President Erdoğan spoke at the opening ceremony of Ankara Airport and Connection Roads:

2026 CONTINUES AS A YEAR OF SUMMITS FOR Türkiye: 2026 continues as a year of peaks for Türkiye, which is at the top in every field. We are working hard with all our institutions and all our staff to do justice to this important year. We do not allow anyone to distract us from our goals, break our motivation, or disrupt our cohesion on the road to the Turkish Century. We strive for a strong future not only for our 86 million citizens, but also for hundreds of millions of our brothers and sisters who see their fate as our own.

TURKEY HAS BECOME THE HEARTBEATING PLACE OF INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMACY: As Türkiye’s weight in global politics increases, the circulation of foreign delegations coming to visit Ankara also increases. Türkiye, located in the heart of 67 countries where 1.5 billion people live, with only a 4-hour flight distance; With its Ankara, Istanbul and Antalya, it has now become the heart of international diplomacy. When we add Ankara’s increasing population and developing industry, the value of all kinds of investments made in our city is better understood.

COMPLETED IN 8 MONTHS: We all know very well the traffic congestion caused by the increasing number of passengers, especially on the ring road and airport route. With the opening of Ankara Airport, there will be a significant relief in both air and road traffic in Esenboğa. We not only brought a new project to our capital with Ankara Airport; We also revived a work that left deep traces in our aviation history. Our airport, which was built in 1933 by the order of Gazi Mustafa Kemal and was the center of military aviation for many years, has been revived with its new appearance and facilities. We successfully completed this project, which we planned in two stages to make this place suitable for flights, in a very short time of 8 months. We increased the runway length from 2,450 meters to 3,000 meters and the runway width from 42 meters to 60 meters. We completely renewed the banquets. We built two turning pockets at the top of the runways, with a total size of 15 thousand square meters.

NEW APRON OF 160 THOUSAND SQUARE METERS: With the new apron area of ​​160 thousand square meters, we have created a high capacity where 44 aircraft can park simultaneously. We carried out a total of 60 thousand square meters of coated production, including runways, aprons and taxiways. We renewed all taxiways with excavation, filling and asphalt production. We supported these with additional parallel and connection roads. The lighting systems, approach lights and directional signs of the runway and taxiways were modernized in accordance with the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization. With all these works, our Ankara Airport; We made it ready for wide-body aircraft and official flights with its expanded runway, new aprons, modern taxiways and updated infrastructure.

OUR DONATION IS GETTING STRONGER

We will host the NATO Leaders Summit in Ankara. Türkiye’s position as a center of attraction is seen not only in the international events it hosts, but also in the visits of foreign delegations. Especially the position of the capital Ankara in diplomatic traffic is getting stronger every year. Our connection road is 12.5 km long. We will provide direct transportation for the delegations attending the NATO Summit through the 3-kilometer connection road located on the divided road section.

WE HAVE ALWAYS WORKED FOR Türkiye FOR 23 YEARS

We have always worked for Türkiye for 23 years, against those who consider it a skill to slander every work that comes their way and to disparage every work that has been brought to the country and nation. We served this nation. We have made available to our citizens works that you could not even imagine. While producing works and services, we always thought about the future of our cities, not ourselves. We will continue to work for Türkiye and add new investments to our investments. This year, we will appear before our brothers from Ankara with new openings, works and good news. With the understanding of “He who serves finds glory”, we will continue to be the servants of our 86 million citizens without discrimination and to carry this trust properly.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said that he believes that the pointless war that shook the region will now be closed with the agreement reached between Iran and the USA. Addressing the nation after the cabinet meeting, Erdoğan briefly said the following:

THE VOICE OF PEACE HAS BEEN RAISED: It was announced that an agreement was reached to end the conflicts in the war, which started on February 28 with the arrangements and provocations of Israel. Thus, our region, which had been on edge for months, breathed a sigh of relief. As Türkiye, we have adopted an attitude that is prudent and prioritizes diplomacy. We acted in cooperation with our allies and our brothers in the Gulf.

WE ARE NOT AWARE OF SNEAKY GAMES: We, together with Qatar and Saudi Arabia, gave very strong support to the efforts carried out under the mediation of Pakistan. In this crisis that brought the whole world, including our geography, to the brink, not a single citizen suffered a nosebleed. Their plan to pit brother against brother did not achieve their goal. Attempts to ignite new fires of discord among Turks, Arabs, Kurds and Persians failed.

THE ROAD TO PERMANENT PEACE: We believe that the book of this meaningless war, which cost the lives of thousands of civilians, including innocent children, is now closed. We are very pleased, on behalf of our region and all humanity, with the agreement reached with our contributions. We hope that the agreement will pave the way for the establishment of permanent peace and stability in our region.

THE WHOLE WORLD BREATHED: We wholeheartedly congratulate everyone, especially the American and Iranian leadership, who contributed to reaching this important agreement, which gave our region and the whole world a sigh of relief after months. We extend our congratulations to our Pakistani brothers, who have fulfilled their duty as mediators, and to our Qatari and Saudi brothers, who have supported the negotiations. Those who pin their hopes on the guns not falling silent will do their best to hinder this process. Therefore, in the period until the day of signing, it is necessary to stay away from any discourse and action that will escalate tension and to be very, very careful against sabotage.

