Erdoğan clarifies Turkey's SCO ambitions and Western ties

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that Turkey's pursuit of deeper ties with the East, including ambitions to become a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), does not signify a turn away from the West. Speaking following the SCO summit in Kyrgyzstan, Erdoğan described this approach as a “360-degree vision” intended to increase Turkey's global influence by developing relations with various centers of power.

During the summit, Erdoğan held a private meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss cooperation in nuclear energy. Regarding the conflict in Ukraine, Erdoğan noted that both he and Putin desire a peaceful resolution as soon as possible. He also emphasized the urgent need for a mechanism to ensure maritime security in the Black Sea to protect commercial shipping and prevent a recurrence of the global grain crisis.

On defense matters, Erdoğan confirmed that Turkey is continuing discussions with the United States regarding reintegration into the F-35 fighter jet program, while maintaining that Ankara will continue to develop its own domestic defense capabilities. Additionally, he called on Greece to cease the militarization of islands that hold demilitarized status.