Politics
Türkiye, Uzbekistan sign 5 deals after Erdoğan-Mirziyoyev talks
Türkiye and Uzbekistan signed five agreements on Thursday aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, social security and business development following a meeting between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Ankara.
The agreements were signed at the Presidential Complex after Erdoğan held talks with Mirziyoyev, who arrived in the Turkish capital to attend the 13th Organization of Turkic States (OTS) summit.
Erdoğan invited Mirziyoyev to the COP31 Leaders Summit in Antalya during talks in Ankara focused on strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation among Turkic states.
He reaffirmed Ankara’s commitment to deepening its high-level strategic partnership with Tashkent, particularly in trade, investment, mining, transportation and the defense industry.
He also expressed confidence that the OTS would continue to grow stronger through new cooperation initiatives, voicing hope that the upcoming leaders’ summit in Ankara would mark a significant milestone for the organization.
Erdoğan welcomed his Uzbek counterpart at the entrance of the Presidential Complex before their meeting.
The agreements included an additional protocol amending a 2022 arrangement on the advance exchange of information concerning vehicles and goods crossing national borders, signed by Turkish Trade Minister Ömer Bolat and Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov.
A separate protocol amending the preferential trade agreement between the two countries was signed by Bolat and Uzbek Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Laziz Kudratov.
Turkish Labor and Social Security Minister Vedat Işıkhan and Saidov signed a bilateral social security agreement, along with a separate administrative agreement governing its implementation.
Erdoğan and Mirziyoyev also signed an agreement establishing a high-level council to support the business community and strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries.
The agreements come as Ankara and Tashkent seek to expand bilateral trade, which reached $3.1 billion in 2025, toward their shared target of $5 billion.
Earlier Thursday, Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz welcomed Mirziyoyev, Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov at the airport ahead of the OTS summit.
In a statement shared on the Turkish social media platform NSosyal, Yılmaz expressed hope that the gathering would strengthen solidarity and cooperation among Turkic states.
Sinem Dedetaş, former mayor of Istanbul’s Üsküdar district, was released on Thursday in a corruption case, but the court ordered house arrest as part of judicial control measures.
Dedetaş, who was elected to office in the 2024 elections as the candidate of the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), was arrested last July in an investigation into allegations of irregularities in zoning and construction permits issued by the municipality. She was later suspended from office, and a candidate of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) replaced her after a by-election as acting mayor. The new mayor died in a car crash earlier this month, and Muhammed Emin Sarıoğlu, another AK Party candidate, was elected as acting mayor.
The corruption probe was launched months ago over allegations of bribery and other wrongdoings committed by municipal officials. Along with Dedetaş, her deputy mayor, adviser, and heads of municipal subsidiaries were detained on charges of running a criminal ring thriving on illicit gains.
Investigators concluded that despite having no authority in the building permit issuance process at Üsküdar Municipality, officials of Kent Inc., a municipal subsidiary, coordinated the process by instructing municipal personnel through an Excel spreadsheet featuring color-coded plots of land by block and parcel. The spreadsheet was shared via a communications network established through encrypted, closed-circuit email.
According to data from the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK), numerous sham “consultancy service” contracts worth a total of more than TL 1 million ($20,000) had been signed between Kent Inc. and contractors. Investigators determined that more than TL 361 million had been unlawfully extorted from contractors seeking to obtain building permits through unofficial channels as part of the activities of a criminal organization operating for financial gain within Üsküdar Municipality and Kent Inc.
Investigators determined, based on telephone traffic (HTS) records, cell tower data and suspects’ statements, that when the total construction volume was substantial, bribes were collected from contractors in cash in dollars under the coordination of Dedetaş’ adviser U.M. and Kent Inc. General Manager N.A. Despite violating regulations, occupancy permits were issued in exchange for the bribes, with the money delivered in installments to U.M., an adviser to Sinem Dedetaş, inside the Üsküdar Municipality building, according to investigators.
Simultaneous raids were conducted at 11 addresses on July 29, and six suspects were taken into custody.
