Turkey has pushed EU accession down its list of priorities, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, arguing that Europe would ultimately lose if the process failed to move forward.
In a wide-ranging interview with Al Jazeera Arabic’s Al Muqabala, Erdogan also addressed the F-35 fighter jet programme, a new regional defence agreement, the Strait of Hormuz, Syria, Gaza, Sudan and Libya.
EU accession and F-35s
According to Turkish broadcaster NTV, Erdogan said the European Union had shown no genuine willingness to accept Turkey as a full member.
He argued that accession was no longer high on Ankara’s agenda and that, if the process did not advance, “Europe will be the one to lose”.
Turning to the issue of US F-35 fighter jets, Erdogan said: “I received a promise from Trump on the F-35s. I expect it to be kept.”
Mecca defence agreement could expand
Erdogan also referred to the Joint Defence Agreement signed by Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in Mecca on 7 August.
The agreement provides that an armed attack against any one of the three countries will be considered an attack against them all.
Erdogan said the pact had “sent an important message to the world” and left open the possibility of its expansion, suggesting that Egypt could join the defence framework in the future.
Strait of Hormuz and Qatar’s role
The Turkish president said Ankara’s main priority regarding the Strait of Hormuz was its reopening, arguing that keeping the waterway closed served no party’s interests.
He also praised Qatar’s mediation efforts aimed at ending conflicts in the region.
Planned visit to Syria
Erdogan revealed that he was planning to visit Syria and said Turkey would continue working to restore stability in the country.
“We will not leave it alone,” he said.
Referring to Syria’s Kurdish population, Erdogan said Kurdish communities should also benefit from peace and stability, adding that Ankara would continue strengthening its relations with them.
Gaza and Lebanon
Erdogan reiterated Turkey’s support for Gaza, saying: “We cannot leave Gaza alone.”
He claimed Hamas was fulfilling its obligations “in good faith”, while accusing Israel of continuing the war.
The Turkish president also expressed concern over Israeli attacks in Lebanon. He said he had raised the issue with US President Donald Trump and argued that Washington could play an important role in ending the conflict.
Sudan and Libya
On Sudan, Erdogan said Turkey would continue providing support and described his relations with Sovereignty Council Chairman Abdel Fattah al-Burhan as good.
He added that Ankara’s relations with Libya remained stable and said Turkey “will not leave it alone”.
Source: CNA
