Erdogan's Stance on NATO-Israel Relations and Regional Diplomacy

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan emphasized that NATO cannot continue its partnership with Israel without sustainable peace in Palestine. Erdogan also urged diplomatic efforts with Syria and announced steps toward Turkey's inclusion in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. He pressed NATO for support against terrorism and mentioned pending F-16 sales with the U.S.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan declared on Friday that NATO's partnership with Israel cannot proceed without the establishment of comprehensive and sustainable peace in Palestine. "Any attempts at cooperation with Israel within NATO will not be approved by Turkey until then," Erdogan announced during a news conference at the NATO summit. Erdogan added that Turkey is continuing its diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war.

Erdogan instructed Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to initiate talks with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad as a step toward restoring relations between the two nations. "We are ready to extend an invitation to Assad for potential talks at any time," he confirmed.

Regarding F-16 sales to Turkey, Erdogan stated, "I spoke with President Biden, who assured me that the issue will be resolved within 3-4 weeks." The U.S. Senate recently defeated an effort to halt a $23 billion sale of F-16 jets and modernization kits to Turkey, following Turkey's approval of Sweden joining the NATO alliance.

Erdogan urged NATO allies to show solidarity in Turkey's fight against terrorism, specifically criticizing the relationships some allies have with the PYD/YPG, which Turkey considers an extension of the PKK terrorist group. While Turkey's Western allies also list the PKK as a terrorist organization, they do not label the YPG similarly.

Furthermore, Erdogan revealed Turkey's ambition to become a permanent member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), rather than just an observer. The SCO, founded in 2001 by Russia, China, and Central Asian states, serves as a counterbalance to Western alliances.

(With inputs from agencies.)