Among the suspects, Sinem Dedetaş, her private secretary Alihan Koçoğlu, architect Burçin Çevik and contractor Bülent Orhan Tozkoparan were remanded in custody by the court. Deputy Mayor Ceyhun Ünlü and fixer Adem Altıntaş were released under judicial supervision.
As part of the investigation, Deputy Mayors Amine Cansu Çelik and Mithat Özdemir were also taken into custody on Sept. 2 to give statements. Özdemir, who was referred to the courthouse, was released under judicial supervision subject to a travel ban.
Çelik, who had been remanded in custody, was subsequently released under judicial supervision, with an order for her house arrest.
As the investigation continued, Burak Aydın, the municipality’s director of permit inspection, and business operator Erdem Koyunyerli were also remanded in custody.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will attend the G-20 foreign ministers’ meeting in Atlanta, U.S., on Oct. 30-31, where he is expected to address regional conflicts, energy security and disruptions to global trade.
Fidan is scheduled to deliver remarks during sessions on “Geopolitical Tensions,” “Energy” and “Supply Chains,” according to Foreign Ministry sources.
During the discussions, Fidan is expected to emphasize the need for increased international pressure on Israel, arguing that its continued attacks and refusal to compromise undermine international efforts to establish peace in Gaza.
He is also expected to reiterate Türkiye’s support for resolving tensions between the U.S. and Iran through dialogue and diplomacy, warning that continued hostilities could deepen regional instability.
Fidan is expected to highlight the impact of attacks targeting commercial vessels and energy infrastructure in the Black Sea, the Strait of Hormuz, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Gulf region.
Such attacks threaten global energy supplies, food security and international trade, he is expected to emphasize, underscoring the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation and security along strategic maritime routes.
Regarding the Russia-Ukraine war, the minister is expected to warn of growing risks as fighting intensifies and expands into new areas.
He is also expected to reaffirm Türkiye’s continued engagement with both Moscow and Kyiv to restore security in the Black Sea.
Fidan will further emphasize Ankara’s commitment to regional ownership of conflict resolution efforts and cooperation with international partners to strengthen stability and security.
Türkiye’s role in G-20
Türkiye previously held the G-20 presidency in 2015, hosting the leaders’ summit in Antalya on Nov. 15-16.
During its presidency, terrorism and the refugee crisis were formally included in the summit’s political agenda for the first time. The Women 20 engagement group was also established under Türkiye’s leadership.
The U.S. assumed the G-20 presidency in December 2025 and is scheduled to host the leaders’ summit in Miami on Dec. 14-15, 2026.
The G-20 comprises 19 countries, the European Union and the African Union, representing approximately 85% of global economic output and 75% of international trade.
Türkiye on Thursday marked the 103th anniversary of the foundation of Republic of Türkiye, which is observed as Republic Day. The highlight of events on the occasion was in the capital, Ankara, where founder Mustafa Kemal Atatürk launched a critical part of the War of Independence and reshaped the country after the fall of the Ottoman Empire. Here, Erdoğan and other top officials, politicians and dignitaries visited Atatürk’s mausoleum, Anıtkabir, and the president declared their commitment to the cause established by Atatürk more than a century ago.
Republic Day is one of the most important national holidays in Türkiye, which owes its existence as a democratic country to the collective work of Atatürk, his comrades-in-arms and a nation that fiercely fought for independence in the post-World War I period when an assorted mix of enemies invaded Anatolia.
Atatürk sought to modernize post-war Türkiye and raise its profile as a prominent member of the international community, with little the country had in the coffers and in terms of human resources, in the wake of a string of wars since the late 19th-century Ottomans.
As he wrote in the memorial visitor book at Anıtkabir, Erdoğan recalled Atatürk’s iconic speech at the Turkish Parliament on March 1, 1922, before the declaration of the republic. “In light of your remarks that no force existed to deter us from pursuing our national cause and the national cause was our life, we will continue working resolutely to achieve the goal of the ‘Century of Türkiye,’ our national cause,” Erdoğan wrote. He was referring to an ambitious set of goals he announced for Türkiye’s future ahead of republic’s centenary, which range from elevating diplomatic success globally to prosperity and development covering all fields from education to defense and health care.
