The Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ) faces new scrutiny as Justice Minister Akın Gürlek recently announced that they renewed extradition requests for members of the group across the world.

Among the fugitives are top figures of FETÖ, who played key roles in the group’s conspiracies in Türkiye in the past.

The extradition request list covers prime suspects in cases related to FETÖ in Türkiye, from a network of infiltrators in the Turkish National Police to a case regarding a business body linked to the terrorist group.

Abdullah Aymaz is among the fugitives and resides in the United States, where FETÖ’s leader Fetullah Gülen lived for years before his death in 204. He is a member of the group’s highest decision-making body, also known as the “Consultation Council.” He was one of the founders of FETÖ in the 1970s.

Considered one of the few senior figures who could potentially succeed Gülen as the head of the group, Aymaz was first the subject of an extradition request from Germany. However, Germany granted him German citizenship, providing him with protection. In 2024, he left for the United States.

Former prosecutor Zekeriya Öz, who was an influential name in FETÖ’s judicial plots, is another fugitive wanted on charges of attempting to overthrow the government and leading an armed terrorist group.

Öz, who is accused of orchestrating conspiracies against figures such as former police chief Hanefi Avcı and journalist Nedim Şener that led to their imprisonment on fabricated evidence, fled Türkiye for Georgia in the company of another prosecutor linked to FETÖ. He later settled in Germany and is now reportedly residing in the United States.

Osman Hilmi Özdil, known within the organization by the code name “Kozanlı Ömer,” allegedly directed the entire network of police supervisors and officers affiliated with FETÖ. One of the group’s most exposed figures, with extensive evidence reportedly gathered against him, Özdil is accused of relaying all information related to the notorious Ergenekon investigations to FETÖ and organizing the theft of military high school examination questions, to help the infiltration of FETÖ members into the army. In 2007, he was stopped by FBI agents in the United States for a separate investigation.

Mustafa Muhammet Günay, Secretary General of TUSKON, FETÖ’s business network and fundraising structure, is described as one of the leading figures in FETÖ’s financial operations. Acting on instructions from Gülen, he allegedly directed the transfer of millions of lira to FETÖ-linked lender Bank Asya. Intelligence sources found out that Günay first moved to the U.S. and in 2020, left this country for Belgium. Türkiye has updated its extradition request to Belgian authorities, where he is wanted on charges including aggravated embezzlement and espionage.

Talip Büyük, who led FETÖ’s network in Northern Iraq and the wider Middle East, is also on the extradition list. A key figure in the group’s global financing network, Büyük was also in charge of military infiltrators at now-defunct Kuleli Military High School.

Through his aides infiltrated into the high school as officers, Büyük is accused of coordinating the removal of hundreds of military cadets through pressure, disciplinary tactics and false reports, replacing them with loyalists of FETÖ. He first fled to the United Kingdom and when Türkiye sought his extradition from that country, he left for the United States.

Abdülkadir Tunç, another top figure in FETÖ’s secretive military network, is also sought by Türkiye, which sent an extradition request to Algeria, where he is believed to have taken refuge.

Turgut Karabulut, who led the group’s network in Mongolia, is also on the list. Türkiye recently updated the extradition case file for Karabulut and submitted it to the authorities in the United States, where he resides.

Numan Erdoğan, who allegedly served as FETÖ’s leader in Afghanistan, moved between the United States and Canada as he was sought by Türkiye. Canada previously declined to extradite him and when Türkiye found out that he resettled in the United States, authorities sent an extradition request to Washington, D.C.

Fatih Gürsoy, identified as FETÖ’s top figure in Romania, allegedly managed one of the group’s most strategic logistical hubs in Eastern Europe. As a senior administrator of the Lumina educational institutions, which authorities describe as a front organization, Gürsoy is accused of directing financial operations and recruitment activities for FETÖ. Although the Bucharest Court of Appeal rejected Türkiye’s extradition request, Ankara continues to pursue legal action and has submitted updated evidence concerning alleged international money laundering activities by Gürsoy to Romanian authorities.

