Türkiye's SCO bid 'never means turning back on West': Erdogan

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday that Türkiye's pursuit of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) membership "never means turning its back on the West," emphasizing Ankara's commitment to a comprehensive 360-degree foreign policy vision.

Speaking to reporters aboard the presidential plane while returning from the SCO Heads of State Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Erdogan said the invitation from Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov provided an opportunity to advance Türkiye's multilateral engagement. "Our goal is to increase our own weight with a 360-degree vision," he said, according to Anadolu Agency.

Black Sea security concerns

Erdogan addressed the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, noting that both he and Russian President Vladimir Putin desire a peaceful resolution to the conflict as soon as possible. He emphasized that civilian maritime transportation security in the Black Sea must not be compromised by military operations.

The president warned that a grain crisis is re-emerging, particularly affecting Africa, and stated that preemptive initiative is necessary before the situation deteriorates further.

Indigenous defense and F-35 talks

On defense cooperation, Erdogan confirmed that Ankara is continuing negotiations with Washington regarding Türkiye's re-inclusion in the F-35 fighter jet program. "We are continuing our talks on Türkiye's re-inclusion in the program. Once the processes in the US are completed, this issue will be behind us," he said.

Simultaneously, Erdogan stressed that indigenous development remains a priority, stating: "We are not giving up on KAAN or developing our own air defense systems. We are increasing Türkiye's options. This is the roadmap of a strong Türkiye." He also noted that the Mecca Defense Alliance was established to promote regional stability and security, adding that Ankara would continue growing stronger alongside its allies.

Aegean tensions and counterterrorism

Erdogan called on Greece to reverse what he described as a "wrong path" regarding the militarization of islands with demilitarized status under international agreements. "History is a very good guide for those who learn lessons from it," he said. "Greece must now understand this: Türkiye has no designs on anyone's territory, but it will not allow anyone to violate its rights," Erdogan added.

Regarding Syria, the president stated that Ankara supports the country's unity with all its components, believing that the dissolution of the SDF would "open the door to a new era for the entire region." On the domestic "Terror-Free Türkiye" initiative, Erdogan emphasized that the process requires the PKK to lay down its arms and dissolve completely, noting that verification mechanisms are clearly established and the roadmap is advancing step by step.