Erdoğan: We will strive to advance Turkey-US relations within the framework of our country's interests in the new era.

Forex - President Erdoğan stated, "We will see what the new president's stance and attitude will be toward the Middle East when he takes office during the Trump era. We will strive to advance Turkey-US relations within the framework of our country's interests in the new period." The President answered journalists' questions on a plane returning from his visit to Brazil.

A portion of Erdoğan's conversation is as follows: "QUESTION: US President Joe Biden announced that he has allowed Ukraine to use the American-made 'Army Tactical Missile System' on Russian territory. Is this a response to the claims that the Donald Trump administration, expected to take office in January, will reduce American aid to Ukraine? France and the UK announced their support for this missile deal right after this decision. Ukraine even struck back with missiles. So, do you think Biden is dragging the world into a disaster on his way out? First of all, we do not find this decision to be correct nor do we endorse it. Since the beginning of the Ukraine-Russia war, we believe it should end not with more weapons, more blood, and more tears, but with more peace efforts, goodwill, and diplomacy. Now, Mr. Biden's move will be interpreted as an action taken to fuel the war, ensuring it never ends or even spreads. This step will not only escalate the conflict but may also lead Russia to respond much more strongly. Mr. Putin has approved a doctrine allowing for a nuclear response if his country is attacked by ballistic missiles. All of these could bring the region and the world to the brink of a new and great war. The mentality of "let the aftermath be a disaster" leads nowhere. We expect and hope that both Ukraine and Russia will focus on peace while maintaining calm and resisting provocations. The slightest mistake made in the context of this great error would be akin to lighting a fuse on a powder keg. Therefore, I advise everyone to act carefully.

QUESTION: Looking at the cabinet announced by the newly elected President Donald Trump, we see names that contradict Turkey's policies standing out. For instance, Mr. Trump has recommended an anti-Turkey Secretary of State. The statements of that individual regarding Palestinians and Hamas are horrifying. Should we be worried for NATO, for Turkey, or for the world? We cannot build our relations on prejudices. We need to be very careful and sensitive here. Although the elected President Donald Trump says he will end wars, it is still too early to comment on the new period. We will see what the stance and attitude of the United States toward the Middle East will be when the new president takes office. We will strive to advance Turkey-US relations within the framework of our country's interests in the new period. Of course, we analyze who is in Mr. Trump's cabinet and make our preparations accordingly. It is not insignificant to us what people say or think before coming to power. However, what matters is what they do after taking on the responsibility of power. We will take steps based on concrete actions and will manage our affairs according to all possibilities. We want to believe in Mr. Trump's rhetoric about ending wars and expect him to take steps in this direction. An America that acts with the approach of ending wars could create a new climate for the peaceful resolution of conflicts in our region. This is our most natural right. We hope to witness developments in line with our positive expectations and to eliminate our problems one by one. Our stance regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the Israel issue, and the Middle East in general is clear. We shared our opinion and determination regarding ending the war in the region during our phone diplomacy, and we will continue to share it in the future.

QUESTION: You said Trump's presidency would seriously affect the political and military balances in the Middle East. You also indicated that you would evaluate the issue of withdrawing American troops from Syria. In this context, a report published by Reuters states that Ankara is putting pressure on the United States to cease its support for PKK militants in northern Syria. Are there questions about the possibility of Turkey organizing a new operation in northern Syria? What is your assessment on this issue? We are determined to eradicate the terrorism issue from history. We absolutely cannot tolerate organizations creating national security threats to our country beyond our borders. We have communicated how firm and resolute we are in this regard to all our interlocutors until now. We will clearly convey this approach and goal to our new interlocutors as well. Northern Syria has been occupied by PKK/PYD/YPG supported by America. This region is extremely important not only for us but also for Syria. The removal of PKK/PYD/YPG from this region is critical for the Syrian government as well. The civil war in Syria has brought deep instability to our neighboring country’s territory. Instability attracts terror organizations beyond our borders just like a swamp attracts flies. Just as we strive to dry up that swamp, the Syrian government must display similar efforts. We are currently in a struggle against the flies in that swamp. We cannot say, “The swamp will dry up anyway, so let the flies roam freely.” We will continue our fight against terrorism. We are ready for the new situation that will arise from America's withdrawal from Syria, as well as for the current reality. Our national security comes first and foremost and is above every issue. We are trying to turn this atmosphere in Syria in favor of the region by conducting the necessary discussions with Russia."