In the joint press conference he held with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reminded that he and Vucic last held the 4th High Level Cooperation Council Meeting in Belgrade on October 11, 2024.

Stating that there have been important developments in both bilateral relations and regional and global issues during the intervening period, Erdoğan said that they evaluated the effects of these developments on Turkey-Serbia relations with Vucic and discussed the steps to be taken for the future.

Erdoğan stated that they discussed what they could do to maintain stability and strengthen economic development in the Balkans.

Emphasizing that the ever-increasing trade and investments with Serbia are the locomotive of relations, Erdoğan said:

“The total trade volume reached 3.5 billion dollars last year. We are approaching our goal of 5 billion dollars step by step. We have previously announced that we will participate in Expo 2027, which will be held in Belgrade, hosted by Serbia. We believe that this important event will serve as an additional opportunity to develop economic, commercial and cultural relations between our countries.

We are pleased with the interest our investors show in Serbia. “While around 100 companies with Turkish capital were operating in Serbia in 2015, today this number has exceeded 1500 and the total investment amount has reached 300 million dollars.”

“WE EVALUATED THE ISSUE OF INCREASING FLIGHTS”

Stating that contractors support the production of housing, roads and infrastructure in Serbia with more than 100 projects they have undertaken, Erdoğan said that Serbian President Vucic’s development strategy based on infrastructure investments and growth had an impact on them reaching this point.

Erdoğan said, “I would like to express once again that we also expect investors from Serbia to come to Türkiye.” he said.

Expressing that human relations constitute an important dimension of their relations, Erdoğan pointed out that the best manifestation of people’s desire to know each other more closely is the increasing number of mutual tourists.

Erdoğan said, “Today, Turkey is the second tourism route for Serbian tourists. Our citizens also rank first among the tourists visiting Serbia. Today, we evaluated the issue of increasing flights between Turkey and Serbia in order to further increase and facilitate these visits.” he said.

Stating that they see great interest in Turkish language learning in Serbia, Erdoğan underlined that they are working to ensure that this interest is adequately met by institutions such as Yunus Emre Institute and Turkish Maarif Foundation.

“THE ATTITUDE HERE WAS COMPLETELY TOWARDS BLAMING THE FAMILY”

Answering the question about allegations of abuse and violence in a children’s activity center affiliated with Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM), Göktaş reminded that AK Party municipalities have been providing many social services to citizens such as nurseries, nursing homes and elderly care centers for many years.

Minister Göktaş continued as follows:

“I would especially like to express my satisfaction with the local governments providing social services to our citizens. Of course, the issue that draws our attention here is that it is opened under the name of a nursery, but it is actually a children’s activity center, but when they announce it to the public, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality refers to it as a nursery. There is an ambivalent approach here. First of all, if it were to be opened under the name of a nursery, it would have to be obtained through a permit process from the Ministry of Family or the Ministry of National Education and kept under the control mechanism, as many municipalities do. But here, it is especially called such a children’s activity center to be kept out of control. “Ultimately, our aim is to ensure that our children grow up in safe environments, to ensure that they are raised under certain standards, to provide support by staff with sufficient pedagogical formation, to have a sufficient number of children in class-oriented ratios, to have the necessary hygiene arrangements, and to ensure adequate security. These are very important for us.”

Stating that they visited the family after the incident, Göktaş continued his words as follows:

“They claimed that a 3-year-old child was subjected to abuse in the IMM nursery, and they say that they were left alone in this process. And when I listened to the family, I saw that unfortunately they did not receive enough support. The family specifically said, ‘We thought that this nursery was under the supervision of the Ministry.’ In fact, this case was not forwarded to us by IMM. If it was a nursery under the control of the Ministry or licensed by the Ministry, in such a case, it is obliged to first inform the relevant institutions. This is how private nurseries work. This is how our municipal nurseries work. However, since this is an unlicensed and uncontrolled system, IMM claims that they have created a control mechanism entirely within themselves.

We actually state that they should do this entirely within the framework of the law. After obtaining the necessary permissions from both the Ministry of National Education and us, we really care about preventing similar processes from happening again. As a matter of fact, we saw that this case was not isolated. We have seen that there are other similar cases. We wanted to address this issue especially from a post-political perspective. But unfortunately, we see that the attitude here is entirely aimed at blaming the family. Ultimately, there is a family and a child who are victims here. If they had been there for them in the first place, especially the authorities, this process would not have happened this way. “They acted here in a completely defensive position and continued their attacks on us.”

