Politics
Black Sea drone threats push Türkiye, Romania, Bulgaria toward closer ties
Cooperation between Türkiye, Romania and Bulgaria has become increasingly important for Black Sea security following a surge in drone attacks targeting commercial vessels, with experts calling for stronger regional defense coordination and greater NATO support.
Recent attacks on commercial shipping near the Black Sea coasts of Romania and Bulgaria have heightened concerns over maritime safety, highlighting Türkiye’s strategic role in securing critical shipping routes and maintaining regional stability.
Maria Branea, policy and research coordinator at the European Leadership Network, told Anadolu Agency (AA) that the sharp increase in drone attacks has made a coordinated regional security framework increasingly urgent.
“Türkiye is undoubtedly a central actor,” Branea said, emphasizing Ankara’s naval capabilities and its authority over access to the Black Sea under the Montreux Convention.
She also highlighted Türkiye’s leadership in negotiating the Black Sea Mine Countermeasures Task Group (MCM Black Sea), describing the initiative as a significant example of regional cooperation.
Branea noted that the three NATO allies maintain different strategic priorities. While Türkiye traditionally emphasizes coastal states’ leadership and managing tensions with Russia, Romania advocates a stronger NATO presence, and Bulgaria has historically adopted a more cautious approach.
Stronger NATO, EU coordination
Branea argued that NATO and the European Union should reinforce existing regional initiatives rather than establish new institutions or develop comprehensive strategic frameworks.
“In my view, what needs to change is not the creation of a new NATO institution or a comprehensive strategy document,” she noted.
Instead, she urged both organizations to recognize and strengthen security arrangements already emerging among Türkiye, Romania and Bulgaria.
She called for regular consultations among coastal allies, clearer responsibilities, integrated maritime surveillance systems and coordinated investments in defense capabilities.
Branea also highlighted the growing importance of protecting offshore energy infrastructure, citing Türkiye’s Sakarya gas field and Romania’s Neptun Deep project, which is expected to begin production in 2027.
She suggested expanding an EU-backed Maritime Security Center proposed by Romania and Bulgaria to include Türkiye, Ukraine and Moldova.
Defense cooperation between Türkiye and Ukraine could also be extended to Romania and Bulgaria, supported by sustained investment and closer political and military coordination, according to Branea.
Black Sea region has recently been a center of renewed tensions and attacks as part of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with attacks also weighing on critical trade supplies, including oil and grain exports.
Securing maritime routes
Dimitar Bechev, a senior fellow at Carnegie Europe, similarly urged Türkiye, Romania and Bulgaria to seek additional NATO assistance and engage Washington on strengthening maritime security.
Bechev argued that Russia’s primary objective was to weaken European support for Ukraine rather than directly test NATO.
He said reviving the original Black Sea Grain Initiative remained unlikely after Russia declined to renew the agreement in 2023.
Türkiye, alongside the U.N., was credited with brokering the historic Black Sea Grain Initiative on July 22, 2022, in Istanbul to allow safe maritime passage for Ukrainian agricultural exports during the war with Russia.
However, Russia withdrew from the agreement in 2023, complaining that its own food and fertilizer exports faced serious obstacles.
Instead, he advocated strengthening alternative shipping routes established through the territorial waters of NATO member states.
“Navigation through the territorial waters of Romania, Bulgaria and Türkiye must be guaranteed,” Bechev underlined, describing secure maritime passage as a minimum requirement.
He stressed that achieving this objective would require more effective counterdrone defense capabilities.
The Turkish Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Commission approved a bill on Tuesday on the Mecca Joint Defense Alliance, a pact Türkiye formed with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in August that is under the spotlight after Houthis in Yemen stepped up attacks on Saudi Arabia.
Opposition to the pact has expressed reservations about the alliance based on the defense agreement, especially regarding the clause that views an attack on one party as an attack on all and thus seemingly enabling the dispatch of Turkish troops to other countries. The government insists that the alliance is strictly defensive and would not involve attacks on third countries.
