A commemoration program was held at the Mausoleum in Topkapı on the 33rd anniversary of the death of Turgut Özal, the 8th President of Turkey. Özal’s children Ahmet, Zeynep and Efe Özal, his daughter-in-law Sinem Özal and his grandchildren, as well as Deputy Secretary General of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey Ahmet Bozkurt, Governor of Istanbul Davut Gül, Deputy Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Nuri Aslan, Provincial Police Chief Selami Yıldız, Provincial Gendarmerie Commander Lieutenant General Yusuf Kenan Topcu, 52nd Motorized Infantry Division Commander Major General Hakan Tunç, Coast Guard Marmara and Straits Regional Commander were present at the ceremony. Rear Admiral Serkan Tezel, Zeytinburnu District Governor Adem Uslu, Zeytinburnu Mayor Ömer Arısoy, AK Party Istanbul Provincial Chairman Abdullah Özdemir and Özal’s loved ones attended. At the ceremony, which started with the reading of Özal’s CV, Minister of Internal Affairs Mustafa Çiftçi laid the Presidential wreath on the monument.

Following a moment of silence, a prayer was recited by Provincial Deputy Mufti Ahmet Aktürkoğlu, and protocol members expressed their condolences to the Özal family. Afterwards, Çiftçi and his entourage visited the Turgut Özal Memorial Site Museum, then visited the graves of the late Prime Minister Adnan Menderes and ministers Fatin Rüştü Zorlu and Hasan Polatkan, laid carnations and recited prayers.

Farmer also went to the graves of Menderes’ wife Berin and son Aydın and prayed. In his post on his social media account on the 33rd anniversary of Özal’s death, President Erdoğan said, “I remember with mercy and respect the 8th President Turgut Özal, who provided very important services to Türkiye and the Turkish nation and played a leading role in the development, progress and breakthroughs of our country, on the 33rd anniversary of his passing.”

The dissenting opinion prepared as a result of the work of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) 2025 Audit Commission revealed the financial picture of the municipality’s subsidiaries and affiliates. In the report, striking figures, especially in maritime transportation and bus maintenance tenders, once again revealed the ‘inefficient management’ staff. The most concrete “damage” data of the IMM 2025 Audit Report came from the Sea Taxi operation. According to the financial statements of 2025, a total of 74.4 million TL was generated from the Sea Taxi service throughout the year. However, it was determined that 479 million TL was spent from the municipal budget to carry out the same service and outsource the service. This difference of approximately 400 million lira was reported as “non-rational use of public resources”.

MONOPOLY CLAIM
In the investigations of IETT, one of the affiliated companies, the lack of competition in bus maintenance tenders came to the fore. In the report, it was noted that the majority of maintenance tenders with huge budgets were concentrated in only two companies, and the companies that submitted lower bids were excluded from the system for various technical reasons. In İSKİ, the increase in administrative expenses while the investment budget decreased was criticized. While the Audit Commission was doing its work, the classic CHP mentality showed itself once again. Members of the Audit Commission noted that information such as the lists of the boards of directors of 31 subsidiary companies within the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality were not presented to the audit commission. Members stated that there was a violation of Article 25 of the Municipality Law and noted that the financial structure of the companies was overlooked. In the conclusion part of the dissenting opinion, it was stated that the municipal administration had moved away from financial discipline and the following statements were made: “It is unacceptable to hide the data of the subsidiary companies while creating holes in the municipal budget with inefficient projects such as Sea Taxi.”

President Erdoğan held intensive diplomatic contacts within the scope of Antalya Diplomatic Forum 2026.

AZERBAIJAN

In his meeting with Azerbaijani President İlham Aliyev, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that the regional countries, Turkey and Azerbaijan, are experiencing the negative effects of the war in Iran together, that they are managing the developments with common sense and coolness, and that Türkiye’s efforts are continuing to end the process in peace.

During the meeting, the two leaders discussed Türkiye-Azerbaijan bilateral relations, regional and global issues.

During the meeting, President Erdoğan stated that they are determined to deepen cooperation between Turkey and Azerbaijan in the fields of trade, energy and defense industry and to take relations to higher levels, and that they believe that they can achieve this with new steps to be taken.

Erdoğan stated that the regional countries, Türkiye and Azerbaijan, are experiencing the negative effects of the war in Iran together, that they are managing the developments with common sense and coolness, and that Türkiye’s efforts are continuing to end the process in peace.

During the meeting, Erdogan said that Türkiye welcomed the steps taken towards permanent peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and that they, as Türkiye, would continue to support this process.

MOLDOVA

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Moldovan President Maya Sandu discussed Türkiye-Moldova bilateral relations and regional issues.

During the meeting, the two leaders discussed Türkiye-Moldova bilateral relations and regional issues.