In a symbol of devotion to the cause of developing Türkiye, Erdoğan wore a tie in the color of the Turkish flag decorated with figures of Kaan, Türkiye’s national fighter jet. It was another version of a tie bearing the same figures he wore while addressing the parliamentary group meeting of his Justice and Development Party (AK Party) last week, on the same day Türkiye signed the landmark Badr memorandum of understanding to further defense ties with Qatar, Indonesia and Pakistan. Erdoğan’s choice reflects both the rising local defense industry and the country’s ambition for sovereignty in Turkish skies, after decades of dependence on other countries for defense products.
Later on Thursday, Erdoğan was also scheduled to host leaders of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) ahead of a major summit of the body Türkiye co-founded in a bid to form a body of international cooperation primarily focused on countries in Central Asia and the Caucasus.
After a ceremony at Anıtkabir, Erdoğan returned to the Presidential Complex and hosted guests, extending greetings to the Turkish leader for Republic Day. Among them were high-ranking officials, from heads of the country’s top courts to the parliamentary speaker, from politicians and top military brass to ambassadors and representatives of international organizations in Türkiye, as well as descendants of heroes of the War of Independence Atatürk led decades ago and Turkish Olympians.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is scheduled to meet Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on Thursday ahead of the 13th Organization of Turkic States (OTS) summit in Ankara.
Mirziyoyev arrived at Ankara Airport alongside his wife, Ziroat Mirziyoyeva, where they were welcomed by Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz.
The Uzbek leader’s visit comes as Türkiye and Uzbekistan seek to deepen economic cooperation, with both countries aiming to increase bilateral trade to $5 billion.
Trade between the two countries reached $3.1 billion in 2025, while Ankara and Tashkent are working to expand joint investments, industrial production and access to third-country markets.
The $5 billion trade target, set by Erdoğan and Mirziyoyev, reflects efforts to strengthen economic ties and explore new opportunities for bilateral cooperation.
The 13th OTS summit, hosted by Erdoğan on Oct. 29-30, is expected to bring together leaders from the organization’s five member states and senior representatives from three observer countries.
Alongside Erdoğan and Mirziyoyev, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov are expected to attend the summit.
The Ankara summit will also offer member states an opportunity to review progress on connectivity, investment and digital transformation while identifying priorities for future cooperation.
For OTS countries, deeper economic integration will increasingly depend not only on expanding trade volumes but also on connecting businesses, strengthening industrial partnerships and improving regional supply chains.
Uzbekistan’s total foreign trade reached $81.2 billion in 2025, comprising $33.8 billion in exports and $47.4 billion in imports.
Kazakhstan and Türkiye remained among Uzbekistan’s major trading partners, with bilateral trade reaching $5 billion and $3 billion, respectively. Together, the two countries accounted for nearly 10% of Uzbekistan’s total foreign trade.
The Foreign Ministry of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), which lacks international recognition, delivered a stern but justified message to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on Thursday.
As Abbas was expected to visit the island, specifically the part ruled by the Greek Cypriot administration, on Thursday, the ministry noted that Abbas should also heed the TRNC’s “legitimate rights and sensitivities.”
Abbas’ two-day visit comes more than a month after Israeli President Isaac Herzog visited the Greek Cypriot administration-controlled part of the island amid a growing defense alliance between Israel and the Greek Cypriots. The opposition has criticized the government for giving more room to an Israeli lobby in the territory.
In a statement, the Turkish Cypriot ministry said it had “noted” that Abbas would meet Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides to discuss the Cyprus issue. Cyprus remains divided, and talks between Turkish and Greek Cypriots have made little progress over decades, as the TRNC laments the lack of recognition for its sovereignty and rights on the island.
