“WE SHOULD KEEP DIALOGUE CHANNELS OPEN”

President Erdoğan stated that Türkiye and Greece, two NATO allies, are facing many developments that pose a threat to security and stability.

Emphasizing that they think that it is in their common interest for Türkiye to take part in the defense initiatives recently launched in Europe, Erdoğan continued his words as follows:

“We also discussed regional developments, including the ceasefire process in Gaza and the peace plan, with the esteemed Prime Minister. We reject the latest decisions taken by Israel to expand its control in the West Bank and weaken the Palestinian administration. The stance of the world’s leading countries, ours and our brother countries, on this issue is obvious. I would like to take this opportunity to particularly emphasize that permanent peace and stability in the Middle East depends on finding a fair solution to the Palestinian issue on the basis of two states. We will continue to defend this stance. 2025-2026 We believe that Greece, which was a Non-Permanent Member of the United Nations Security Council during the period, will keep the two-state solution perspective on the agenda of the Council for the benefit of our region. Likewise, we touched upon what can be done to establish stability in Syria and to quickly reach a position that contributes to peace in the region. It is obvious that the constructive role we undertake in this regard is important not only for Syria itself, but also for the security of Greece and Europe. We hope that all components of the country will move towards the future with an inclusive understanding, based on the principle of territorial integrity and unity of Syria. “I wholeheartedly believe that, as neighbors and allies, we must keep the channels of dialogue open with an understanding based on cooperation.”

COOPERATION MESSAGE FROM MITOTAKIST: “WE ARE ALWAYS IN FAVOR OF DIALOGUE”

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis used the following statements in his speech:

“There are various difficult issues and problems in our region. There are also some issues on which we cannot agree or agree. There are some issues, such as the continental shelf issue in the Aegean, the Exclusive Economic Zone issue. It may be necessary to apply to an international judicial body regarding these issues. There can be a solution to this within the framework of international law. I hope, Mr. President, and I share your optimism on this issue. The conditions are suitable for making progress on these issues. I believe that it is now time for all threats to our relations to be eliminated.

We want to see the war in Ukraine coming later. We agree on the start of the second peace talks in Gaza. Greece consistently supports the two-state solution and supports the Palestinian side’s absolute inclusion in the new administration to be formed. We do not support any possible steps regarding the annexation of Gaza by Israel. The expansion of Jewish settlements here is a factor that makes the formation of a Palestinian state in the region even more difficult.

We had the opportunity to make a detailed accounting of our bilateral relations. We made a strategic choice in 2023. We would develop contacts between the two countries on three main elements; political dialogue, positive agenda and confidence-building measures. We held extremely important meetings within the framework of this cooperation. We had the opportunity to discuss the issues between us through the open dialogue channels. We aimed to establish a workable relationship between the country’s foreign ministries that would benefit both parties. We have to handle the problems and issues between us calmly. We must discuss these issues sincerely among ourselves. We may even disagree on some issues. We are always in favor of dialogue. We will continue our cooperation in good faith and mutual respect. Our efforts have already begun to bear fruit. A positive agenda meeting was held in Athens. Really important results emerged here. In our meeting today, we agreed on many issues with the participation of various ministers of the two countries. “We signed various agreements.”

AGREEMENTS WERE SIGNED IN MANY FIELDS

Agreements were signed between Türkiye and Greece in the fields of investment, maritime trade, economic cooperation, earthquake, culture, science and technology.

After the bilateral meeting, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Greek Prime Minister Kiryakos Mitsotakis chaired the Türkiye-Greece 6th High Level Cooperation Council Inter-Delegation Meeting Session. After the session, a signing ceremony of agreements was held between the two countries.

President Erdoğan and Mitsotakis signed the Joint Declaration between the Government of the Republic of Türkiye and the Government of the Hellenic Republic.

The Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation between the Investment and Finance Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Turkey and the Investment and Foreign Trade Agency of Greece was signed by Burak Dağlıoğlu, Head of the Presidential Investment and Finance Office, and Haris Theoharis, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mehmet Kemal Bozay and Theoharis signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Encouraging the Start of Ro-Ro Expeditions between the Port of Izmir and the Port of Thessaloniki.

The Memorandum of Understanding on Strengthening Cooperation within the Framework of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization was signed by Bozay and Theoharis.

The Memorandum of Understanding on Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation on Earthquake Preparedness was signed by Minister of Internal Affairs Mustafa Çiftçi and Greek Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Ioannis Kefalogiannis.

The Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Culture was signed by Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy and Greek Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni.

The Joint Declaration of Intent on Cooperation in the Field of Science and Technology between the Ministry of Industry and Technology of the Republic of Turkey and the Ministry of Development of the Republic of Greece was signed by the Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır and the Minister of Development of Greece Takis Theodorikakos.