President Erdoğan stated that they will continue to take steps to improve relations between Türkiye and Moldova in many issues, especially in trade, energy and defense industry.

Stating that Türkiye continues its efforts to revitalize the negotiation process to end the Ukraine-Russia war, Erdoğan noted that they have increased their contacts with the parties in order to achieve permanent peace.

Erdoğan emphasized that Gagauz Turks are an exceptional symbol of the cultural and human ties between the two countries.

QATAR AND PAKISTAN

In his meeting with Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamed Al Thani, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that the unlawful attacks against Iran increased the security risks in the region, that he was satisfied with the ceasefire, and that Türkiye continues to increase its efforts to preserve the ceasefire and ensure permanent peace.

At the meeting, leaders discussed hot developments in the region.

President Erdoğan stated that unlawful attacks against Iran increased security risks in the region, that he was satisfied with the ceasefire, and that Türkiye continued to increase its efforts to preserve the ceasefire and ensure permanent peace.

Erdoğan stated that the conflict process in the region reveals the necessity of creating a new and well-based regional security architecture, and that they will continue to discuss this issue in detail with the countries in the region.

During the meeting, the leaders also discussed the steps that can be taken together for permanent and sustainable peace on a regional scale.

SYRIA

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Syrian President Ahmed Shara discussed bilateral relations, the latest situation in Syria and regional issues.

During the meeting, the two leaders discussed bilateral relations, the latest situation in Syria and regional issues.

President Erdoğan stated that Syria has taken decisive steps in strengthening its unity and solidarity, reconstruction and development, and that Türkiye will continue to stand by Syria in this process.

Erdoğan noted that Syria should stay away from conflicts in the region, and that increasing cooperation between Turkey and Syria in all fields, especially defense, security, trade, energy and transportation, is important for Syria’s efforts to get back on its feet.

President Erdoğan also stated that it would be for the benefit of the entire region if the integration process in northeastern Syria was concluded peacefully without interruption.

In the post made from the Presidency’s NSosyal account, the following statements were included:

“Under the leadership of our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Turkey takes a strong stance advocating justice, equity and equal representation in the international system. Turkey, the Key to Peace, carries out a foreign policy that centers not only its own interests but also the common conscience of humanity. Turkey, which is the voice of the oppressed, produces solutions in crises and prioritizes peace, continues to work determinedly for a more just world.”

The post also included a video of President Erdogan’s previous statements about world peace and his bilateral meetings with leaders.

Under the leadership of our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Türkiye takes a strong stance defending justice, equity and equal representation in the international system.

Türkiye, the Key to Peace, is a foreign country that focuses not only on its own interests but also on the common conscience of humanity… pic.twitter.com/c0Bb0dzBvL

— TR Directorate of Communications (@iletisim) April 17, 2026

Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek stated that Türkiye continues to be a strong voice of peace, stability and justice in a period when crises deepen, in line with the vision of leadership and diplomacy put forward by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Emphasizing that in every period when tensions in the region and the world increase, Türkiye directs the course of history with an understanding that produces solutions rather than fueling conflict, and that gives confidence rather than magnifies uncertainty, Gürlek said:

“With the astute leadership of our esteemed President, Turkey stands out as a balancing power that defends justice and stands by the oppressed not only in its own geography but also on a global scale. We will continue to contribute to peace, strengthen stability and be hope with our human-centered foreign policy understanding, conscience-based stance and effective diplomacy power. Turkey is the Key to Peace.”

In line with the vision of leadership and diplomacy put forward by our President Mr. @RTErdogan, Türkiye continues to be the strong voice of peace, stability and equity in a period when crises deepen.

In every period when tensions increase in our region and the world, our country;… pic.twitter.com/xt5nRBhsRL

— Akın Gürlek (@abakingurlek) April 17, 2026

MINISTER GÖKTAŞ: Türkiye IS IN FAVOR OF DIALOGUE

Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş said, “With the unwavering will of our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Turkey continues its stance in favor of peace and dialogue with determination. Turkey is the Key to Peace on a regional and global scale.” shared his message.

MINISTER IŞIKHAN: Türkiye CONTINUES TO BE AN EXAMPLE FOR ALL COUNTRIES

Minister of Labor and Social Security, Vedat Işıkhan, said in his post: “Turkey is the Key to Peace. We see more and more the correctness of the steps we have taken in diplomacy under the effective leadership of our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The role we have taken in ending regional crises and strengthening global peace and stability continues to be an example for all countries. Our struggle by saying ‘The world is bigger than five’ will continue to be a hope for the global system.” made his assessment.

MINISTER INSTITUTION: THERE IS A Türkiye AT THE CENTER OF PEACE

Murat Kurum, Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, said: “There is a Türkiye on the side of the oppressed, on the side of the right, at the center of peace. Turkey is the Key to Peace with dialogue and diplomacy.” He shared.

