Politics
Turkish FM heads to Baghdad for OIC talks on Gaza, regional tensions
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will attend the 52nd Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Baghdad on Oct. 17-18, where he is expected to call for coordinated action against Israel’s policies and stronger regional cooperation, diplomatic sources said Friday.
The two-day gathering, held under the theme “Dialogue and Solidarity: Two Pillars for Promoting Peace and Sustainable Development,” will see Türkiye hand over the council’s rotating chairpersonship to Iraq after holding the position since June 2025.
According to Turkish Foreign Ministry sources, discussions will focus on Israel’s military operations in Gaza, its occupation and annexation activities in Palestinian territories, regional conflicts, counterterrorism, United Nations reform, Islamophobia and the situation of Muslim communities in non-OIC countries.
The meeting is expected to conclude with the adoption of the “Baghdad Declaration,” while Fidan is scheduled to address participants and hold bilateral talks with his counterparts.
Joint action on Israel
Fidan is expected to describe Israel’s military actions and expansionist policies as the Middle East’s most significant security threat, urging OIC members to demonstrate a united position and coordinate with international partners.
He will also call for decisive measures against countries relocating their embassies to Jerusalem and efforts to prevent further such moves.
Fidan is expected to reiterate that establishing an independent Palestinian state through a two-state solution remains the only viable path toward lasting peace, while stressing the need for uninterrupted humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza.
The Turkish minister is also expected to emphasize solidarity with Turkish Cypriots, calling for an end to their international isolation and greater protection of the rights of Muslim Turkish minorities in Western Thrace and the Dodecanese islands.
On Syria, Fidan will advocate continued international efforts to safeguard the country’s territorial integrity, revive its economy and support reconstruction.
He is also expected to demand Israel’s complete withdrawal from southern Lebanon while reaffirming support for Lebanon’s sovereignty.
Addressing tensions in the Gulf, Fidan will condemn attacks targeting Gulf countries, including Houthi strikes against Saudi civilian infrastructure, and emphasize freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb.
Türkiye to hand over OIC chair
Established in 1969 following an arson attack on Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, the OIC comprises 57 member states and is the world’s second-largest intergovernmental organization after the United Nations.
Türkiye, a founding member, assumed the council’s chairmanship during the 51st ministerial meeting in Istanbul in June 2025.
The Baghdad gathering will mark the end of Ankara’s tenure, with Iraq taking over leadership of the council as member states seek common positions on regional security, humanitarian crises and broader challenges facing the Muslim world.
Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş will hold talks this week with political parties in a new drive to advance the terror-free Türkiye initiative, which aims for the dissolution of the terrorist group PKK, which has killed tens of thousands of people across the country since the 1980s.
The talks will precede the establishment of a monitoring committee in Parliament to observe the process, which has been underway since last year.
Before the summer recess, Parliament approved a framework law that provided a legal basis for the initiative, which had been largely informal so far. The law stipulated the establishment of a monitoring committee. Authorities have previously said that, unlike other stages of the initiative, which require verification of full disarmament, the committee would not be bound by confirmation of the process.
Starting this week, Kurtulmuş is expected to hold talks with leaders of parties eligible to form parliamentary groups, including the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), the main opposition New Party (YP), government ally Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), the PKK-linked Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) and the New Path coalition of smaller opposition parties. He will also hold talks later with leaders or representatives of opposition parties that have a small number of seats in Parliament. Separately, he will visit Müsavat Dervişoğlu, whose Good Party (IP) refused to join parliamentary work to advance the initiative.
Kurtulmuş had previously stated that the monitoring committee would be established swiftly. During his meetings with political party leaders, he will ask them to nominate members to the committee. The talks will address the committee’s size, how it will operate and what actions it will take on various issues.
In similar processes around the world, particularly in Ireland and Colombia, the United Nations, foreign governments or international civil society organizations have generally been involved in monitoring disarmament steps. This was referred to as a “third eye” (“arbiter”). Türkiye, which developed its own model, did not seek a third-party observer to monitor the process. Kurtulmuş stated that, unlike international examples, Parliament itself would oversee the process as the “third eye,” rather than relying on external actors.