The bill will now be referred to the General Assembly of Parliament for a final voting process.
Former Vice President and ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) lawmaker Fuat Oktay, who chairs the Foreign Affairs Committee, made an opening speech at the committee’s meeting on Tuesday.
Oktay said developments in the Middle East, the Russia-Ukraine war, and tensions in the Caucasus, the Balkans and North Africa directly affect regional security.
He said the agreement to be discussed represents a concrete and highly significant step toward strengthening peace by demonstrating regional ownership and enhancing deterrence across the region. He described the establishment of a collective deterrence shield in the Middle East through the Mecca deal as a noteworthy development.
He emphasized the importance of the talks held between Turkish, Saudi and Pakistani officials in Tehran on Monday. “The agreements our country has signed and become a party to are not aimed at aggression or expansionism, nor are they alliances designed to form a bloc against third countries. On the contrary, our country is party to defense agreements that aim to enhance deterrence, strengthen our region, and promote peace and stability. In this respect, the Mecca agreement is valuable because it does not propose an exclusive security architecture and allows other actors that share its vision of regional peace and stability to join.” He stressed the importance of ensuring that the agreement’s expansion process does not allow for an uncontrolled mechanism.
“It is naturally of great importance that the alliance’s growth and the admission of new members remain subject to the approval, consent and strategic screening of the core parties and, consequently, our country,” he said.
Noting that the agreement establishes deterrence at the highest level while showing absolute respect for the sovereignty of the participating countries, their international obligations and their constitutional processes, Oktay said: “Rather than collective defense provisions taking effect automatically and mechanically, it appears that the underlying principle is for every step to be implemented within the framework of the parties’ own constitutional obligations, national legislation and the decisions of their competent authorities. In this regard, it is important to activate consultation mechanisms at the highest level and seek a common understanding.
“This alliance architecture can be said to rest on three main pillars: collective defense, a determined fight against terrorism and the development of domestic capabilities in the defense industry. Each of these areas is of vital importance both for our country and for the future of our region. Essentially, it should not be viewed as an isolated text.”
Following Oktay’s remarks, main opposition New Party (YP) Eskişehir lawmaker Utku Çakırözer said the agreement should also be discussed by Parliament’s National Defense Committee. In response, Oktay said they had written to the relevant committee asking it to conduct a review and submit a report, but were informed that “no review or reporting would be carried out.”
The meeting continued with a presentation on the agreement by Deputy Foreign Minister Levent Gümrükçü. “The Mecca agreement is not only an extension of the special friendly relations between the three countries, but also a concrete product of the regional ownership increasingly needed in our region,” Gümrükçü told the committee. He said Saudi Arabia and Pakistan had completed their domestic ratification procedures and submitted the required official notifications.
He said the agreement marked an initial step toward establishing a regional security framework based on cooperation and collective defense, adding that the three countries aimed to take responsibility for addressing regional challenges rather than waiting for solutions from outside the region. Gümrükçü also said the framework was intended to contribute not only to the security of the three signatories but also to that of the wider region by strengthening dialogue and cooperation based on mutual trust and promoting lasting stability.
He stressed that the agreement was entirely defensive in nature and did not target any country. He said it was open to all regional countries that respect international law, including the principles of state sovereignty and territorial integrity, the prohibition of the use of force except in self-defense, the peaceful settlement of disputes and non-interference in internal affairs.
“The agreement envisions integration rather than bloc-building in the region, embracing an inclusive rather than divisive vision,” he added.
Gümrükçü said the agreement envisaged strengthening collective deterrence, holding regular consultations on international security issues, and improving interoperability between the countries’ armed forces through personnel exchanges, joint training programs, and military exercises.
It also provides for closer defense industry cooperation, including joint production and technology sharing, stronger joint counterterrorism efforts, and logistical support between the parties in implementing the agreement, he said. The deputy foreign minister emphasized that the agreement would neither replace nor undermine Türkiye’s obligations under its existing alliances and agreements.
