According to the statement made by the AK Party, AK Party Headquarters Youth Branch Chairman Yusuf İbiş made a comprehensive presentation about the Ramadan activities of the Youth Branch Directorate at the AK Party 178th Extended Provincial Presidents Meeting, attended by the AK Party Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. In the presentation, the programs carried out by the Youth Branches throughout the country and the work in the field were explained in detail.

625 THOUSAND YOUTH CAME TOGETHER IN 81 PROVINCES

Within the scope of the “5 Before Iftar” events, one of the traditional programs of the Youth Branches, 1 million 175 thousand iftar meals were delivered to citizens at 7 thousand different points in the busy points of the cities and at traffic lights. 255 thousand young people came together in meetings at 750 locations attended by AK Party deputy chairmen, ministers and members of parliament. Within the framework of the “Youth Table” program, 625 thousand young people came together at iftar and sahur tables set up at 1850 locations in 81 provinces and 922 districts.

THE SPIRIT OF UNITY AND COOPERATION WAS SHARED

With the “Iftar Time for Campus” program, more than 500 thousand students were met in organizations held in 207 universities, and the spirit of unity and solidarity of Ramadan was brought to the university environment. Ramadan streets established on university campuses have become social areas where young people come together after iftar.

Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek stated that they will always provide the necessary support for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus to take its rightful place as an independent, equally sovereign member of the international community. Minister Gürlek met with TRNC Minister of Internal Affairs Dursun Oğuz and his delegation at the Ministry.

Minister Gürlek said, “We think that the necessary steps will be taken for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is an integral part of the Turkish world, to gain observer member status in the Organization of Turkish States and the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkish States. We are always with the Turkish Cypriot people, just like yesterday and today.”

Emphasizing the common history, language, culture and unity of destiny, Minister Gürlek said, “The support we provide to the Turkish Cypriot people’s struggle for freedom, justice and equality is always a reflection of our common values.” Minister Gürlek drew attention to the judicial cooperation agreement between the two countries. Gürlek stated that they will work for the extradition of criminals and the judicial fulfillment of the requests sent by the TRNC within the scope of the judicial cooperation agreement.

JUDGE AND PROSECUTOR TRAININGS

Drawing attention to the agreement regarding the professional training of judges and prosecutors, Minister Gürlek said: “We have taken the necessary steps to train candidate judges and prosecutors in order to increase the common values between the two countries and to consolidate their work again. We always provide support in this regard. Our judge and prosecutor friends from Cyprus go to the Turkish Justice Academy for training. We have also carried out important work in terms of execution law in our Penitentiary Institution system. We are ready to provide support on the issues you need. Especially in terms of cooperation to increase the capacity of judicial institutions, we provide support to the Ministry of Justice as much as we can.” “We are ready to contribute to the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. I believe that these meetings are beneficial for both supporting cooperation in judicial matters between the two countries and strengthening the law of brotherhood.”

A NEW JUDICIAL COUNSEL WILL BE APPOINTED TO CYPRUS

Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek gave the good news that the term of office of the TRNC Judicial Counselor has been completed and that a new appointment will be made here in a short time. Minister Gürlek said, “We have legal counsel in 16 countries. We attach great importance to the Cyprus judicial consultancy. We think that it will be very useful, especially for our citizens living there, in the follow-up and cooperation of judicial matters. Hopefully, we will appoint him in a short time. This will hopefully strengthen our bilateral relations.”

“FATHERLAND GUARANTEE IS OUR RED LINE”

TRNC Minister of Internal Affairs Dursun Oğuz also thanked Minister Gürlek and expressed his satisfaction with the continuation of the cooperation between the two countries in every field. Minister Oğuz emphasized how important the guarantorship of the motherland, the Republic of Türkiye, is in the wars that occur in our geography. Recalling those who signed the 1960 Guarantee Agreement, Oğuz said, “They made such a good agreement that today, including the world, the domestic front is trying to abolish it. But today, that agreement ensures the existence and guarantorship of the Republic of Turkey on the island. As the Turkish Cypriot People, being the guarantor of the homeland is our red line. It will remain like this throughout history.”