The ministry stated that Turkish Cypriots had always supported the Palestinians’ right to self-determination and their legitimate struggle. “In the context of this strong historical solidarity, we would like to emphasize that our legitimate rights and sensitivities should also be taken into consideration. The Turkish Cypriot people regret this visit, which ignores their will, in light of the fact that the island hosts two separate peoples and two separate states,” the ministry said.
The statement concluded that the TRNC had always been open to dialogue and mutual understanding with the friendly people of Palestine and its administration, adding that the expected contacts between the sides should be conducted with this in mind.
On Wednesday, Konstantinos Letymbiotis, spokesperson for the Greek Cypriot administration’s leadership, announced that Abbas would discuss bilateral relations, developments in the Middle East, the Amalthea Maritime Corridor for delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza, EU-Palestinian Authority relations, and the Cyprus issue with Christodoulides.
Türkiye is ready to sign a maritime boundary agreement with Egypt that could expand Cairo’s maritime jurisdiction in the Eastern Mediterranean, the Turkish Defense Ministry said Wednesday.
Speaking following the ministry’s weekly press briefing, spokesperson Rear Adm. Zeki Aktürk reiterated Ankara’s willingness to conclude an agreement based on mutual interests.
“If Egypt signs such an agreement with our country, it is assessed that it would gain more than 15,000 square kilometers of additional maritime jurisdiction compared with a potential agreement with Greece,” Aktürk said.
The ministry also welcomed the Libyan Parliament’s Oct. 20 approval of a maritime boundary agreement signed between Türkiye and Libya in 2019.
Libya’s House of Representatives announced last week that it unanimously approved the agreement, reversing its previous rejection of the deal and a decision to sever political ties with Ankara, according to a statement from the Libyan Parliament.
Parliament also repealed Resolution No. 1 of 2020, which rejected the ratification of two memorandums of understanding signed between Libya and Türkiye. Lawmakers additionally voted unanimously to overturn Resolution No. 6 of 2020, which called for severing political relations with Ankara.
In July, Egypt’s Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Ashraf Salem Zaher met his Turkish counterpart Yaşar Güler in Ankara. The two ministers signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for defense cooperation, the ministry announced after the meeting.
Ankara and Cairo gradually rebuilt their ties in the past three years after years of chill in their long-standing relationship. As Israel increased its violent campaign of expansion in the region, two countries grew closer. They explored more political, economic and security cooperation.
Defense Minister Yaşar Güler most recently offered a maritime boundary delimitation agreement with Egypt, highlighting the potential benefits for Cairo.
“Our proposal to Egypt is clear,” Güler said, explaining that Cairo could secure approximately 15,000 square kilometers (5,800 square miles) of additional maritime jurisdiction by reaching an agreement with Türkiye rather than pursuing a potential arrangement with Greece.
Athens has long opposed the memorandum, fearing that Türkiye could gain greater influence in the Mediterranean as the country views Türkiye as a historic rival, even as Ankara pursues rapprochement with Greece.
In his last visit to Egypt, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan highlighted the need to deepen cooperation, especially in maritime trade and transportation, freedom of navigation and maritime security.
Developments in Sinjar
Separately, the ministry welcomed Iraqi government efforts to strengthen state authority and restore stability in Sinjar.
It emphasized the importance of eliminating terrorist groups from the region and ensuring security through Iraq’s official security forces.
“Ending the presence of terrorist organizations in the region and ensuring security through Iraq’s official security forces is an important development for establishing lasting peace and stability in Sinjar and achieving the goal of a terror-free region,” the ministry said.
It said Ankara was closely monitoring developments in coordination with relevant state institutions.
Barely two months after YPG, the Syrian wing of the terrorist group PKK, announced dissolution following integration into Syrian security forces, another part of the PKK apparently follows the example. Sinjar Resistance Units, or YBS, an offshoot of the group active in the eponymous Iraqi region, will disarm and integrate into the Iraqi army under the supervision of Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, an Iraqi official said Monday.
The terrorist group PKK previously had evacuated four accommodation areas in Metina, a region in northern Iraq, as a process aimed at the group’s full disarmament continued.
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