He said the initiative was expected to complement Türkiye’s participation in multilateral platforms, particularly NATO, by contributing to security and stability across the broader Middle East and supporting European security in light of the interconnected nature of the two regions.
Türkiye reaffirmed its unwavering position on the Aegean Sea and Eastern Mediterranean, rejecting allegations that remarks by its foreign minister signaled a change in policy and accusing critics of distorting his statements for political purposes.
In a statement, the Foreign Ministry denied claims made by the leader of a political party that Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan had given an interview to a Greek newspaper.
The ministry clarified that the remarks in question were made during an event hosted by a think tank in Brussels, rather than in an interview with a Greek publication.
It said the minister’s responses had been misrepresented and taken entirely out of context, turning Türkiye’s policies in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean into a subject of political controversy.
The ministry emphasized that Ankara’s positions remain unchanged and continue to be firmly defended across international platforms in accordance with international law.
Türkiye will continue to protect its legitimate rights and interests in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean without compromise, as it has done in the past, the statement added.
Women leaders, politicians and academics from across the Turkic world will gather in Ankara on Oct. 30 for a series of events aimed at strengthening women’s roles in diplomacy, politics and regional cooperation on the sidelines of the 13th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS).
The events, organized by the women’s branch of Türkiye’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), will coincide with the Oct. 29-30 summit and focus on transforming shared historical and cultural ties into stronger cooperation among women across Turkic nations.
AK Party Women’s Branch Chairperson Tuğba Işık Ercan said the initiative would provide a platform for women leaders to exchange experiences, strengthen solidarity and explore opportunities for joint projects.
“We see women’s experience, efforts and leadership as an integral part of the Turkic world’s shared future,” Ercan told Anadolu Agency (AA).
The program will feature the “Women in Diplomacy in the Turkic World Forum,” bringing together ministers, lawmakers, academics and representatives from Turkic countries to discuss women’s participation in diplomacy, political decision-making and leadership.
Discussions will also address economic and social participation, regional solidarity and the preservation of shared cultural heritage.
A second event, titled “From Common Roots to a Shared Future: Women of the Turkic World,” will include a panel on women’s political experiences, challenges and aspirations.
Family and Social Services Minister Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş is expected to address the gathering, highlighting women’s solidarity and opportunities for cooperation across Turkic countries.
Ercan emphasized the importance of increasing women’s representation in political institutions and decision-making processes, arguing that leadership structures should better reflect women’s share of the population.
She said the events would encourage women from different Turkic countries to build lasting connections and learn from one another’s experiences.
The program will also feature the “Sultans of Anatolia Fashion Show,” showcasing traditional clothing, historical designs and cultural motifs representing the Turkic world’s shared heritage.
Ercan expressed optimism that the Ankara summit would produce significant steps toward strengthening cooperation and shaping the Turkic world’s common future.
Türkiye and Uzbekistan are seeking to expand economic cooperation across trade, investment, transportation and digital technologies as Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev prepares to attend the 13th Organization of Turkic States (OTS) summit in Ankara on Oct. 29-30.
The summit, hosted by Türkiye, comes as the organization prepares its 2027-2031 strategy, aimed at setting priorities for regional cooperation and strengthening economic ties among member states.
Economic cooperation within the OTS has increasingly expanded beyond traditional trade and investment to include industrial partnerships, transportation corridors, digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence and joint financing mechanisms.
OTS Secretary-General Kubanychbek Omuraliev and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met on Sept. 8 to discuss the summit’s organization, agenda and expected outcomes.
According to Uzbek diplomatic assessments, the combined nominal gross domestic product (GDP) of OTS countries reached approximately $2.3 trillion by the end of 2025, while their combined GDP based on purchasing power parity exceeded $6.2 trillion.
Their total foreign trade surpassed $1.2 trillion, underscoring the economic potential of a region connecting Central Asia, the South Caucasus and European markets through Türkiye.
Despite these figures, trade among OTS members remains relatively limited compared with their combined economic capacity, highlighting opportunities for stronger regional integration.
