Turkish leader: Trump to help achieve peace in Middle East

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed hope that Donald Trump, during his second term in office, will play a key role in resolving the ongoing Middle East crisis, including the situation in Gaza, as he had promised during his campaign.

Speaking to reporters upon his return from Budapest where he participated in the European Political Community summit, Erdogan reminded the public that Trump had pledged to end conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon during his electoral campaign, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media.

"We would like to see this promise fulfilled, and for Israel to be told 'stop,'" Erdogan said, emphasising that Trump’s presidency could have a significant impact on the political and military balance in both the Middle East and Ukraine.

The Turkish leader also pointed out that the Palestinian issue and the Russia-Ukraine crisis could be addressed through closer cooperation between Türkiye and the US.

Meanwhile, the president noted that Ankara will take all necessary steps to combat terrorism, including targeting militants of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which operates in northern Iraq and Syria. 

Erdogan emphasised that Türkiye would continue its operations against PKK bases in Iraq and Syria to safeguard national security.

"Our fight against terrorism will not change. We will act with the same determination as before. We will continue addressing the issue of creating a 30-40 kilometre-safe zone in northern Syria," President Erdogan stated. 

"We are committed to the uncompromising fight to eliminate terrorism at its roots. We are showing, through action, that we will not allow the creation of a terrorist state beyond our borders. Türkiye will never hesitate to take all necessary measures to protect itself. Our fight against terrorism will end only when all terrorists are neutralised and the threat of terrorism to our country is eradicated," the Turkish leader added.

In its 40-year campaign of terror against Türkiye, the PKK – designated a terrorist organisation by Türkiye, the US, and the EU – has been responsible for the deaths of over 40,000 people, including women, children, infants, and the elderly. The YPG is the Syrian branch of the PKK.

Since 2016, Ankara has launched a series of successful anti-terror operations across its northern Syrian border to prevent the establishment of a terror corridor and to allow residents to settle peacefully. These operations include Euphrates Shield (2016), Olive Branch (2018), and Peace Spring (2019).

By Naila Huseynova