Breaking news! President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said, “I hope that the Turkish world will continue to strengthen its political, economic and cultural relations with the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.” he said.

President Erdoğan spoke at the Unofficial Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (TDT), held at the Turkestan Congress Center in Turkestan, Kazakhstan, with the theme “Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development”.

Erdoğan stated that he was fortunate to be in Turkestan, the city of Hodja Ahmet Yesevi, and thanked the President of Kazakhstan Kasım Cömert Tokayev for hosting.

Stating that the ancient city of Turkestan is a living monument of the common memory extending from Orkhon Monuments to Divanu Lugati’t-Türk, from Kutadgu Bilig to Dede Korkut, Erdoğan said, “Turkistan, where Anatolian saints were inspired, is one of the strongest links of the unshakable bridge we have built between the past and the future.” he said.

Stating that another thing that makes the summit meaningful for them is the representation of the Turkish Cypriot people, an integral part of the Turkish world, and that he is pleased to see President Tufan Erhurman at the Turkestan summit, Erdogan said, “I hope that the Turkish world will continue to strengthen its political, economic and cultural relations with the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.” he said.

Stating that they have to maximize cooperation, especially in technology, in order to have more say and influence in the world of the future, President Erdoğan continued as follows:

“In this respect, I find it very appropriate that our summit is held with the theme of ‘Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development’. At the point of directing the future, it is of great importance that we adopt the vision of the Turkish world developing by digitalization. After 115 years, it is time for us to add the phrase ‘Unity in digital vision’ to Gaspirali’s motto ‘Unity in language, idea and work’. This vision is built on qualified human resources, strong, digital infrastructures and data-based public administration understanding. “The digital connectivity between us should be strengthened.”

Breaking News: Important statements from President Erdoğan in Turkestan | Video

“The development of joint technology projects between our countries will undoubtedly support this vision. We are aware that falling behind in the digital transformation process will be an element that threatens our independence. We must address this theme from the perspective of opportunity with the right approach so that artificial intelligence does not turn into a tool of domination. I believe that we would like to thank Harezmi, the father of algebra and algorithm, Farabi, the master of philosophy and logic, Ibn Sina, who shed light on medical science with his work, and the science of astronomy. “We will also bring out new scientists from this fertile land that raised the leaders Biruni, Ulubey and Ali Kuşçu.”

“WE AIM TO CARRY COORDINATION AND COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF CYBER SECURITY FURTHER”

President Erdoğan emphasized that it is important to ensure international justice in digital development, as in all areas, and said, “Closing the digital gap between developed countries and least developed countries should form the basis of this view.” he said.

Stating that they attach importance to the cooperation of the United Nations Technology Bank in Gebze and the members and observers of the Organization, Erdoğan pointed out that we need to be vigilant against the new risk areas brought by artificial intelligence technologies.

Erdoğan said that new generation threats to data banks and critical national infrastructures are dimensions of digital transformation that need to be carefully managed, adding: “Cyber ​​security is vital and essential in today’s world, just like land, air and sea security. We aim to further the coordination and cooperation in the field of cyber security within the Organization of Turkish States during our next term Presidency.” he said.

Stating that the developments they have made so far in the cultural field have become one of the most important pillars of Turkish integration, President Erdoğan said that declaring December 15 as “World Turkish Language Family Day” at the 43rd General Conference of UNESCO held in Samarkand in 2025 is a common success for everyone.

Stating that it is important to use the Common Turkish alphabet in a wide range of areas, from education to culture, from academic cooperation to digital transformation, Erdoğan said, “We believe that the Turkish language model and similar artificial intelligence-based initiatives that will make the richness of our common language visible in the digital world should be supported.” he said.

Stating that digital cooperation in this field can be strengthened with models such as the Turkish World Civil Society Support System, Erdoğan said:

“The crises experienced in our immediate surroundings have once again demonstrated the strategic value of the Turkish world acting in solidarity. We must strengthen our consultation mechanisms and coordination in the face of geopolitical challenges. We see benefit in the implementation of the TDT Plus format as soon as possible. The increasing contacts of us and our ministers confirm that the Turkish states have now gained high-level reflexes on common issues. As shown today in the crisis centered on the Strait of Hormuz, transportation projects connecting the Turkic world, especially the Common Corridor, are longer. It will continue to be our priority for years to come.

Palestine, Lebanon, Iran, Ukraine and many other crises point to the need to strengthen our defense and increase our cooperation in the field of industry. As Türkiye, we are ready to share the experience we have gained in the defense industry, which we have shaped with high technology, with the members of our Organization. “We attach importance to the important meetings of defense industry institutions within our organization.”

