Speaking at the commencement ceremony of the Gendarmerie and Coast Guard Academy, President Erdoğan said: “We have given our country a say and influence over regional and global matters, and elevated it to a strategic position that holds the key to the solution.”

“Today, we are excited to farewell our 3700 sons and daughters, including 763 officers and 2 937 NCOs, to their posts. Among these graduates, there are, in addition to our own students, young people from our friendly and brotherly countries. I congratulate each and every one of our guest students, who are voluntary envoys of our nation and wish them success in the duties they will assume in their countries. Inshallah, they will serve their people while also significantly contributing to the development of our relations,” Erdoğan said.

“We do not harbor animosity toward any country”

“Those, who criticize Türkiye’s relations with Palestine, Syria, Iraq or any other friendly and brotherly country, are unaware not only of Türkiye’s geographical location, but also of its historical and social depth. If someone, who possesses a shred of historical knowledge, says ‘What is Türkiye doing in Syria?’, I assure you that he/she wishes harm to our country. If someone, after looking at the map, still asks ‘Why are we so closely interested in Iraq?’, he/she harbors malicious intent toward our country,” Erdoğan noted.

Underscoring that Türkiye does not harbor animosity toward anyone or any country, Erdoğan said: “On the contrary, we want to establish and develop the best, most advanced and sincerest relations with every country and people. We aim to establish a ‘belt of peace and cooperation’ around us starting with our close neighbors. We are determined to rip apart the straitjacket deliberately put on our region by some on the basis of infighting and animosity.”

Highlighting the recent positive steps in this direction, Erdoğan said: “We have put our relations with countries, with which we had disagreements over certain matters, back on track on the basis of win-win and mutual respect. We have highlighted Türkiye’s mediator role in a much more robust manner in the Russia-Ukraine war. We have given our country a say and influence over regional and global matters, and elevated it to a strategic position that holds the key to solution. In a turbulent region with constant conflicts and instabilities, Türkiye’s diplomatic, economic and military accomplishments stand out impressively.” (ILKHA)