Mehmet Yaşa, who has held top positions in the group since 1994, is described as one of FETÖ’s senior leaders. Wanted by the Antalya 2nd High Criminal Court on charges of establishing and leading an armed terrorist organization, Yaşa reportedly fled to the United States shortly after the failed coup attempt of FETÖ in 2016. The Ministry of Justice has submitted updated evidence to U.S. authorities concerning his alleged financial activities, including money transfers through university foundations and related organizations.

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The Middle Corridor has become the backbone of the Turkic world’s independence, security and prosperity, Organization of Turkic States (OTS) Council of Elders Chairman Binali Yıldırım said on Monday, calling for deeper economic integration, digital transformation and stronger cybersecurity cooperation among member states.

Speaking at the 19th Meeting of the OTS Council of Elders in Almaty, Yıldırım highlighted the strategic importance of transportation networks, artificial intelligence and digital technologies for the future of the Turkic world.

“The Middle Corridor is not merely a logistics route; it is the backbone of the Turkic world’s independence, security and prosperity,” Yıldırım said.

Yıldırım praised Kazakhstan’s recent economic and political achievements, saying the country had emerged as one of Eurasia’s leading states under the leadership of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. He also commended Astana’s contributions to the development of the OTS and efforts to strengthen integration among Turkic nations.

Emphasizing the growing role of technology in shaping global competitiveness, Yıldırım said countries that successfully adapt to digital transformation, innovation, artificial intelligence and sustainable development would be better positioned in the future.

He recalled that leaders of Turkic states adopted key decisions on artificial intelligence and digital technologies during the informal OTS summit held in Turkistan in May 2025.

Economic cooperation remains one of the organization’s top priorities, Yıldırım said, noting that the combined economies of Turkic states rank among the world’s largest and represent a major source of energy supplies.

Trade among OTS members has risen significantly in recent years, reaching approximately $77 billion, or 7% of total trade among member states, up from around $48 billion and 3% just a few years ago. However, Yıldırım said the figure remained below the bloc’s potential.

“Our goal is to increase this share to 20% as soon as possible,” he said.

Yıldırım pointed to the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement signed at the Bishkek Summit, the activities of the Turkic Investment Fund and new financial mechanisms as key tools for boosting regional trade and investment.

He also urged member states to accelerate the ratification of transportation agreements signed at the Samarkand Summit and expand the use of digital customs and transit systems to reduce costs and improve efficiency along the Middle Corridor.

According to Yıldırım, the geopolitical shifts triggered by the Russia-Ukraine war have increased the strategic value of Central Asia, while initiatives such as the Zangezur Corridor and the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project could further strengthen the region’s role in global supply chains.

He said integrating artificial intelligence into transportation and customs systems would help create predictive logistics networks, automated risk management systems and smoother border procedures.

Addressing cybersecurity, Yıldırım said digital threats had become a matter of national security, noting that state borders are no longer limited to land, air and sea domains.

He voiced support for Kazakhstan’s proposal to establish a OTS Cybersecurity Council and called for the swift signing of a memorandum on cybersecurity cooperation among member states.

Yıldırım also reiterated support for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), describing it as an inseparable part of the Turkic world and emphasizing the strategic importance of solidarity with the island’s Turkish Cypriot administration.

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“Climate, Water, Food and Security” was the theme of the first edition of Erciyes Summit held in the central Turkish province of Kayseri this week. As experts and policymakers highlighted that climate change, water scarcity and food insecurity evolved into national security challenges, Türkiye’s role was also under the spotlight to counter these risks.

Türkiye’s growing geopolitical influence provides leverage to the country in environmental diplomacy and food security, especially in its region, beset with multiple crises and conflicts.

In an interview with Daily Sabah, Nabil Gangi, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Sub-Regional Coordinator for Central Asia and Representative in Türkiye ad interim, highlighted the nation’s unique strategic advantages as it prepares to host the U.N. Climate Change Conference (COP31).