“WE ARE WAITING FOR YOUR SUPPORT TO MEHDI EKER, WHO I BELIEVE YOU WILL SEE AS ​​THE COMMON CANDIDATE OF THE TURKISH STATES”

President Erdoğan stated that they designed the COP31 Climate Summit to be held in Türkiye in November with an approach that highlights the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence and digital technologies, and said, “We are also in a transformation that aims to benefit from the opportunities of technology to the maximum extent to support agricultural production. We have announced our candidacy for the Director General election of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization to be held in July 2027. Dr. Mehdi, whom I believe you will see as the common candidate of all Turkish states for this important post.” We are waiting for your valuable support to Eker.” he said.

Stating that he would be happy to host the participants in Ankara at the next summit of the Organization of Turkic States before the end of this year, Erdoğan said, “On this occasion, I would like to thank the current Term President of our Organization, Can Azerbaijan, for his contributions to the integration of our Family Council. I would also like to thank my dear brother, Mr. Tokayev, for his excellent hosting. I congratulate you in advance on Eid al-Adha and wish you a peaceful holiday. “I hope that our Turkestan Summit will be beneficial to all friendly and brotherly countries, especially the Turkish world.” he said.

Minister of Internal Affairs Mustafa Çiftçi shared a video using sign language in the video he shared on the occasion of Disabled People’s Week.

Minister Çiftçi stated that they are with disabled individuals in his post on his social media account and said, “Together, we are members of the same nation. This unity is complete with you. With this message we gave in sign language on the occasion of the Disabled People’s Week, we wanted to express that we understand our disabled brothers and sisters and that we are always with them. We work for a Turkey where every citizen has equal opportunities, takes a strong part in social life, and love, understanding and solidarity grow. Because we know that we are a great nation devoted to the same values under the same flag. Disabled people come together.” “We will overcome this and grow solidarity together,” he said.

“Together, we are members of the same nation. This unity is complete with you.”

On the occasion of Disabled People’s Week; With this message we gave in sign language, we wanted to express that we understand our disabled brothers and sisters and that we are always with them.

We; Every citizen has equal opportunities… pic.twitter.com/YcX02N00J3

— Mustafa ÇİFTÇİ (@mustafaciftcitr) May 15, 2026

An operation centered in Diyarbakır was carried out under the instructions of the Diyarbakır Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office and under the coordination of the General Directorate of Security’s Anti-Narcotic Crimes Directorate. Street vendors, referred to as “torbaci”, were identified at 302 addresses in a total of 23 provinces, including Konya, Antalya, Istanbul, Hatay, Isparta, Burdur, Kastamonu, Kahramanmaraş, Zonguldak, Samsun, Ankara, Malatya, Bursa, Mardin, Mersin, Muğla, Şanlıurfa, Edirne, Bilecik, İzmir, Van and Giresun, based in Diyarbakır. An operation was carried out against 402 suspects. 288 suspects were detained during the operation. Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Ali Çelik said at the press conference held at the Provincial Police Department in Diyarbakır, “2 thousand 670 of our heroic colleagues, law enforcement officers and police department personnel took part in the operation.

Helicopters, drones and narcotic dogs accompanied the operation. During the operations carried out throughout the night, a serious blow was dealt to the drug supply chain, especially in Diyarbakır. “When the criminal records of the individuals who were prosecuted within the scope of the operation are examined, it appears that they are involved in crimes in approximately 3,075 different crime categories, such as deliberate defamation, threats, insults, property damage, theft, as well as drug trafficking,” he said.

Noting that drugs are not only an individual crime but also lead to many crimes, Çelik stated that protecting young people and children is their main priority within the scope of the fight against drugs. On the other hand, a total of 2 tons, 103 kilograms of narcotic substances and 2 million 685 thousand narcotic pills were seized in operations carried out in 77 provinces in recent days. While 1,187 of the detained suspects were arrested, judicial control provisions were applied to 337 of them.

SPECIAL METHODS WERE USED IN THE INVESTIGATION
Minister of JUSTICE Akın Gürlek, in his statement on his social media account, said, “The Turkish Police Department dealt a significant blow to drug traffickers simultaneously by using months of meticulous technical monitoring and special investigation methods. I would like to thank our Diyarbakır Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, General Directorate of Security, Anti-Narcotic Crimes Directorate and Diyarbakır Provincial Police Department, who contributed to this successful and patient operation. Under the leadership of our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, our Ministry of Justice and Internal Affairs “The strong coordination and co-ordination between our Ministry is our strongest support against those who want to poison our children,” he said.