Expanding industrial cooperation
Member countries are increasingly focusing on developing joint production chains, reducing transportation costs and financing cross-border investment projects. Their complementary economic structures provide opportunities for cooperation across multiple sectors.
Türkiye has an established manufacturing base in machinery, automotive production, electronics, textiles and chemicals, while Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan hold significant positions in energy, metallurgy and petrochemicals.
Uzbekistan’s expanding textile, automotive, chemical and food industries, alongside Kyrgyzstan’s agricultural and light manufacturing sectors, offer additional opportunities for integrated regional supply chains.
The planned 2027-2031 strategy is expected to provide a framework for translating these opportunities into concrete economic initiatives.
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-OTS ties
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.
Economic ties with Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Hungary have also strengthened the importance of the broader Turkic region as a market for Uzbek goods and services.
Uzbekistan exported $1.5 billion worth of goods and services to Kazakhstan in 2025, followed by $1.1 billion to Türkiye and $771.1 million to Kyrgyzstan.
Industrial goods accounted for 28.2% of Uzbekistan’s exports to OTS countries, while machinery and transportation equipment represented 19%. Services made up 12.7%, food products 11.1% and chemicals 10%.
Imports from OTS countries were dominated by food products at 22.8%, mineral fuels at 20.3%, industrial goods at 18.1%, and machinery and transportation equipment at 12.9%.
The figures suggest that Uzbekistan’s trade with Turkic countries extends beyond raw materials and is increasingly linked to manufacturing, industrial supply chains and domestic production.
Despite growing trade volumes, Uzbekistan has yet to fully capitalize on opportunities in OTS markets, according to estimates by the Center for Economic Research and Reforms.
The center estimates that Uzbekistan could increase exports to OTS countries by an additional $2.7 billion, with Türkiye accounting for the largest share at $1.8 billion.
Kazakhstan offers an estimated $500 million in additional export potential, followed by Hungary at $200 million and Kyrgyzstan at $100 million.
Agriculture and food products are among the sectors offering significant opportunities, with the combined agricultural market of OTS countries estimated at approximately $72 billion.
Uzbekistan could expand exports of fresh fruits and vegetables, processed foods, textiles, electronics, construction materials, mineral fertilizers, copper products and polymers.
Türkiye’s large consumer market and access to European and Mediterranean markets make it a key destination for potential export growth.
Kazakhstan also offers opportunities for industrial cooperation because of its geographic proximity, established transportation networks and links to Central Asian production chains.
Closer coordination of industrial production, logistics and trade policies could help Uzbekistan realize its untapped export potential while strengthening economic integration among Turkic states.
Investment cooperation
Investment cooperation among OTS members has expanded alongside growing trade ties, with investment flows into Uzbekistan recording significant growth in recent years.
Between 2017 and 2025, investments from OTS member states into Uzbekistan exceeded $11.5 billion, including $3.8 billion in 2025 alone.
Türkiye emerged as Uzbekistan’s largest investor among OTS countries, with investments totaling $2.4 billion. The funds were primarily directed toward manufacturing, energy, agriculture, construction and logistics.
As of April 2026, more than 4,500 enterprises with capital participation from OTS countries were operating in Uzbekistan.
The growing number of businesses reflects a broader structural shift in economic relations among Turkic states.
While trade typically involves the cross-border exchange of goods, foreign direct investment establishes longer-term economic ties through capital, technology transfers, employment, local supply chains and export networks.
Against this backdrop, expanding joint industrial projects within the OTS could provide a stronger foundation for further growth in trade among member states.
Differences in the economic specializations of Turkic states could offer significant opportunities to develop such cross-border production networks, strengthening regional economic integration and long-term investment cooperation.
Turkic Investment Fund
One of the most significant institutional developments in the economic integration of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) has been the launch of operations by the Turkic Investment Fund (TIF).
In 2025, the fund’s capital was increased from $500 million to $600 million, with Uzbekistan holding a $100 million share.