“THE REPUBLIC OF Türkiye IS ALWAYS WITH US”

Underlining that the Republic of Turkey has made great contributions to the recognition of the TRNC in every field, Oğuz said, “Our President’s decision to recognize the TRNC to the world 4 times in a row at the United States General Assembly is a huge step towards the recognition of a TRNC that remains under isolation.” Touching on the importance of foreign relations for a state under embargo, Oğuz said, “Increasing the recognition of the TRNC is a very important dimension in international relations. The Republic of Turkey is always with us. We look at it this way and find it meaningful.”

Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, Numan Kurtulmuş, met with Romanian Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan in Bucharest, where he paid an official visit. Romanian Prime Minister Bolojan welcomed Kurtulmuş upon his arrival at the Prime Ministry building. Kurtulmuş and Bologan gave an appearance to journalists in front of the flags of the two countries.

During the meeting between the delegations later, Kurtulmuş expressed his hope that his visit at the level of the Speaker of the Parliament, after an interval of 13 years, would lead to further cooperation and the alliance between governments and parliaments.

“ROOTED AND HISTORICAL FRIENDSHIP”

Kurtulmuş said that the momentum gained at the government level should also extend to relations between parliaments. Stating that Türkiye and Romania took part in many international assemblies, Kurtulmuş said that close work between the delegations of the two countries would reveal useful work.

Stating that they are very pleased with the high level that the relations between Turkey and Romania, based on deep-rooted and historical friendship ties, have reached in every field, Kurtulmuş emphasized that the High Level Strategic Cooperation Council mechanism established during the visit of former Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu to Türkiye in May 2024 took the relations to a higher level, and that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s upcoming visit to Romania will be conducive to taking these relations further.

“THE PARTNERSHIP WILL GAIN A NEW DIMENSION”

Kurtulmuş stated that the second High Level Strategic Cooperation Council meeting and the business council meeting are planned to be held during President Erdoğan’s visit, and noted that the close relations based on strategic partnership will be reinforced and gain a new dimension with Erdoğan’s visit.

Pointing to cooperation in the economic and commercial fields, Kurtulmuş emphasized the importance of intensifying joint efforts to ensure that the bilateral trade volume, which has reached 13.5 billion dollars, reaches 15 billion dollars in a short time and 20 billion dollars in the medium term. During the meeting, where the Russia-Ukraine war and the attacks launched by the USA and Israel against Iran were discussed, Kurtulmuş stated that the war is not a solution and that the countries in the region and the countries connected to the region are primarily affected by the war.

The following statements were used in the statement made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

“Concerning the Attack on a Turkish-Operated Commercial Ship in the Black Sea:

We regard with great concern the attack carried out today (March 26) in the Black Sea against the Sierra Leone flagged and Turkish operated tanker named “ALTURA” carrying crude oil.

Necessary investigations and technical interventions are being carried out by our relevant institutions regarding the attack, and it has been learned that the 27 Turkish crew on the ship are in good health.

These and similar attacks, which occur within our Exclusive Economic Zone in the Black Sea and are contrary to international law, pose serious risks to life, property, navigation and environmental safety in the region.

We continue our contacts with relevant parties to prevent the war from spreading to the Black Sea region and escalating further.

“In this regard, we also reserve our right to take the necessary measures within the framework of international law in order to protect our country’s economic interests and activities in the region.”

Even though our sects and origins are different, isn’t the blood flowing all over our geography ours? Everyone should be sure of this: we neither discriminate between our brothers and neighbors nor do we stand by and watch the pain of our brothers.

We do not leave our brother and friendly people, whom we consider friends in good times, alone in bad times.

First Muslims, then everyone else, pay the heavy price.

“THE RIGHT TO WORSHIP CANNOT BE DENIED IN MASCID-I AQSA”

Israel is implementing its plan to invade Lebanon. Israel does not leave Syria alone. The aggressor continues his actions. Our first qibla has been keeping Al-Aqsa Mosque closed for 27 days. Eid prayers were not performed in Masjid al-Aqsa for the first time since 1967. The right to worship in Al-Aqsa Mosque cannot be denied. It is a requirement of our humanity to protect Masjid al-Aqsa.

Türkiye will continue to do its part. We will continue to protect Jerusalem. Our debt to captive Jerusalem is to defend Jerusalem.

As a state, we will never surrender to the hate speech and war-mongering that surrounds us. We will not give up our peaceful foreign policy axis, which we have based on peace for all, stability for all, and tranquility for all.

