Erdoğan also noted that the country has been taking steps to address the negative impacts of the Russia-Ukraine war, such as raising retirement pensions by 25 percent.

He said that Türkiye has displayed a "fair and balanced stance" in the war and has not allowed itself to be drawn into the conflict.

Erdoğan also spoke about the February 6 earthquakes that killed over 50,000 people in Türkiye. He said that the government is capable of dealing with the effects of the quakes and has already begun rebuilding the affected areas.

“In the first year, we will deliver 319,000 houses to quake victims. In total, we will build 650,000 residences. We will be working day and night until we fully erase the traces of the earthquakes,” Erdoğan said.

The President concluded his speech by thanking the people of Bayburt for their support and said that he is confident that Türkiye will overcome the challenges it faces. (ILKHA)