JUST DON’T SHADOW IT: Today, I once again refer to God and the pure conscience of our beloved nation those who have tried to hinder our government’s policies rather than supporting them since the first day of the Iran crisis. You go and chase for seats, play snatch in the living room, dig each other’s well, which is what you know best. We are fighting to make our country a global player.

ALL INSTITUTIONS ARE IN HARMONY AND COORDINATION

The Presidential Government System, which put an end to the nearly two-century-old search for a management system, has become Türkiye’s greatest advantage both in this journey and in the painful period we are going through. Thanks to the system that solves the problem of stability in government, which is the soft spot of our country, today all institutions of our state work in harmony and coordination and struggle to carry Türkiye into the future. Türkiye manages even the most difficult crises extremely successfully, as was the case with the conflicts that most recently affected Iran and the Gulf region.

THERE IS ONLY GREAT Türkiye ON OUR HORIZON

While our world and our region are going through a historical period; There is only Great Türkiye on our horizon. Our ideal is to bring the Turkish nation together with their dreams. Our goal is to put our nation’s stamp on this era. We walk this path, without stopping or resting, with a strong, prosperous, respected and victorious Türkiye within reach. Of course, we encounter problems from time to time on this journey. But regardless of these; We continue our struggle to serve our country and nation with determination.

THE PEACE PROCESS SHOULD NOT BE SABOTATED

President Erdoğan had a telephone conversation with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. According to the statement made by the Presidency’s Directorate of Communications, regional and global developments were discussed during the meeting. Erdoğan stated that, as Türkiye, they are making efforts to establish peace and stability in many geographies, especially in Iran, Gaza and the Horn of Africa. Erdoğan stated that the opportunity for a diplomatic solution to the problems between the USA and Iran should be evaluated very well, and that the international community has a duty to prevent the process from being sabotaged. President Erdoğan stated that it is important for the UN missions to continue their activities in Syria effectively and that Türkiye will continue to provide the necessary support in this regard. ANKARA

‘HAPPY NEW HISTORY YEAR’

PRESIDENT Erdoğan congratulated the new Hijri year. In his post on his social media account, Erdoğan said: “I hope that the 1448th Hijri year will be beneficial for our nation and the Islamic world, and I pray to God that the new year will bring peace and tranquility to all humanity. May our new Hijri year be blessed.”

Breaking news: The Cabinet Meeting held at the Presidential Complex under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has ended. Erdoğan made statements after the critical meeting where important issues were discussed.

Highlights from President Erdoğan’s speech:

I hope that the decisions we took at our Cabinet Meeting will be beneficial for our country, nation and state. While our world and our region are going through a historical period, there is only Great Türkiye on our horizon. We walk this path, with a strong, prosperous Türkiye within reach, without stopping or resting.

Of course, we encounter problems from time to time on this journey. We are exposed to operations aimed at blocking our way, sometimes from within and sometimes from outside. Regardless of these, we continue our service struggle with determination.

“USA-IRAN AGREEMENT BREATHED INTO OUR REGION”

Türkiye manages even the most difficult crises extremely successfully. A very important step was taken last night in the war, which started on February 28 with the provocations of Israel. It was announced that an agreement was reached. Our region, which has been on edge for months, breathed a sigh of relief. We believe that the book of meaningless war is closed.

We hope that the agreement will pave the way for the establishment of permanent peace and stability.

ISRAEL WARNING: BE CAREFUL AGAINST SABOTAGE

Since February 28, it has been seen who wants war and who is in favor of peace. Israel wants to obstruct the peace process. They will do their best. One must be careful against sabotage.

We are very pleased on behalf of our region and all humanity with the agreement reached with our contributions.

I hope the agreement will be beneficial.

“WE PROVIDE STRONG SUPPORT TO NATO’S PEACE MISSION”

We are among the top countries that strongly support NATO’s peace mission. “We contribute to the deterrence of the alliance while improving our defense capabilities.”

BREAKING NEWS… President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan convened the Presidential Cabinet.

The Cabinet Meeting at Beştepe Presidential Complex was held with a critical agenda. In the Cabinet Meeting, where domestic and foreign policies will be influential, the peace agreement between the USA and Iran, as well as the NATO Summit, will be among the agenda items on the table. At the cabinet meeting, the preparations for the NATO Summit to be hosted by Ankara will be comprehensively evaluated. A wide range of studies, from the capital’s physical infrastructure to security measures, will be discussed. In Ankara, which is preparing to host thousands of participants, the activities carried out to hold the summit smoothly will be reviewed.

MAIN AGENDA US-IRAN MEMORY

The latest developments in the Middle East will have an important place in the foreign policy agenda of the cabinet. The US-Iran agreement will be another agenda item of the meeting. While Türkiye’s contributions to peace efforts will be discussed, the roles that Ankara can assume if the normalization process in the region accelerates will also be discussed.