However, the fund’s economic significance extends beyond its capital base, as it also has the potential to mobilize additional resources from international financial institutions to support investment projects across member states.
On June 17, 2026, the TIF signed an agreement with the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD), a member of the Islamic Development Bank Group, to establish an Islamic co-financing program worth up to $50 million.
The initiative aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through local financial institutions in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Türkiye and Uzbekistan.
A second financing initiative followed on July 1, when the TIF signed an agreement to provide up to $10 million in financing to Kazakhstan’s KMF Bank, while the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) agreed to provide up to $50 million.
The financing is intended to expand access to credit for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, supporting private-sector development and economic activity in Kazakhstan.
The two agreements highlight an emerging trend in regional financial cooperation, suggesting that the TIF could evolve beyond a traditional investment institution that relies solely on its own resources.
Instead, the fund could serve as a platform for channeling international financing into projects across OTS member states, helping attract investment from major development banks and other financial institutions.
Such an approach could mobilize investment resources far exceeding the fund’s $600 million capital base.
The mechanism could play a particularly important role in financing joint industrial projects, transportation networks, energy infrastructure, digital connectivity and small businesses, further strengthening economic integration among Turkic states.
Integrated logistics network
Transportation costs and delivery times remain key factors shaping trade growth among member states of the OTS.
Limited direct access to seaports in Central Asian countries has made logistics costs a major factor affecting export competitiveness.
Against this backdrop, the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, also known as the Middle Corridor, has emerged as a key component of economic cooperation within the OTS.
The route connects Central Asia to Azerbaijan, Georgia and Türkiye via the Caspian Sea, providing access to European markets.
For Uzbekistan, the corridor’s strategic importance is expected to increase further with the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway.
Connecting the new railway to the Trans-Caspian route could strengthen Uzbekistan’s position in an east-west logistics network linking China to the Caucasus and Europe through Central Asia.
However, developing a modern transport corridor requires more than expanding railway and road infrastructure.
Border crossing procedures, transport permits, customs declarations, shipping documents and cargo tracking systems also directly affect transportation costs and delivery times.
Digitalization has therefore become an increasingly important priority in the OTS’ transportation agenda.
The e-Permit electronic transport permit system has been introduced among OTS member states to facilitate cross-border transportation.
At the ninth meeting of OTS transport ministers, held in Bishkek on April 23, 2026, officials welcomed the implementation of the system and signed a memorandum of understanding on introducing the electronic consignment note for international road transport, known as e-CMR.
At a summit held in Turkistan in May, the Uzbek president highlighted the full implementation of the e-Permit system among OTS member states.
He also proposed linking the Middle Corridor with the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, developing a simplified customs corridor and expanding digital data exchange and cargo tracking systems.
Integrating these initiatives into a single framework could help establish a comprehensive logistics network across the OTS region, enabling not only the movement of goods but also the digital exchange of transport documents and data.
Such integration could reduce border delays, lower administrative costs and make delivery schedules more predictable for exporters, ultimately improving trade efficiency and regional connectivity.
Technological integration
Economic cooperation within the OTS gained a new dimension in 2026, with digital infrastructure, emerging technologies and artificial intelligence becoming increasingly prominent areas of collaboration.
At an informal summit held in Turkistan on May 15 under the theme “Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development,” leaders discussed expanding digital infrastructure, promoting innovative technologies and exploring practical applications of artificial intelligence.
During the summit, Uzbekistan proposed developing a “Digital Turkic Corridor” aimed at connecting data centers across member states through high-speed communication networks.
The country also called for establishing a strategic cooperation network on artificial intelligence, organizing a technology forum in Tashkent and strengthening technological collaboration among Turkic states.
The proposals highlight growing parallels between transportation connectivity and digital integration across the region.
While the Middle Corridor facilitates the movement of goods between Central Asia, the Caucasus and Europe, the proposed Digital Turkic Corridor could accelerate cross-border data flows and strengthen digital connectivity.