Gangi expressed strong confidence in Türkiye’s capacity to lead the upcoming summit, pointing to the country’s domestic milestones and regional depth. He said Türkiye was “the right place” to host the summit.

“With its strategic vision, with its Central Asian depth, and the capacity that it has through Mr. Murat Kurum (Minister of Environment, Urban Planning and Climate Change) and basically the entire ministry around it, we have a very strong capacity that would enable Türkiye to shine globally. Türkiye has been addressing issues that are at the core of the COP31 and climate change, whether it is land degradation, water scarcity, agriculture, resilience, sustainability. All these things basically have been at the core of the strategic plan of Türkiye. So what Türkiye has been learning and applying over the past few years is an excellent example to share globally,” he said. He noted that Türkiye was both learning and teaching and thus would be an excellent host for COP31.

In November, Türkiye will host COP31 for the first time, with participation expected to exceed 100,000 attendees. The summit in the southern province of Antalya is set to position the country as an active implementation partner in global climate governance, supported by both on-the-ground operations and integrated digital coordination systems. It is expected to focus heavily on climate adaptation, financing and implementation of commitments made under the Paris Agreement.

A COP31 Trust Fund initiative led by Murat Kurum is expected to mobilize financial resources for innovative climate solutions and accelerate implementation pipelines across sectors.

Speaking at the opening session of the Erciyes Summit, Minister Kurum said climate change is no longer solely an environmental issue but a challenge affecting economies, societies and national stability. “Drought has become a global issue,” Kurum said, noting that declining water resources are affecting agricultural productivity, drinking water security and industrial output. He warned that pressure on water resources directly affects food production and could ultimately create broader security concerns. “When water weakens, production weakens. When production weakens, pressure on food supplies increases. As food pressure rises, social stability and public security are affected at their roots,” Kurum said.

Food hub

Türkiye also emerged as a critical actor, providing a diplomatic and logistical lifeline in a region embroiled in turmoil and associated humanitarian crises. Most notably, Ankara was behind Black Sea Grain Initiative for safe shipping of grain at the height of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Reflecting on Türkiye’s role, Gangi suggested that Türkiye could serve as a permanent food security hub, especially for the eastern Mediterranean.

“The Black Sea corridor was instrumental in breaking a big obstacle that was faced around the world, basically causing immense damage, hunger, even civil unrest that reached up to even Sri Lanka even, among other several other countries, the Middle East and so forth. Türkiye has played a very strong role in allowing this grain to pass through its initiative. I believe Türkiye has got a very strong clout regionally, and indeed, globally, because its strategic vision doesn’t only (focus on) Europe but also (on Central Asia),” Gangi said.

Gangi stated that Türkiye had “excellent relations with Central Asian countries” as well as advancing ties with key Arab countries in the region. “All this could be used for breaking some impasses that are leading to a food crisis, whether in Gaza or in Lebanon.”

He highlighted that political might and renewed strategic alliances with key countries in the region gave Türkiye a very strong position to break the obstacles and help overcome food insecurity.

Gangi said that FAO looked to Türkiye as it did to other global and regional players, to set the ground politically for the organization to carry out technical work on the ground. Responding to a question regarding the situation in Gaza, where attacks on agricultural systems and water by Israel, despite the cease-fire and how FAO and Türkiye can work together to rebuild the food systems on the ground, Gangi said FAO would continue to work with farmers and producers in Gaza as much as it can, and it basically needed a political environment to do so.

Aid funding

FAO and similar organizations are among those affected by funding cuts in recent years, especially by the United States, which has been a major contributor to organizations like the World Food Programme (WFP). Answering a question on the matter, Gangi said funding overseas developments have seen changes recently and they had to adapt to this change. “In the past, the main funding partners were countries, overseas development agencies of those countries. Today, at least for FAO, one of the biggest donations are through the Green Climate Fund and other multilateral funds,” he said.