MINISTER FIDAN’S INTERVIEW

Foreign Minister Fidan, in his interview on February 9, regarding the presence of the terrorist organization PKK in Iraq, said, “There is also an Iraq leg of this issue. After the Syrian leg is over, there is an Iraq leg. I hope they will learn from what happened here in Iraq and make a smarter decision and the transition there will be easier.” he said. Fidan emphasized that the Iraqi government would have to make a determination regarding the PKK issue and that the structure in Sinjar could not and should not stop there. Regarding the organization’s presence in the region, Fidan said, “PKK is an organization established against Türkiye, but there is no area it can occupy in Türkiye. However, in Iraq, on the other hand, it occupies very large areas of land. In Syria, it is occupying. The problem is your problem rather than my problem. What kind of a sovereign state are you that you allow its existence in this way?” made his assessment.

Fidan stated that Sinjar is surrounded by Hashd al-Shaabi elements and said, “When Hashd al-Shaabi advances by land and we operate from the air, it takes 2 or 3 days. It does not take long. It is such a simple military operation.” he said. “The Iraqi government is in a position to allow its territory to be occupied by another armed element. It does not perceive this as a national security threat. Who does it consider as a national security threat? I do not know. It was directed against Türkiye 6-7 years ago. Now such an issue does not exist in practice.” Using his statements, Fidan pointed out that there are other balances within the country.

CHP Chairman Özgür Özel, whose abusive and threatening messages were revealed to Keçiören Mayor Mesut Özarslan, instead of apologizing, insulted him again. Keçiören Mayor Mesut Özarslan’s controversial resignation from CHP remains on the agenda. Özgür Özel, who was revealed to have sent abusive messages and threats to Özarslan via WhatsApp, broke his silence at the group meeting. It was a matter of curiosity whether Özel would apologize for the swearing in question. Özel, who did not apologize for the harsh statements, defended himself with new insults.

HEAVY INSULTS

At the group meeting, Özel read the messages he sent to Özarslan one by one, excluding the swearing parts, and this time made insulting definitions towards him such as “a little bitch, a bad seed, a broken piece”. It was noteworthy that Özel frequently made sentences such as “You cannot come to power with the corrupt seed Mesut. This little boy has received the halal votes of the nation and is trying to escape.” “Won’t those who nominate candidates make self-criticism?” Defending himself and his staff against the reactions such as, Özel said, “You will open your mouth when a single broken piece does something. There are no right or left wingers in this business, there are honest and dishonest people in this business. I take responsibility for all the decisions made.” Özel’s use of sarcastic statements, even insulting, in the first group meeting after Özarslan’s separation decision drew reaction.

The first signature was signed for the joint production of the GÖKBEY helicopter abroad within the scope of the World Defense Show (WDS) 2026 held in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia.

In this regard, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) and the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Investment and Military Industries Authority Institution (GAMİ).

TO BE PRODUCED JOINTLY

The memorandum was signed on behalf of the company by Presidency Defense Industry Vice President and TAI Board Member Gökhan Uçar. The memorandum of understanding includes long-term, high-technology joint production.

Saudi Arabian Ministry of Investment and GAMI will collect helicopter requests for various needs in military and civilian fields. In line with this demand, TAI will produce the required helicopters in Saudi Arabia with a local manufacturer. The scope and details of joint production will be shaped according to demands.

Helicopter systems have an important place in Saudi Arabia’s 2030 localization targets.

GÖKBEY’s structure suitable for different roles played an important role in Saudi Arabia’s choice. Joint production helicopters can also be sold to neighboring countries. AA

Eskişehir Mihalgazi Mayor Zeynep Güneş, who was targeted by İYİ Party member Mehmet Emin Korkmaz with a fascist language on social media due to her dressing style, was received by the AK Party at its headquarters yesterday. AK Party Headquarters Women’s Branch President and Istanbul Deputy Tuğba Işık Ercan, who hosted Güneş and the women from Eskişehir, said in her press statement, “We condemn in the strongest terms this fascist mentality that turns oppression and humiliation into a political style.”

Güneş and the women accompanying her later met with Hasan Basri Yalçın, Deputy Chairman of the AK Party in Charge of Human Rights. Güneş shed tears during her meeting with Yalçın, saying, “It is very sad that a person who is a member of this country is despised and offended because of his attire.” AK Party Deputy Chairman and Head of Human Rights Hasan Basri Yalçın said, “They are too full of grudge and hatred to tolerate an Anatolian woman with her shalwar and veil. The legal process has started. Our fight against this mentality will continue.”

ANATOLIAN WOMEN AT THE COMPLEX TODAY

Zeynep Güneş is expected to attend the AK Party Group Meeting to be held today with 100 women upon the invitation of President Erdoğan. On the other hand, İyi Party announced that Mehmet Emin Korkmaz, who heavily insulted Güneş through his clothes, was expelled from the party.