Together, the initiatives could establish two complementary pillars of regional integration: physical and digital infrastructure.
The physical network would encompass roads, railways, ports, logistics hubs and customs facilities, while the digital network would include data centers, telecommunications systems, cloud computing, artificial intelligence infrastructure and digital services.
Integrating these networks could create new opportunities for economic cooperation in areas such as e-commerce, digital logistics, financial technology (fintech), cross-border services and the digital management of manufacturing processes.
Economic cooperation within the Organization of Turkic States presents several opportunities for Uzbekistan, ranging from expanding export markets and industrial partnerships to improving transportation links, financing access and digital integration.
One of the most significant opportunities lies in expanding export markets. Uzbekistan’s estimated additional export potential of $2.7 billion represents considerable room for growth compared with its current trade volume.
Another key area is industrial cooperation. Türkiye’s industrial and technological capabilities, Kazakhstan’s and Azerbaijan’s natural resources, and Uzbekistan’s labor force and developing manufacturing sector could complement one another, creating opportunities for joint production and integrated supply chains.
Transportation connectivity also offers significant economic potential.
Linking the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway to the Middle Corridor could strengthen Uzbekistan’s role in East-West transit trade, expanding its logistics capacity and improving access to international markets.
Access to financing represents another opportunity. The Turkic Investment Fund and co-financing mechanisms developed with international financial institutions could provide additional resources for private-sector projects and regional investment initiatives.
The digital economy is also emerging as a potential driver of growth.
Integrating data centers, artificial intelligence technologies, e-commerce platforms and electronic transport documentation could create conditions for trade in services to expand faster than trade in goods.
Realizing Uzbekistan’s estimated $2.7 billion in additional export potential will require addressing barriers related to product standards, certification, logistics costs, financing and market access across individual product categories.
Similarly, the economic efficiency of a transportation corridor should be assessed not merely by its length or the number of countries it connects, but also through measurable indicators such as cargo delivery times, transportation costs per ton and waiting times at border crossings.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Monday vowed to confront actors fueling regional conflicts through expansionist ambitions, pledging to use all available means to halt bloodshed and ease suffering while safeguarding Türkiye’s stability amid mounting tensions.
Speaking after the Cabinet meeting in Ankara, Erdoğan said Türkiye was determined to maintain its course toward stability and development despite growing uncertainty in the region, stressing that preserving domestic peace had become increasingly critical amid global challenges.
“As Türkiye, we are sincerely striving, with all the means at our disposal, to extinguish the flames, alleviate suffering and stop the bloodshed, standing against those fueling conflicts in our region with expansionist ambitions,” Erdoğan said.
He thanked citizens for their restraint and commitment to national unity, regardless of their religious sect or ethnic background, emphasizing that Türkiye’s stability remained a collective responsibility.
Erdoğan said Ankara was working to strengthen diplomatic relations across the region and beyond, prioritizing cooperation, mutual respect and peaceful engagement over confrontation.
“Wherever we have brothers, compatriots or friends, from the Balkans to the Turkic republics, we defend their rights in the strongest possible terms on every platform,” he said.
The president also highlighted Türkiye’s efforts to establish new partnerships with countries where relations had remained limited for years, describing recent diplomatic developments as evidence of Ankara’s expanding international influence.
Turning to developments in the Eastern Mediterranean, Erdoğan welcomed the Libyan House of Representatives’ unanimous approval of the 2019 maritime boundary agreement with Türkiye, calling it a significant achievement for both countries.
He recalled that Ankara signed the maritime jurisdiction agreement with Libya’s internationally recognized Government of National Accord on Nov. 27, 2019, to safeguard their respective rights and interests in the Eastern Mediterranean.
“This agreement was a major step in guaranteeing the legitimate rights of Türkiye and Libya in the Eastern Mediterranean,” Erdoğan said.
He praised Libyan lawmakers for acting collectively despite political differences, saying the unanimous decision demonstrated the importance of national unity in protecting shared interests.