AK Party Council Member Hüsnü Boztepe, who made CHP council members, especially İZBB President Cemil Tugay, sweat with the issues he brought to the agenda in Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Council meetings, went abroad recently. Boztepe, who returned to Izmir after a 6-day trip abroad, was shocked when he checked his accounts in case his credit card had been copied abroad. He couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw that İZSU General Directorate had collected 415 thousand 900 liras of water money from his bank account.

Boztepe, who immediately examined the bill after the shock he experienced, saw that the IZSU officer who read the water meters billed the last index of 75 cubic meters as 1075 cubic meters. SABAH carried the invoice scandal under the title of ‘Intimidation of the Opposition with invoices’ in its headline, under the title of ‘Intimidation of the Opposition with invoices’. Following our news, İZSU General Directorate took action and initiated an investigation. Then, he returned the balance of 415 thousand 900 lira, which was withdrawn as a result of incorrect meter reading, to Boztepe’s personal account. IZSU General Directorate officials stated that the problem was caused by incorrect reading and the error was quickly corrected. Stating that the money was returned to Boztepe’s account, the authorities said that the defense of the officer who misread the meter was also taken within the scope of the investigation launched.

THANKS TO SABAH, REPRISE TO İZSU
AK Party Parliament member Hüsnü Boztepe thanked SABAH for its effective broadcasts. Confirming that the problem was partially resolved and the money was returned to the account, Boztepe stated that the bank applied 21 thousand liras of interest for the amount withdrawn from the additional account and said, “What happened to us again. The bank deducted 21 thousand liras of interest money. So what will happen to this money?” he asked. Boztepe requested İZSU officials to cover his losses.

Emine Erdoğan, wife of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, visited Seyfullin State Agricultural Technical University, one of the leading agricultural universities in Kazakhstan. Students wearing local clothes and carrying the flags of Kazakhstan and Türkiye in their hands welcomed First Lady Erdoğan by saying ‘Welcome’. First Lady Erdoğan opened the International Zero Waste Education Laboratory established at the university with Kazakhstan Minister of Health Akmaral Alnazarova and her entourage. Rector Tireuov, who accompanied Erdoğan touring the laboratory, gave information about the work in the laboratory and their cooperation with Türkiye within the scope of the zero waste program.

Erdoğan visited the stands displaying products produced as a result of organic agriculture studies carried out at the university and received information about organic agriculture studies. First Lady Erdoğan and her entourage were given a Turkish and Kazakh music concert accompanied by Kazakh instruments. First Lady Erdoğan accompanied the song ‘Dombra’ in the concert with her applause. First Lady Erdoğan shared, “I wholeheartedly believe that the laboratory added to Saken Seyfullin Kazakh Agricultural Technical Research University, with the support of Türkiye’s friendly hand TIKA, will host important studies in the fields of zero waste, sustainable agriculture, waste management and circular economy.”

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was welcomed with an official ceremony at the Independence Palace in Kazakhstan, where he paid an official visit. Here, Erdogan had a one-on-one meeting with his host, President Kasım Cömert Tokayev, and then chaired the Türkiye-Kazakhstan High Level Strategic Cooperation Council Meeting with his counterpart. Erdoğan spoke briefly at the joint press conference as follows:

WE WILL CARRY OUR COOPERATION FORWARD: In our meetings with Mr. Tokayev and the delegation, we thoroughly evaluated our cooperation in areas such as trade, transportation, energy, health, mining, culture, education, technology and defense industry. We continue to encourage our business community to increase their investments in Kazakhstan and establish ties that will strengthen our partnership. We also discussed projects that will further our military and defense industry cooperation, which will expand our trade and investment relations with a multiplier effect.

TODAY’S SILK ROAD: Kazakhstan has a special place in the steps we have taken in recent years regarding resource diversity in energy. We wish to deliver more oil from Kazakhstan, one of the world’s leading crude oil exporters, to world markets through our country. The importance of the Caspian Crossing East-West common corridor, which is the modern equivalent of the Silk Road, is understood better every day. We, together with Kazakhstan and our other partners, will continue to promote this corridor not only for the shipment of goods but also for the transportation of energy resources to the West.

NEW BRIDGES: We are determined to build new bridges in our geography extending from the Eastern Mediterranean to the depths of Central Asia, with the motto of “unity in language, ideas and work”. We see it as our common responsibility to transfer the common cultural treasures of the Turkish world, the ideas, works and spiritual heritage of great figures to future generations. With the support of Mr. Tokayev, efforts were started for the Turkish Maarif Foundation to open a school in Astana and Almata.

WE FELT YOUR MORAL SUPPORT: We witnessed Kazakhstan’s bond with us as 86 million people, right after the February 6 earthquakes, which we call the disaster of the century. During that difficult period, we always felt the material and moral support of our Kazakh brothers and the Kazakhstan state. Today, I feel great pleasure in opening the primary school built in Gaziantep, Kazakhstan.