“Türkiye IS FOLLOWING THE CORRECT POLICY”

Türkiye is on the right track, following the right policy. The people of neighboring Iran and the whole world are aware of this. They speak highly of Türkiye’s attitude on every ground.

They say it’s a good thing that Türkiye is governed by the AK Party.

REACTION TO ÖZEL: HIS POLITICAL REPUTATION HAS BEEN COMPLETELY RESET

We will not fall into the traps that CHP wants to pull us into. At this point, the connection between the mind and language of the head of the main opposition has been broken and there is no consistency in his discourses. His political reputation has been completely destroyed. Even his own followers do not take the CHP leader seriously. Once again, we leave this poor guy alone with his own delusions.

“NO ONE WILL BE ABLE TO MAKE Türkiye KNEEL”

Circumstances arising from periodic or global shocks will not deter us from our goals. The Turkish economy has this strength and resilience in abundance. No one will be able to bring this Türkiye to its knees. Hopefully, Türkiye will be the winner. The winner will be the Turkish nation. The winners will be those who defend brotherhood, peace, justice and peace. The winners will be those like the AK Party and the People’s Alliance, who are on the right side of history, on the side of reason, reason and conscience in difficult times.

We will continue to walk confidently on the path we know is right. I pray that God will bless Turkey’s path and fortune. I hope that our extended Provincial Presidents meeting will be beneficial again. I greet you all with respect. Stay safe.”

The Ministry of National Defense (MSB) answered questions at its weekly press briefing.

In response to the question asked about the Eurofighter technical and logistics support contract, the Ministry of National Defense said, “The contract for the purchase of 20 Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft, equipment and ammunition within the scope of the Eurofighter Typhoon Project was signed by our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Mr. Keir Starmer, in October 2025. Our Minister of National Defense, Mr. Yaşar Güler, and the Minister of Defense of the United Kingdom, Mr. John Healey, attended the Eurofighter Typhoon Project in London yesterday. “A technical and logistics support contract has been signed for the maintenance and operation of the aircraft. The contract covers pilot and instructor pilot, aircraft maintenance technician, electronic warfare and system manager training, as well as spare parts, simulators, test equipment and ground support devices. The manufacturer will also provide technical support services for the first three years after the aircraft are put into service.”

Unmanned Marine Vehicle located on the coast of Ordu

The Ministry of National Defense gave the following answer to the question about the Unmanned Marine Vehicle found on the coast of Ordu:

“On March 21, 2026, an Unmanned Marine Vehicle (UAV) of US origin, which was considered to have been dragged to the shore by the current as a result of its engine failure, off the coast of Ordu’s Ünye district, was safely destroyed by the SAS Command teams. The risks posed by the UAVs and UAVs, which are used extensively in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, in the Black Sea as a result of losing control or mobility are being closely monitored. This situation requires attention and precautions in terms of maritime security. In this context, activities at sea It is important that all our citizens, especially our fishermen and sailors, pay utmost attention.

If a suspicious object or a UAV/UAV washed up on the beach is detected, no intervention should be made and our security units should be informed without delay. Elements affiliated with our Naval Forces Command continue their reconnaissance, surveillance and patrol activities on a 24/7 basis in order to protect our maritime jurisdiction areas in the Black Sea. “We are discussing with our interlocutors to ensure that the safety of navigation in the Black Sea is not endangered, and necessary warnings are being made.”

Helicopter crashed in Qatar

In response to the question about the helicopter that crashed in Qatar, the Ministry of National Defense said, “According to the initial findings, the helicopter belonging to the Qatar Armed Forces crashed due to a technical malfunction. The exact cause of the crash will be determined as a result of the investigation carried out by the Qatar authorities. Our Turkish Armed Forces carry out testing, development and training activities on the field performance of the domestic and national defense industry products produced, shoulder to shoulder with our engineers and technicians at home and abroad. This is a situation that is unprecedented in any country in the world and contributes greatly to the development of our domestic and national defense industry products.” It is an application,” the statement said.

The safety of our elements in Qatar

On the question about the safety of our elements in Qatar, the Ministry of National Defense gave the following response:

“The security of the Qatar-Turkish Combined Joint Force Command and our personnel serving there is ensured at the highest level with additional measures taken in full coordination with the Qatari authorities, taking into account current regional developments and increasing security sensitivity. No negative situation has occurred so far.”