MINISTER ÇİFTÇİ: WE ARE A STATE THAT TAKES RESPONSIBILITY IN THE FACE OF CRISIS

Minister of Internal Affairs Mustafa Çiftçi also shared in his post: “Compassion is our heritage. In line with this strong vision put forward by our esteemed President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, we act with an understanding that bases human dignity in migration management and prioritizes public order and security. While we continue our fight against irregular migration with determination, we do not close our doors to those escaping from persecution, we meticulously maintain the balance of conscience and law. Turkey is a state that takes responsibility in the face of crises and displays a humanitarian stance. Türkiye is the Key to Peace.” He included his statements.

MINISTER ERSOY: Türkiye CONTINUES ITS WORKS FOR PEACE IN THE WORLD

Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy stated that under the leadership of President Erdoğan, they act with an understanding of diplomacy that prioritizes peace, tranquility and prosperity in the region, and added:

“We resolutely defend on every platform that there are no winners in war and that permanent peace is only possible with dialogue and diplomacy. As Turkey, we continue our work to ensure peace and tranquility prevail all over the world, starting from our region. Peace is not a dream, it is determination. The Key to Peace is Türkiye.”

MINISTER MEMİŞOĞLU: Türkiye IS AN UNSHAKEABLE FORTEST AGAINST OPPRESSION

Minister of Health Kemal Memişoğlu said, “The world is bigger than five, humanity is bigger than oppression. Under the leadership of our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, we are the flagbearers of global conscience by saying ‘a more just world is possible’. Turkey is the voice of justice wherever there is injustice, and the name of healing wherever there is a tear. Turkey is an unshakable fortress against oppression, and the Key to Peace at the door of trust that humanity awaits.” shared.

MINISTER BAYRAKTAR: WE ARE WORKING TO GUARANTEE STABILITY

Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar, in his post on his NSosyal account, stated that they are on the side of negotiation instead of conflict and peace instead of war, and said, “We are taking the initiative in resolving crises with the intense and predictive diplomacy traffic we carry out under the leadership of our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and working to be the guarantee of stability not only in our region but all over the world. Türkiye is the Key to Peace.” made his evaluations.

MINISTER YUMAKLI: WE CONTINUE TO RISE

Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı, in his post on his NSosyal account, said, “This strong will, which takes initiative in solving global crises, strengthens the ground for dialogue and is the loud voice of peace and justice all over the world, continues to rise with the vision of our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Türkiye is the Key to Peace.” he said.

MINISTER BOLAT: CONSCIENCE-CENTERED DIPLOMACY IS BEING CONDUCTED

In his post on his NSosyal account, Minister of Commerce Ömer Bolat stated that in a period when conflicts, crises and uncertainties are increasing in the world, Türkiye continues to be the voice of the oppressed and the “key to peace” with its “fair stance”, “conscience-centered” diplomacy and determined will, and said: “In line with the vision put forward by our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, our country aims to achieve peace in every field, from trade to diplomacy, from humanitarian aid to regional cooperation.” “Turkey, with the strength it draws from its history, the courage it draws from its nation and the leadership of our President, will continue to be the key that opens the door to peace, raises hopes and builds the future.” He included his words.

MINISTER URALOĞLU: A Türkiye THAT PRODUCES DIALOGUE AGAINST CONFLICTS

Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu noted the following in his post on his NSosyal account:

“A Turkey that produces solutions against crises and dialogue against conflicts under the leadership of our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan… Strong will, effective diplomacy, lasting peace. Türkiye is the Key to Peace.”

Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz attended the online meeting on the Strait of Hormuz hosted by France and England in Antalya, where he was on the occasion of the Antalya Diplomatic Forum 2026.

“MAINTAINING STABILITY IS CRITICALLY IMPORTANT”

Sharing a post about the meeting on his NSosyal account, Yılmaz stated that he attended the meeting on behalf of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at a time when the increasing uncertainties in the region and the heavy human and economic costs of the conflict increased, and said:

“In this process, preserving the ceasefire, continuing the negotiation process that started in Islamabad without interruption, and re-establishing diplomacy are of vital importance for the establishment of permanent peace. Developments in the Strait of Hormuz pose multi-dimensional risks, from energy supply security to supply chains, from fertilizer markets to global food security. In this context, re-establishing maritime navigation security on the basis of international law is critical for maintaining regional stability.

We welcome the announcement by Iran during the meeting hours that the Strait of Hormuz has been reopened to all ships until the end of the ceasefire period, as an important step towards reducing tensions. Avoiding similar crises, conflicts and developments that would disrupt maritime transportation in our region is only possible by strengthening dialogue, moderation and multilateral cooperation. “As Türkiye, we will continue to make all diplomatic efforts for a lasting peace.”