TURKISH WORLD MEETS IN TURKISTAN

The Unofficial Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States will be held in Turkestan, which is considered the spiritual capital of the Turkic world today, hosted by the Republic of Kazakhstan. At the summit, which President Erdoğan will attend, strategic topics that will shape the common future of the Turkish world will be discussed. Erdoğan expressed his satisfaction that TRNC will be represented at the summit as an observer.

STATE DECORATION FROM TOKAYEV TO ERDOĞAN

The “Hoca Ahmet Yesevi Order” was presented to Erdoğan by Tokayev. President Erdoğan said, “I would like to thank my dear brother for the Hoca Ahmet Yesevi medal. I will be happy to wear this medal as a strong symbol of the unshakable brotherhood between our countries.” Tokayev, on the other hand, noted that this award is an indication of the deep respect that all Kazakh people have for the Turkish nation and the President of Turkey, and said, “I would especially like to point out that Mr. Erdogan is the first recipient of this prestigious award.”

President Erdoğan and Kazakhstan President Kasım Cömert Tokayev visited the ‘Astana Alem AI Artificial Intelligence Center’.

OUR GOAL IS ONE, OUR DIRECTION IS CLEAR

President of Kazakhstan Tokayev said, “Turkey is one of the most important strategic partners of Kazakhstan. The bonds of brotherhood and common cultural and spiritual values ​​unite the two countries, which have been shaped over centuries. We are brother countries that support each other wholeheartedly. Our goal is one, our direction is clear. Our most important duty is to strengthen the solidarity between our peoples and increase the level of welfare.” Pointing out that Türkiye is a state with a strong political influence, a solid economy and a high international reputation, Tokayev said, “The whole world is witness to the fact that this has happened thanks to the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. There is no doubt that Türkiye’s achievements and rise to high levels are a result of the far-sighted leadership and devoted work of the President. At the same time, I believe that the basis of this is the wisdom, diligence, courage and spirit of unity of the Turkish people.”

13 AGREEMENTS WERE SIGNED

In the presence of Erdoğan and Tokayev, 13 agreements were signed between the two countries in areas such as investment, financing, culture, law, education, transportation, media, energy and defense. Among the agreements was the Agreement on the Establishment of a Joint Venture for the Production and Maintenance of ANKA Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. Additionally, the Declaration of Eternal Friendship and Partnership Between the Republic of Türkiye and the Republic of Kazakhstan was signed by Erdoğan and Tokayev.

‘ISRAEL IS TRADING THE COMMON VALUES OF HUMANITY’

PRESIDENT Recep Tayyip Erdoğan wrote an article titled “The Key to Peace in Eurasia: The Turkish World” for Kazakhstan’s Kazinform news agency. In the article, Erdoğan pointed out that regional conflicts and crises are today a challenge to common security, economic prosperity and stability on a global scale. “No meaningful progress has been made to make the global system more fair and inclusive. On the contrary, the rules-based international order has eroded further,” Erdoğan said, noting that the most obvious and painful example of this is what happened in Gaza. Erdoğan said, “Israel tramples on the common values ​​of humanity with the crimes against humanity it commits. As Turkey, we argue that global and regional crises can only be overcome by building an order based on ‘applicable rules’. We are pleased to see that our principled diplomacy, which we carry out in the name of global peace and prosperity, is evident around the world.” ANKARA

ERDOĞAN SPOKE AT THE Türkiye-KAZAKHSTAN BUSINESS FORUM:

WE ARE WALKING WITH DETERMINATION TOWARD THE TRADE TARGET OF 15 BILLION DOLLARS

PRESIDENT Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said the following at the Turkey-Kazakhstan Business Forum Closing Meeting: We now have Kazakhstan, which has the largest economy in Central Asia, with a total foreign trade volume of 145 billion dollars. Nearly 5,500 of our companies support not only prosperity but also our brotherhood, with investments reaching 6 billion dollars, from construction to finance, from tourism to informatics. Thanks to our strong partnership based on mutual trust, our trade volume approached 10 billion dollars by the end of last year. We continue our efforts to reach our target of 15 billion dollars in a sustainable and balanced way. As Türkiye, we are a country that has ensured energy supply security by ensuring resource diversity years ago. We wish to deliver more oil from Kazakhstan to world markets through our country. We continue our goal of bringing the Eurasian region to a more competitive position in the global economy.

HOCA AHMET YESEVI PRIMARY SCHOOL WAS OPENED

Erdoğan and Tokayev opened the ‘Hoca Ahmet Yesevi Primary School’, which was built by Kazakhstan in the Nurdağı district of Gaziantep after the February 6 earthquakes.