NATO multinational corps headquarters

Ministry of National Defense said the following about the planned NATO multinational corps headquarters:

“Our Ministry was ordered to start working on establishing a Corps Headquarters within the scope of the NATO Southeastern Regional Plan in 2023, and our intention was declared to NATO in 2024.

In this context, the 6th Corps Command was assigned to meet the needs of the headquarters planned to be established under the command of a Turkish general, and the necessary appointments were made to the national core staff.

Efforts to transform the headquarters into a multinational structure are continuing in coordination with NATO authorities, and the approval process continues as NATO procedures have not yet been completed. The Headquarters also does not have an Approved logo.

The duty of the Corps Headquarters in question is to support deterrence and defense activities in its area of ​​responsibility by ensuring the integration of the forces to be allocated to it within the scope of the Regional Plans.

“On the other hand, since the NATO Southeast Regional Plan prepared within the scope of the threat assessment has been previously approved by the Allies, the Multinational Corps Headquarters planned to be established has nothing to do with the latest developments in our region.”

Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk, Press and Public Relations Advisor of the Ministry of National Defense (SMB) and Ministry Spokesperson, spoke at the weekly press briefing.

Aktürk said:

May God have mercy once again on our heroic comrade-in-arms, Air Defense Major Sinan Taştekin, who was martyred as a result of the accident of the Qatar Armed Forces helicopter, which was carrying out training activities within the Qatar-Turkish Combined Joint Force Command, on March 21, our ASELSAN technicians Süleyman Cemre Kahraman and İsmail Enes Can, and the Qatar Armed Forces personnel; We offer our condolences and patience to our noble nation and the brotherly people of Qatar.

According to preliminary findings, the cause of the incident, which is considered to have occurred due to a technical malfunction, will be determined as a result of the investigation to be carried out by the Qatar authorities.

Once again, we wish God’s mercy to our heroic comrades-in-arms, Infantry Specialist Sergeant Yusuf Açay and Transportation Specialist Sergeant Selman Akarsel, who were martyred in the military vehicle accident that occurred in Doğubayazıt/Ağrı on March 24.

Fighting Terrorism

Our Turkish Armed Forces; It continues its fight against all kinds of threats and dangers to the survival and security of our country, uninterruptedly and decisively, at our borders and beyond. Within the scope of the operation, search-scanning and border security activities carried out to establish permanent security, 2 more PKK terrorists surrendered in the last week, and the detection and destruction of mines, hand-made explosives and caves, bunkers and shelters in the operation areas continued.

Border Security

At our borders, 107 people, including 2 members of a terrorist organization, who tried to cross illegally were caught, and 950 people were prevented before they could cross the border. Thus, since January 1, the number of people caught trying to cross our borders illegally has been 1,524, and the number of people blocked has been 16 thousand 929.

“It has been decided to withdraw the NATO Iraq Mission”

Our Turkish Armed Forces; Within the scope of international duties and bilateral relations, it continues to contribute to the establishment of peace and maintenance of stability in a wide geography.

Within the scope of recent developments in our region, it has been decided by NATO authorities to withdraw the “NATO Iraq Mission”.

In line with this decision, the evacuation of our Turkish Armed Forces personnel serving in Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, to ​​our country was successfully carried out.

Within the scope of the withdrawal plan carried out by NATO, our country also provided support to the evacuation activities of Allied country personnel.

Developments in the Middle East

Conflicts between the US/Israel and Iran and Israel’s ongoing aggression continue to threaten peace and stability in the Middle East. Türkiye; It maintains its determined stance that all parties should show restraint and that disputes should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy on the basis of international law.

On the other hand, Israel’s; Attacks targeting infrastructure, civilian facilities and residential areas in Lebanon have severe consequences on civilians and constitute a violation of international humanitarian law; Its land operation to the south of the Litani River and the destruction of bridges over the river also shows its occupation policy towards Lebanon in the coming period.

In addition, Israel’s activities in southern Syria violate the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity; Increasing illegal settlement activities and violent incidents in the West Bank further increase the fragility in the region. In order to establish permanent peace, it is essential to implement the two-state solution and protect the fundamental rights of the Palestinians.

We invite the international community, especially the United Nations, to take responsibility for preventing increasing violations in the region and for the effective implementation of international law.