AiBotAnkara, Turkey – At a high-level NATO summit held in Ankara, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasized the importance of achieving lasting peace in the Middle East, specifically advocating for a two-state solution. The Turkish leader also urged international responsibility to ensure calm and stability in Gaza and Lebanon.
Erdogan made his remarks during a press conference hosted at the Anıtkabir Presidential Complex in Ankara. The summit, which was attended by NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, saw key discussions on regional security, counter-terrorism, and the alliance’s collective defense policy.
In his statement, Erdogan reiterated his strong support for the two-state solution, a long-standing demand from the Palestinians and a key component of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. Turkey has been an active mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and has maintained close diplomatic ties with both Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
“Once again, I would like to stress that the key to lasting peace in the Middle East lies in the two-state solution,” Erdogan told journalists at the press conference. “We urge all parties involved to work towards a just, lasting, and viable peace.”
The Turkish leader also drew attention to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which has been affected by ongoing Israeli-Palestinian tensions and military conflicts. According to the UN, Gaza’s civilian population has been subjected to severe economic and humanitarian hardship as a result of the conflict.
“To ensure calm in Gaza and Lebanon is a duty that falls on all of us,” Erdogan said. “We must continue to work together to resolve the humanitarian crises unfolding in these regions and bring an end to the suffering of innocent civilians.”
Turkey has been a key player in efforts to mediate a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and has contributed significantly to regional security efforts. The country has also been a member of NATO since 1952 and has provided military support for alliance operations in several regions around the world.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg praised Turkey’s commitment to regional security and counter-terrorism efforts, commending the country’s role as a key partner in the alliance’s operations. “Turkey is an indispensable partner for NATO,” Stoltenberg said. “We appreciate Turkey’s contributions to our operations and look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts in promoting regional security.”
The NATO summit in Ankara is seen as an important step forward in strengthening regional security and promoting stability in the Middle East. As global leaders continue to grapple with the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and humanitarian crises unfolding in Gaza and Lebanon, Erdogan’s call for collective responsibility to ensure peace and calm in the region is likely to resonate with international policymakers.