“We have to adapt to this. They come with particular requirements and we need to sort of understand more and more the requirements. New administrations, particularly across the Atlantic, come with particular needs and demands of how they see their contribution to the overseas, whether on a humanitarian or in development. We engaged with different administrations, the EU, with the United States, with different administrations to see how we can adapt to the funding mechanisms and the priorities that they deem for themselves as donor partners in the different parts of the world. I think we need, we all need to do that,” he said.

Gangi underlined that climate change was no longer a “scientific phenomenon” and was something “felt and seen,” adding that it was much more than rise of the temperatures or water scarcity.

“Water could be scarce tomorrow and could be in abundance after tomorrow. So the issue is the predictability. And the predictability is what we try to help farmers face,” he said. He acknowledged that uncertainty was nothing new for farmers who have been challenged by weather changes, but they were focusing on helping them by changing the way they think.

“We see patterns of cultivation, of irrigation changing. So we are doing the same, but it is (more) based on adapting to what our scientific evidence is showing us today.

On a question about his thoughts on the international community’s increasing investment in high-end technology like artificial intelligence and chips instead of investment in seeds, Gangi said the world needed seeds like it needed land to sow them upon.

“When the land is degraded, when the seeds are no longer resilient, then we need scientific innovation in order for us to make a resilient seed and a fertile land that would grow the food. And how this food basically, how we manufacture this food, not only to respond to food security, but nutrition as well,” he said.

Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş will host parliamentarians from NATO member states on June 28-29 for the NATO Parliamentary Summit in Istanbul.

The event will precede the main NATO gathering on June 7-8 in Ankara, which will bring together heads of state and government from the alliance’s members.

Lawmakers from 32 countries, including Marcos Perestrello, chair of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, will be among the participants of the summit. The summit is being co-organized by the NATO Parliamentary Assembly and provides a platform to exchange ideas between countries on the parliamentary level before July’s summit.

The Ottoman-era Dolmabahçe Palace will host the summit. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is also expected to attend the event and deliver a speech. The participants will also visit the National Technology Center of Baykar, Türkiye’s top drone maker.

July’s summit in Ankara could redefine the alliance’s future as it confronts mounting security challenges, trans-Atlantic tensions and growing pressure to adapt to a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. It comes 22 years after Istanbul hosted a landmark NATO meeting widely regarded as a turning point in the alliance’s transformation from a collective defense organization into a broader global security actor. Officials, NATO representatives and international analysts have increasingly described the upcoming Ankara summit as a historic gathering that may shape what some observers call the alliance’s next phase of evolution.

The alliance has undergone profound changes shaped by a series of geopolitical crises, including the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, Russia’s 2008 invasion of Georgia, Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, China’s growing global influence, Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the emergence of hybrid and cyber threats.

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As Türkiye and China mark the 55th anniversary of relations, Türkiye’s ambassador to Beijing says relations between the two countries continue to deepen, driven by expanding economic ties and a shared outlook on global, international, and regional issues centered on peace, stability, and development.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency (AA) on Saturday, Selçuk Ünal said ties between the two ancient civilizations extend far beyond the formal establishment of diplomatic relations in 1971.

He noted that the historic Silk Road served as a bridge connecting the eastern and western ends of Asia, facilitating trade, cultural exchange, technological transfers, and diplomatic contacts between Turks and Chinese for centuries.

“The Silk Road connected two civilizations and two nations. Today, that connection continues under different names,” Ünal said.

The ambassador emphasized that although geographical distance and limited transportation options constrained diplomatic contacts in earlier periods, cultural interaction between the two peoples remained constant through the Silk Road network.

Ünal recalled that official Turkish representation in China began during the early Republican era, with diplomatic contacts continuing despite difficult wartime conditions.

He noted that Türkiye maintained its diplomatic presence in China during World War II even as many countries closed their missions.

Regarding the establishment of diplomatic ties, Ünal said Türkiye officially recognized the People’s Republic of China in 1971, amid major shifts in the international system.