Minister Göktaş explained the work they carried out within the scope of the 2025 Family Year and stated that the 2026-2035 period was declared “10 Years of Family and Population” by President Erdoğan and that they will continue their work focusing on the family in this context.

Regarding the relevant question regarding the Family and Youth Fund, Göktaş stated that the number of applications was 199 thousand 879, 76 thousand 736 couples were married, they paid 9 billion 386 million lira in resources and provided discounts to 2 thousand 46 companies throughout Turkey.

Asked about the Income Supplementary Family Support System, Göktaş noted that they have been working on the model for a long time with 14 different institutions and said, “We have actually reached the final stage of this study. We conducted simulation studies last year. We will provide support to bring the household’s income to a certain income level by including the characteristics of the members living in the household. This year, we started our pilot studies. Next year, hopefully, we will have implemented a 2.0 new generation social support system that we will spread throughout Türkiye.” he said.

Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek met with the delegation led by Slovenian National Assembly Speaker Klakocar Zupancic at the Ministry. Speaking here, Gürlek stated that they are in constructive cooperation with Slovenia in political, economic and cultural fields, and said that the friendly ties between Türkiye and Slovenia are increasing day by day.

“IMPORTANT AND COMPLEMENTARY DIMENSION”

Stating that cooperation in the field of justice constitutes an important and complementary dimension in the relations between the two countries, Gürlek emphasized that they attach great importance to the development of cooperation within the framework of the rule of law, mutual experience sharing in the field of judiciary, judicial assistance and international agreements.

Describing some reforms made in the legal system recently, Gürlek said, “Under the leadership of our President, we made very important reforms in the field of judiciary by announcing the 4th Judicial Reform Strategy Document between 2025 and 2029. In this context, we presented the 11th Judicial Package to the Parliament in December 2025, and our work on the 12th Judicial Package continues. At the same time, in order to strengthen criminal justice and make the execution and trial processes more effective, the Turkish Penal Code and “We are also considering making some changes in the execution system.” he said.

“WE STAND BY THE JUSTIFIED STRUGGLE”

Gürlek continued as follows: “In this context, we find it very valuable that our country recognized the State of Palestine as a result of the vote held in the General Assembly of the Slovenian National Assembly. In particular, our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has expressed his satisfaction with Slovenia’s decision to recognize the State of Palestine in every environment. As Turkey, we continue to defend human dignity, peace and justice under all circumstances. We always continue the rightful struggle of the Palestinian people and stand by the Palestinians. The friendship and justice between the two countries “I reiterate that we desire to improve cooperation in the field of justice every day. We consent to all kinds of agreements and development of our relations regarding cooperation in the judicial field.” Gürlek expressed his gratitude to Klakocar Zupancic for his visit.

With the Presidential Decree published in the Official Gazette the other day with the signature of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor Akın Gürlek was appointed as the Minister of Justice, and Erzurum Governor Mustafa Çiftçi was appointed as the Minister of Internal Affairs. Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek and Minister of Internal Affairs Mustafa Çiftçi came to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) to take the oath in the General Assembly of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey in accordance with Article 106 of the Constitution. Tension arose in the Parliament during Akın Gürlek’s oath ceremony. CHP MPs blocked Akın Gürlek’s way to the podium. CHP deputies occupying the podium tried to prevent Akın Gürlek from taking the oath.

Osman Gökçek talked about the fight in the Parliament

“THEY ATTACKED THE ROSTER WHERE OUR MINISTER WAS”

AK Party Ankara Deputy Osman Gökçek, who made a statement on the issue in AHaber, said that what was done was violating the constitution by saying “They attacked the podium where our minister was” regarding the fight in the Parliament.

PRIVATE MET WITH İMAMOĞLU IN SİLİVRİ

On the day the provocation took place in the Parliament, Republican People’s Party (CHP) Chairman Özgür Özel went to the Marmara Penal Institution in Silivri to visit Ekrem İmamoğlu, who was detained on bribery and corruption charges. Özel and İmamoğlu met for approximately 2 and a half hours.

Yılmaz met with the Prime Minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Ünal Üstel and his accompanying delegation at the Vice President’s Residence.

Making a statement after the one-on-one and inter-delegation meetings, Yılmaz stated that it was an extremely useful meeting.

Reminding that when he last visited TRNC on January 16, they held the launch ceremony of the “Smart Transportation System Electronic Control and Smart Intersection Project”, Yılmaz said that they held very useful consultations with economic non-governmental organizations, professional organizations and the business world.