Erdoğan also described the development as a reflection of Türkiye’s longstanding commitment to Libya’s territorial integrity and political unity.
“We are not seeking to save the day but to build the future. Our Libya policy is the clearest example of this,” he said.
He stressed that Ankara would continue engaging with all relevant parties to support a stable, secure and prosperous Libya.
Addressing international reactions to the agreement’s approval, Erdoğan rejected objections from the European Union and other actors, saying they lacked legitimate grounds.
He reiterated that Türkiye’s Eastern Mediterranean policy was focused on protecting its maritime rights rather than pursuing confrontation with neighboring countries.
“We are not seeking to score points against anyone in the Eastern Mediterranean. We are simply concerned with protecting our maritime jurisdiction, rights and interests,” he said.
Erdoğan called for disputes to be resolved through peaceful means and dialogue among all coastal states, urging the EU and other stakeholders to demonstrate the same constructive approach.
He also warned against aggressive rhetoric and attempts to exclude Türkiye from regional decision-making, saying Ankara would not allow external pressure to dictate its foreign policy.
“Our only compass in politics and foreign policy is Türkiye’s interests,” he said, adding that the government would not hesitate to take necessary steps even when they involved costs.
Erdoğan also reviewed Türkiye’s recent diplomatic engagements, highlighting efforts to strengthen political, economic and defense cooperation with international partners.
He hailed Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s official visit as a turning point in the countries’ 83-year diplomatic relationship.
Erdoğan said Ankara and Ottawa elevated their ties to a strategic partnership and signed three agreements aimed at expanding cooperation in defense, aviation and energy.
The two sides also agreed to launch negotiations on a free trade agreement before the end of the year.
“Our goal is to increase our trade volume, currently around $3 billion, first to $5 billion and then to $10 billion,” he said.
Erdoğan noted that Türkiye hosted the ninth Mediation Conference in Istanbul over the weekend, followed by meetings of foreign ministers.
Looking ahead, he said Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev would visit Ankara on Wednesday, while Türkiye would celebrate the republic’s 103rd anniversary on Oct. 29 with guests from across the Turkic world.
The same day, the Beştepe National Forest at the Presidential Complex would open to the public.
Ankara will also host the 13th summit of the Organization of Turkic States on Oct. 30, Erdoğan said, emphasizing the importance of solidarity among Turkic nations.
“We will stand together in unity and solidarity against those seeking to undermine our unbreakable brotherhood,” he said.
Erdoğan added that he would subsequently visit South Korea before Türkiye hosts the COP31 climate summit in Antalya, bringing together numerous heads of state and government.
He said these engagements would help reinforce Türkiye’s growing regional and international role.
He warned that anyone seeking to replicate unrest witnessed in parts of Europe should understand that Türkiye would not tolerate attempts to destabilize the country.
“Türkiye was not found in the streets, nor is it a country that will be surrendered to the streets,” he said.
Türkiye, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan agreed Monday to pursue closer cooperation on regional security following high-level talks in Tehran focused on Israel’s violations in the Middle East and developments in Palestine and Lebanon, according to a joint statement released by Iran.
The four countries have agreed to continue high-level consultations aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and promoting peace and stability, according to the statement.
The talks, hosted by Mohsen Rezaei, secretary-general of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, brought together senior security and defense officials from the four countries.
Türkiye was represented by National Intelligence Organization (MIT) chief Ibrahim Kalın, while Saudi Arabia sent Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and Pakistan was represented by army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also attended the meeting.
Discussions centered on regional security challenges, Israel’s violations across the Middle East and the latest developments in Palestine and Lebanon.
In a statement released by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, the four countries reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining dialogue and expanding cooperation on matters of mutual concern.
“The participants agreed to continue consultations aimed at strengthening cooperation among the four regional countries, including in the areas of regional peace and security,” the statement said.
The agreement signals a willingness among the four regional powers to maintain diplomatic engagement on pressing security challenges, with further consultations expected as part of their efforts to enhance regional coordination.
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