He noted that negotiations were conducted through the two countries’ embassies in Paris and diplomatic relations were formally established through an exchange of notes on Aug. 4, 1971.

Highlighting the transformation in bilateral relations over the past quarter-century, Ünal said China has become Türkiye’s largest trading partner not only in Asia but also globally.

“In this year, when we mark the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations, China has become our largest trading partner in the world,” he said, adding: “Our trade volume exceeds $50 billion.”

Ünal pointed to growing connectivity between the two countries, noting that Turkish Airlines operates two daily flights to four Chinese cities, while most major Chinese airlines fly to Istanbul.

More than 50 passenger flights operate weekly between the countries, alongside increasing cargo traffic.

He added that Türkiye’s diplomatic presence in China has expanded beyond its embassy in Beijing to include consulates general in Shanghai, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, and Chengdu.

“Relations are at a more advanced and positive stage than before, and I believe we will take them even further,” he said.

Ünal said the two countries are working in line with the vision set out by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Chinese President Xi Jinping to strengthen cooperation in political, economic, and commercial fields, as well as in connectivity, energy, artificial intelligence, and the green economy.

“Fundamentally, both countries view the international system through the lens of peace, stability, preventing wars and, where possible, ending them,” he said.

“In that sense, we actually look at many global, international, and regional issues from the same perspective.”

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Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan welcomed U.S.-Iran talks in Switzerland but warned that resolving the differences between the two countries may take time, and Israel was “waiting” to undermine the deal to end the conflict.

Fidan was in Egypt over the weekend where he met Egyptian officials and attended a quadrilateral meeting with foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Sunday’s talks were focused on U.S.-Iran negotiations, which unfolded around the same time in Switzerland.

The minister said he held a phone call on Sunday with U.S. special envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff on U.S.-Iran talks and the matter was the main topic of the quadrilateral meeting.

He told Anadolu Agency (AA) that the U.S. and Iran had 60 days to discuss certain matters for permanent peace.

Some of these issues to be discussed are also technical matters, particularly issues related to nuclear matters. Teams need to work on these issues. Teams also need to work on matters related to sanctions. A mechanism for preventing conflict needs to be established. All of these are somewhat technical issues. However, political will has been demonstrated on the important matters. We understand that. In the coming days, I believe they will overcome these problems through intensive efforts,” he said.

Fidan, in the meantime, urged caution about “two things” on the issue. “The issues (U.S. and Iran) are discussing are truly important issues. Resolving their details, the technical details, may not be easy. We may see bottlenecks from time to time. We need to be prepared for this. Secondly, of course, there is always Israel waiting in the corner, ready to try to sabotage the issues whenever it finds an opportunity,” he warned.

On his talks in Cairo, Fidan said that the past two days saw a very intensive round of diplomatic contacts.

“Yesterday, we held an important meeting. First, as soon as we arrived, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United States held an important discussion on Libya. While discussing Libya, we also had the opportunity to bring up other issues related to the Mediterranean. We were also able to raise some issues concerning Africa. There was a very good exchange of views among the four countries. There were discussions that led us to reach certain understandings on certain issues. Today, early in the morning, we were received by President Sissi. We had the opportunity to hear from him about the positive outcomes of the format we have created by coming together as these four countries. We also had the opportunity to convey our president’s messages and greetings to him. Later, as the foreign ministers of the four countries, we had a long working session here today,” he said.

“Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Egypt and Pakistan, these four countries are truly major countries of the region, countries with capacity and responsibility. They have large populations, vast geographies and significant capabilities. Of course, taking ownership of the problems in our region, and for these four countries to assume responsibility for the region’s political, security-related and economic challenges, seek solutions, make regional efforts and mobilize international efforts toward resolving these issues, this is currently the greatest focus of the four countries,” he added.

Fidan said a pressing matter at hand was the future of a “post-war region.” He underlined that the region should not be forced to impose a vision influenced by outside forces.

“As countries of the region, we are working to put forward a vision within the framework of international cooperation,” he said.

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