Emphasizing that the relations between Turkey and the TRNC are not ordinary relations between two countries, but extremely special relations, Yılmaz said, “The Republic of Turkey, as the motherland and guarantor country, has always stood by the TRNC and will continue to do so.” he said.

Noting that they work on economic and financial cooperation protocols with TRNC Prime Minister Üstel every year, Yılmaz underlined that they attach great importance to acting with common sense while carrying out these studies.

Stating that they shaped these programs in consultation with the institutions of the Republic of Turkey and the TRNC, on the one hand, and with the economic and social stakeholders, on the other hand, Yılmaz said that they continued their work with the same understanding this year.

“WE WANT TO CARRY TRNC TO A STRONG FUTURE”

Stating that they made important evaluations within the scope of the Economic Financial Cooperation Protocol, Yılmaz said:

“Our aim is clear. We want to carry the TRNC to a much more prosperous and stronger future. We will continue to work intensively on this issue as we have done so far. Our biggest goal is to carry the TRNC to the future as an economically and socially shining star of the Eastern Mediterranean, from education to health, from physical and technological infrastructure to universities, from R&D to IT valley visions. Our aim is to make the TRNC self-sufficient, compatible with global conditions, competitive “And to continue on its way with a sustainable economic structure. In this context, we are consulting together about what we can do for entrepreneurs, women, youth, producers and farmers in the coming period. Our main approach in all these studies is people-oriented, inclusive and sustainable development.”

Stating that he plans to visit TRNC during Ramadan, Yılmaz said, “We discuss these issues in every meeting. We can state that we will finalize these studies at the end of March at the latest and create a new economic, economic and financial cooperation framework. We act with such a calendar. There are no problems or problems in our cooperation at the moment. Therefore, when we mutually shape a framework by the end of March, we will easily continue our way without interruption.” he said.

Yılmaz stated that they implemented the current cooperation protocol very effectively and that they implemented the largest financial program to date with a high degree of realization.

“EVERYONE SHOULD SEE THE TRUTH OF THE ISLAND”

Underlining that, as the motherland and guarantor country, they will continue to defend the rights and law of the TRNC and the Turkish Cypriots in the strongest and most effective way on every ground and platform, Yılmaz said:

“Of course, together with the authorities in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus… Everyone should see the realities of the island. Everyone should know well that there are two states and two separate peoples on the island. The issue should be approached on the basis of sovereign equality. If a solution is to be sought, this solution must be a solution built on the realities on the island. At this point, we all know the approach of the Greek Cypriot side, which is not in favor of a solution and has never been a party to the solution, and this has been tested and seen many times. We have experienced this many times in history. Let alone Everyone knows and sees that they do not approach a solution, that they do not take any steps within the scope of the United Nations, even on issues where ‘cooperation should be done’, and that they do not take some positive actions.

Therefore, in the coming periods, we will continue to defend the rights and sovereignty of the TRNC on every platform with an approach based on these facts. Of course, there can always be cooperation between two societies, between two states, and we are always ready for all of this. To give an example, supplying electricity to the island via Turkey and integrating the entire island into the European system through this channel is the most rational, most cost-effective, and technically feasible project. Why shouldn’t the whole island benefit from this? “We are always open to such joint projects.”

Expressing that they are always open to cooperation that is beneficial to both parties, Yılmaz said that they hope that steps will be taken at these points.

“INHUMANE UNFAIR ISOLATIONS AGAINST TRNC MUST BE REMOVED”

“Inhumane and unfair isolations against the TRNC must be removed.” Yılmaz emphasized that they will continue their efforts on these issues.

Underlining that they are and will continue to be on the side of the TRNC and the Turkish Cypriot people, no matter what anyone says or does, Yılmaz said, “As the Republic of Turkey, we will continue to make every effort to further our cooperation with the TRNC in every field, both in political and development issues.” he said.

Yilmaz stated that they had very useful talks today and that they will continue these talks and complete the work by the end of March and said, “TRNC and the Republic of Turkey will continue on their way in this spirit of cooperation forever. No matter who is trying to set a trap, no matter what games they are trying to play in our region, the realities in the region will foil their traps.” he said.

“OUR SUPPORT WILL CONTINUE WITH DETERMINATION”

In his post about the meeting on his NSosyal account, Vice President Yılmaz stated that they had a comprehensive meeting with TRNC Prime Minister Ünal Üstel and government partners in Ankara.