The committee was tasked with monitoring and reporting on activities carried out under the process, making recommendations to relevant institutions and preparing legislative proposals when necessary.
The initiative unofficially began in 2024 following a call by veteran politician Devlet Bahçeli, leader of the MHP. Bahçeli suggested that the PKK’s jailed ringleader, Abdullah Öcalan, order the group to lay down its arms “at Parliament.” Öcalan consented, though he remained in jail, and within months, following a historic call by Öcalan, the PKK agreed to disarm. In return, the Turkish Parliament passed a law in August providing for the deferral of sentencing and prosecution for members of the terrorist group who were not involved in acts of violence. Through the security forces and the National Intelligence Organization (MIT), Türkiye currently monitors the disarmament process, which began symbolically last year when several PKK members burned their weapons at a ceremony in northern Iraq, where the PKK’s senior cadres are based.
The PKK has left four camps in Metina, northern Iraq, Turkish security sources announced last Monday.
This is among the few solid indicators of progress in the initiative and a significant gain in the secretive and highly sensitive process, although the PKK touted it as a bargain with Türkiye. The government rejects any deal in what it portrays as a unilateral initiative. Turkish sources confirmed the veracity of the PKK’s “withdrawal,” but experts argue that it is still the beginning of the end.
Turkish security sources also said last Monday that they expected PKK members to return from abroad to benefit from the law passed by Parliament. Sources said several programs covering education, economic support and other areas would be rolled out to reintegrate PKK members into society, though details remain unclear about what these programs would entail and how receptive the Turkish public would be to former members of the group. Although the reintegration system and deferrals of sentencing and prosecution would cover members not involved in acts of violence, it remains to be seen how PKK members would adapt to a new life after spending years in hiding in the mountains.
Bahçeli recently suggested that Öcalan serve as “a coordinator” in the process and that Türkiye establish a coordination office on Imralı Island, where Öcalan is imprisoned. Authorities have not openly responded to Bahçeli’s call, but media reports suggest that Öcalan would be given greater access to the outside world, though still within the confines of the prison, allowing him to relay his messages to the terrorist group and the wider public more easily.
Türkiye welcomed the appointment of Iraq’s new Cabinet following a parliamentary confidence vote Thursday, expressing hope that the new government would accelerate bilateral cooperation in energy, infrastructure and security while strengthening political stability and the representation of the country’s Turkmen community.
In a statement, the Foreign Ministry congratulated the Iraqi government led by Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi after the Council of Representatives approved new Cabinet appointments in an Oct. 15 vote.
The ministry said the development could provide fresh momentum for cooperation in several strategic areas, particularly the Development Road Project, a major regional transport and infrastructure initiative.
Ankara also identified energy, water management, infrastructure and security as key areas where it expects bilateral cooperation to advance under the new administration.
The statement particularly welcomed the appointment of Kirkuk Governor and Iraqi Turkmen Front Chairman Mohammed Samaan Agha as minister of state.
Türkiye described the appointment as a positive step toward promoting political stability, social cohesion and fair representation for Iraq’s Turkmen population.
Ankara reaffirmed its commitment to further deepening cooperation with Baghdad across all sectors, emphasizing its determination to strengthen bilateral relations under the new government.
Türkiye’s natural gas production in the Black Sea is expected to double to 20 million cubic meters per day, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said Saturday, as the country prepares to deploy its Osman Gazi floating production platform to process gas from the Sakarya field.
In a video message to a ceremony at Filyos Port in the northern province of Zonguldak, Erdoğan said the platform would process gas extracted from wells in the Sakarya Gas Field and transport it to Filyos through subsea pipelines.
He said the increased output would allow one in every three households in Türkiye to use domestically produced natural gas starting in early 2027.
Erdoğan described Osman Gazi as a major step in the country’s energy ambitions and called it the first factory of the “Blue Homeland,” a term Türkiye uses to describe its maritime interests and ambitions.
“Today, we are opening a brand-new page in our energy history,” Erdoğan said. “We are sending Osman Gazi, essentially a floating industrial facility, to its duty station in the Black Sea.”
