if this process does not move forward, “Europe will be the loser.”
Referring to the issue of the American F-35 fighter jets, he said, “I received a promise from Trump regarding the F-35s. I expect it to be honored.”
The Turkish President also referred to the Joint Defense Agreement signed on August 7 by Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan in Mecca, which stipulates that an armed attack against any one of the three countries will be considered an attack against all of them.
He argued that this agreement “sent an important message to the world.”
Erdoğan also left open the possibility of expanding the new defense framework, noting that Egypt could join in the future.
Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Tayyip Erdogan stated that Turkey’s top priority is to reopen it.
As he said, keeping the Strait closed does not serve the interests of any party.
At the same time, he praised Qatar’s role in mediation efforts to end the conflicts in the region.
Erdoğan also revealed that he plans to visit Syria. As he stated, Turkey will continue to work toward restoring stability in the country and “will not leave it alone.”
Regarding the Kurds in Syria, he noted that they, too, should benefit from peace and stability, adding that Ankara will continue to strengthen its relations with Kurdish communities.
Referring to Gaza, the Turkish President reiterated that Ankara would continue its support. “We cannot leave Gaza alone,” he said. He also maintained that Hamas is fulfilling its obligations “in good faith,” while accusing Israel of continuing the war.
Tayyip Erdogan also expressed concern about Israeli attacks on Lebanon, noting that he had raised the issue with Donald Trump and that the U.S. can play an important role in ending the conflicts.
Regarding Sudan, Erdogan stated that Turkey would continue its support and described his relations with the head of the Sovereignty Council, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, as “good.”
Regarding Libya, he noted that relations with Ankara remain stable and assured that Turkey “will not leave it alone.”
Source: CNA