Yılmaz included the following statements in his post:

“In our meeting, which took place on the basis of unshakable bonds of brotherhood and solidarity between Turkey and TRNC, we discussed projects ranging from infrastructure to digitalization, education to production, and our common development goals. We aim to ensure that the 2026 Economic and Financial Cooperation Agreement, which we plan to sign in the coming days, will be inclusive of all segments and will make the TRNC economy a more competitive and sustainable structure. As the motherland and guarantor country, we will stand by the Turkish Cypriot people and the TRNC under all conditions and platforms. “We will continue our support for the strengthening of the sovereign equality and equal international status of the Turkish Cypriot people with determination, and will continue to support the prosperity of the TRNC and its interests in the Eastern Mediterranean.”

Breaking news: Meral Gökkaya, Head of the Legal Support and Victim Services Department of the Ministry of Justice, who made a presentation to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey Investigation Commission on Children Driven to Crime, explained the “diversion model” that was under investigation. Defining diversion, Gökkaya said, “Children in conflict with the law are kept out of the official justice system and subjected to unofficial alternative procedures.” Gökkaya continued as follows:

“If there is a trial, that diversion system does not exist. Many methods are used in diversion, such as monitoring the child with alternative methods, subjecting him to certain educational programs, or giving written or verbal warnings. Our aim here is to remove the child from behavior that causes crime before a criminal record is formed, and this is determined according to the child’s needs.

Some countries limit this to simple crimes, while others include more serious crimes. But the general trend is that it is applied to simple crimes, children who commit crimes for the first time, and when a certain number of crimes are committed. If the child complies with the rules, the criminal investigation or trial against him is closed, in a sense, he is acquitted. If he does not comply, a criminal file is opened again. “The trial has started again, subject to the same procedures as the trial in the juvenile court.”

IT WILL NOT BE A CRIME MACHINE

Gökkaya noted that the aim of the diversion model is not “forgiveness, ignoring the child’s crime, or reducing the punishment, or not giving punishment”, but “preventing the child from committing a crime again, ensuring social reconciliation, and eliminating the crime-related damages of both the society and the victim and their relatives.” Gökkaya said, “The aim is to increase social reconciliation, to reintegrate the child into society, to find measures specific to the child, to follow this strictly, and to prevent children from continuing their lives as crime machines when they become adults.”

PRISON IS NOT A DETERRENT

Gökkaya emphasized that when children who are dragged into crime are involved in the trial process, they emulate the models they see in television programs and series, and said:

“When they are tried, they overcome the fear of not being tried at all; being judged becomes a normal thing for them. After being in and out of prison, their fear of ‘I am now involved in a judicial process, I will be tried, I will be punished, I will go to prison’ decreases. ‘I am now a criminal personality’; he feels himself in such a role and fulfills the requirements of that role. In other words, contrary to what is claimed, taking the child to court and putting him in a penal institution is not a deterrent.”

RESPONSIBILITY TO THE FAMILY

Emphasizing that the diversion method to be used requires the acceptance of the perpetrator, Gökkaya stated that the system imposes responsibility on the family and said, “In other words, the child and the families must also say ‘I agree to enter the diversion system, I agree to comply with the programs that will be applied to me’.”

WESTERN COUNTRIES WERE EXAMINED

Regarding the diversion model, the Ministry of Justice examined the practices in 16 countries, especially in the UK, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands. Accordingly, the Netherlands implements a “stopping system” called “HALT”. This system can be implemented by both the prosecutor’s office and the police. The police can impose a fine in cases where the action must be a misdemeanor, or they can include the criminal up to the age of 18 in the stopping program for smaller actions that do not require the intervention of the prosecutor, such as violence or theft.

Germany is also among the countries that implement diversion. In Germany, which sets the age of criminal liability as 14, children under the age of 14 are not subject to diversion. For diversion, 14-21 years of age are taken as basis. The prosecutor or the judge may decide to implement an educational measure. In Germany, the diversion model is applied when there is a misdemeanor that requires a prison sentence of at least one year in terms of the type of crime.

Italy is also among the countries that apply diversion. Italy, which accepts the age of 14 as the age of criminal liability, applies the diversion to the age group 14-21. Studies are carried out such as including the child in programs such as sports, social activities, volunteer work, or in an educational project.

In England, the age of criminal liability is 10, but there is a gradual implementation. Families are given responsibility and are included in the process together with the child. In families that do not fulfill their responsibilities, the crime committed is recorded in the child’s record, and the family is fined 1000 pounds.