Breaking news: A new development took place in the operation carried out against Silivri Municipality by the Police of the Financial Crimes Department of Istanbul Police within the scope of the “Corruption” investigation. 18 suspects were caught and detained in operations organized in Istanbul, Edirne and Balıkesir under the coordination of the Silivri Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office. Silivri Mayor Bora Balcıoğlu was also detained within the scope of the operation. In searches made at the suspects’ addresses; 39 thousand 500 dollars, 12 thousand 280 euros, 182 thousand 400 Turkish Liras, 115 grams of gold, 36 Ata Liras, 25 quarter gold coins, five half gold coins and five full gold coins, which were considered to have been obtained from crime, were seized. Within the scope of the investigation; It was stated that allegations that some works and transactions within the Silivri Municipality were used for profit purposes and that there were irregularities in the recruitment of personnel to the municipality, business transfer and rental, zoning, license, settlement, sealing, illegal construction, asset acquisition and municipal real estate sales processes were investigated. In the examinations and findings; It was determined that a public loss of 21 million 522 thousand 717 liras and 40 kuruş was caused by the sale of a municipality’s non-registered/parking area property at a low price.

THEY WERE REFERRED TO THE COURTHOUSE

The investigation; Establishing, managing and becoming a member of an organization for the purpose of committing a crime within the scope of Article 220 of the Turkish Penal Code, accepting and giving bribes within the scope of Article 252 of the Turkish Penal Code, extortion, influence trading, abuse of office within the scope of Article 250 of the Turkish Penal Code, rigging tenders, tampering with the performance of an act, causing construction pollution and devaluing assets resulting from crime within the scope of Article 250 of the Turkish Penal Code. It was stated that it was carried out for laundering crimes. It was emphasized that there is a strong suspicion that the criminal acts in question were committed within the organized structure and that Silivri Mayor Bora Balcıoğlu, who is considered to be the founder and manager of the organization, and other suspects who acted together, obtained unfair benefits by using influence on municipal affairs and transactions. 18 people were caught and detained in the operation against 18 suspects, including Mayor Bora Balcıoğlu, within the scope of zoning, license, settlement procedures, bribery allegations and irregularities regarding municipal functioning in Silivri Municipality. The suspects were referred to the courthouse after their legal procedures at the Istanbul Police Department.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made important statements at the Ankara Airport and Connection Roads Opening Ceremony.

President Erdoğan: 2026 will be a year of peaks for Türkiye | Video

Highlights from President Erdoğan’s speech;

Dear members of our ministries, valuable members of civil aviation, dear young people, ladies and gentlemen, I greet you with my most heartfelt feelings.

We are with you at our opening ceremony. Through you, I send my greetings and love to each of my brothers in our 25 districts. I hope that the investments we will soon be opening will be beneficial for our country, our nation and the aviation industry. I congratulate our ministries, institutions, companies that have a share in these investments, and everyone who contributed to the project.

2026 WAS THE YEAR OF SUMMITS FOR Türkiye

I would like to thank our workers, our architects and everyone who contributed to these works. The year 2026 continues as a year of peaks for Türkiye, which is at the top in every field. We are working hard to do justice to this important year. We do not allow anyone to hold us back on the path to the Türkiye Century.

“THE HEART OF DIPLOMACY BEATS IN Türkiye”

Türkiye’s quality is seen not only in the international events it will host, but also in the visits of foreign delegations. As Türkiye’s importance in global visits increases, the circulation of foreign delegations coming to Ankara also increases. Türkiye, at the heart of 66 countries, has now become the heartbeat of international diplomacy. When you add Ankara’s increasing population and developing industry, the value of any investment becomes clear.

“WE SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED IT IN 8 MONTHS”

Esenboğa Airport, which served 3 million passengers annually 20 years ago, today serves 15 million passengers annually. With the opening of Ankara Airport, there will be relief in both airline and road traffic. With Ankara Airport, we not only brought a new project to our capital, but also revived a work that will leave a deep mark on our aviation history. The airport, which was the center of military aviation for many years, has been on its feet again. This project, in 2 stages, was successfully completed in 8 months. We extended the runway length from 2450 meters to 3 thousand meters and from 42 thousand meters to 60 thousand meters.

“WE WILL CONTINUE TO BE THE SERVANTS OF 86 MILLION CITIZENS”

With all these works, we made Ankara Airport ready for wide-body aircraft and official flights. Other investments we put into service today are the capital aviation bridge and connection roads. The aviation bridge was built on the YHT line. It was built with the method used for the first time in Türkiye. We will directly ensure the participation of those attending the NATO summit. I congratulate those who contributed to this project, which was completed in a record time of 230 days. I say this to those who consider it a skill to criticize every work that comes their way: We have worked for Türkiye for 23 years, and we have presented works that you could not even imagine to our citizens. We thought about the future of our cities, not ourselves. From now on, we will continue to work and invest for Türkiye. Remember, we will continue to be the servants of 86 million citizens without discrimination, with the understanding that those who serve will find glory.