The president recalled announcing in July 2024 that Türkiye would acquire its first floating production platform. In May 2025, the vessel, named Osman Gazi, was sent from Istanbul’s Dolmabahçe Palace to Filyos.
Measuring 298.5 meters long, 56 meters wide and 29.5 meters deep, the platform is designed to operate as a floating natural gas processing facility, with a crew of 140 people. Its 21 separate units will process gas extracted from the Sakarya field before it is transferred to shore through underwater pipelines.
The planned increase to 20 million cubic meters per day would double Türkiye’s Black Sea gas production, according to Erdoğan. The government expects the additional output to expand the share of households supplied with domestically produced gas from early 2027.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held meetings with his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty, Iran’s top diplomat Abbas Araghchi, and Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein in Baghdad, the Foreign Ministry said Saturday.
According to diplomatic sources, Fidan also met with Iraqi President Nizar Amidi on the sidelines of the 52nd session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Fidan also met with Iraqi Supreme Judicial Council President Faiq Zaidan, the sources said.
Later in the day, Fidan held separate meetings with Iraqi Parliament Speaker Heibet Halbusi, Popular Mobilization Forces Commission Chairman Falih Fayyad, and Iraqi State Minister and Iraqi Turkmen Front Chairman Mohammed Saman Agha, according to diplomatic sources.
The ministry did not provide further details about the meetings.
Fidan attended the meeting and handed over the chairmanship of the Council of Foreign Ministers to Iraq, the ministry noted.
Held under the theme Dialogue and Solidarity: Two Essential Pillars for Promoting Peace and Sustainable Development, the two-day meeting is expected to address Israel’s ongoing attacks in Gaza and developments in other conflict zones across the Islamic world.
Established in 1969 following an arson attack on Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, the OIC comprises 57 member states and is the world’s second-largest intergovernmental organization after the United Nations.
Türkiye, a founding member, assumed the council’s chairmanship during the 51st ministerial meeting in Istanbul in June 2025.
The Baghdad gathering marked the end of Ankara’s tenure, with Iraq taking over leadership of the council as member states seek common positions on regional security, humanitarian crises and broader challenges facing the Muslim world.
Sudanese Foreign Minister Muhyiddin Salim expressed appreciation for Türkiye’s diplomatic support on international platforms as Ankara reaffirmed its commitment to Sudan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and postwar reconstruction.
In an interview with the Sudan News Agency (SUNA), Salim discussed regional and international efforts to end the conflict, identifying Türkiye, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Pakistan, Russia and China among the countries supporting Sudan.
He welcomed Türkiye’s diplomatic backing and said Sudan remained open to serious initiatives aimed at ending the war, provided any settlement respected the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and the will of its people.
Salim also warned that foreign interference had prolonged the fighting and urged international actors to respect Sudan’s sovereignty.
Sudan has been engulfed in conflict since April 2023, when fighting erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), triggering one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
According to the United Nations and international humanitarian organizations, the conflict has displaced millions and caused widespread loss of life.
Ankara pledges continued aid
Meanwhile, Türkiye’s ambassador to Sudan, Fahri Türker Oba, told Anadolu Agency (AA) that Ankara remained committed to supporting Sudan’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“Türkiye never abandoned Sudan, even during its most difficult days,” Oba said, highlighting the countries’ longstanding historical and cultural ties.
He said Turkish public institutions and nongovernmental organizations had provided humanitarian assistance, including shelter and essential supplies, since the conflict began.
Oba, whose father served as ambassador to Sudan 26 years ago, also outlined plans to deepen bilateral cooperation.
The ambassador emphasized the importance of rebuilding war-damaged cities, saying Turkish companies could contribute to Sudan’s economic recovery.
He said discussions with the governor of Red Sea state included plans for a Turkish-Sudanese business forum in Suakin in January, aimed at promoting joint investment projects.
Despite suffering substantial losses, Turkish entrepreneurs remained determined to resume operations, he added.
“We lost 70% to 80% of our assets. Even though everything was looted, we are still standing,” Oba quoted Turkish businesspeople as saying.
