Erdogan Opposes NATO-Israel Cooperation

In a recent statement during NATO’s 75th anniversary summit held in Washington, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan declared that Turkey would not approve any attempts by NATO to cooperate with Israel. This stance, announced on July 11, 2024, underscores Turkey’s firm position on the issue.

“Until comprehensive, sustainable peace is established in Palestine, attempts at cooperation with Israel within NATO will not be approved by Turkey,” Erdogan emphasized at a news conference during the summit.

The Turkish president’s remarks come amid ongoing diplomatic efforts by Turkey to address various regional conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war. Erdogan highlighted Turkey’s continuous diplomatic endeavors to bring an end to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Additionally, Erdogan revealed that he has instructed Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to engage in dialogue with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. This move aims to restore relations between Turkey and Syria, with Erdogan mentioning that an invitation for talks could be extended to Assad at any time.

In his speech, Erdogan also touched upon the issue of F-16 sales to Turkey. He recounted a conversation with U.S. President Joe Biden, who assured him that the problem would be resolved within three to four weeks. This assurance follows a significant development in March when the U.S. Senate defeated an effort to block a $23 billion sale of F-16 jets and modernization kits to Turkey, a sale approved by the Biden administration after Turkey consented to Sweden joining NATO.

Erdogan also called for greater solidarity from NATO allies in Turkey’s fight against terrorism. He criticized the relationships some NATO members have established with the PYD/YPG, which Turkey considers an extension of the PKK (Kurdistan Workers Party), a group listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey and its Western allies. “It is not possible for us to accept the crooked relationship that some of our allies have established especially with the PYD/YPG, the extension of the terrorist organization PKK in Syria,” Erdogan stated.

Turkey categorizes the YPG militia as a terrorist organization closely linked to the PKK. While Turkey’s Western allies also list the PKK as a terrorist group, they do not share the same designation for the YPG.

In addition to his remarks on NATO and regional security, Erdogan expressed Turkey’s aspiration to become a permanent member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), rather than merely an observer. The SCO, established in 2001 by Russia, China, and Central Asian states, serves as a security, political, and economic alliance aimed at counterbalancing Western influences.

This statement by Erdogan highlights Turkey’s multifaceted foreign policy approach, balancing its roles and relationships within NATO while pursuing deeper ties with other international organizations like the SCO.

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