Turkish companies are exploring projects in shipbuilding, liquefied petroleum gas, food, furniture, construction and infrastructure.
Oba also highlighted educational cooperation, including efforts to reopen the war-damaged Turkish school in Khartoum for the 2027-2028 academic year.
“The future of our bilateral relations is bright, and it will be even brighter,” he noted, reaffirming Ankara’s continued support for Sudan’s people and institutions.
Despite Sudan’s ongoing conflict and broader regional challenges, bilateral trade reached approximately $390 million in 2025, according to the Turkish Foreign Ministry.
Türkiye has continued humanitarian support, sending eight aid ships carrying around 12,000 tons of relief supplies and 30,000 tents since mid-2024.
In July 2025, Türkiye’s Health Ministry delivered 64 tons of medical supplies to support Sudan’s response to a cholera outbreak.
The Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) demonstrated their joint operational capabilities during a large-scale military exercise in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), deploying fighter jets, attack helicopters, naval vessels and commando units in coordinated land, air and sea operations.
The Distinguished Observer Day of the Martyr Capt. Cengiz Topel Mediterranean Storm-2026 Exercise was held at the Sadrazamköy Training Area, bringing together Turkish military personnel and units of the Turkish Cypriot Peace Forces Command.
The exercise was attended by TRNC Prime Minister Ünal Üstel, Parliament Speaker Ziya Öztürkler and Türkiye’s ambassador to Lefkoşa, Ali Murat Başçeri.
Four F-16 fighter jets and a CN-235 transport aircraft from the Turkish Air Forces Command participated alongside three T-129 ATAK attack helicopters and three AS-532 utility helicopters operated by the Turkish Land Forces Command.
The Turkish Cypriot Peace Forces Command deployed M48 A5T2 tanks, 155-millimeter howitzer batteries, mechanized infantry and commando units, while the Turkish navy contributed a frigate, fast attack craft, unmanned aerial vehicles, amphibious units and underwater defense and assault teams.
Joint combat operations
The live-action phase featured maritime infiltration, airborne operations, helicopter assaults, offensive maneuvers and combat search-and-rescue missions.
Special operations teams conducted maritime infiltration missions, while commandos were deployed by helicopter into designated target areas. Paratroopers carried out free-fall jumps as part of the exercise.
T-129 ATAK helicopters conducted live-fire missions using LUMTAS anti-tank missiles and Cirit laser-guided rockets, while F-16 fighter jets provided air support under the exercise scenario.
The operations highlighted the Turkish military’s ability to coordinate multiple service branches during complex combat missions.
Turkish military presence ‘red line’
Speaking after the exercise, Öztürkler praised the Turkish military’s capabilities and emphasized its role in ensuring the security of Turkish Cypriots.
“The Turkish Cypriot people have always felt safe and secure thanks to the Turkish military,” he underlined.
Öztürkler described the continued presence of Turkish troops and Türkiye’s guarantor status on the island as nonnegotiable.
“The presence of Turkish troops and Türkiye’s guarantor status are our red lines,” he said, stressing that neither issue could be opened for discussion.
He also praised Türkiye’s advances in defense technology, saying the exercise demonstrated the country’s growing military capabilities under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Referring to the Greek Cypriot administration’s military cooperation agreements with other countries, Öztürkler said Turkish Cypriots did not need military support from any country other than Türkiye.
He also reaffirmed the historical ties between Türkiye and the TRNC, recalling the 1974 Cyprus Peace Operation and pledging to continue honoring both countries’ flags.
Honoring fallen pilot
The exercise was named after Turkish Air Forces Command Capt. Cengiz Topel, who was captured by Greek Cypriots after his F-100 fighter jet was shot down during an operation near Erenköy in August 1964. Topel was subjected to inhumane torture as a prisoner of war by his captors and died in captivity on Aug. 9, 1964, and was later buried at Istanbul’s Edirnekapı Martyrs’ Cemetery.
First held in 2019, the Mediterranean Storm exercise marked its eighth edition this year.
The live-action phase concluded with a ceremonial military parade and an official protocol program.
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