Erdogan emphasizes Turkey's role in global mediation and defense autonomy

During the ninth Istanbul Mediation Conference, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reaffirmed Turkey's commitment to diplomatic efforts across various regions. He highlighted Turkey's involvement in mediating conflicts, ranging from prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine to initiatives in Africa.

Erdogan criticized the current structure of the United Nations Security Council, stating that a system where the will of over 190 countries depends on the judgment of five nations is neither objective nor capable of restoring trust. He noted that millions in Palestine, Lebanon, and Sudan remain disillusioned with international institutions.

In a separate political appearance at an AKP parliamentary group meeting in Ankara, Erdogan signaled Turkey's growing defense independence. He wore a tie featuring patterns of the KAAN, Turkey's new fifth-generation fighter jet, which observers interpreted as a message regarding the nation's technological ambitions and its drive to reduce reliance on Western arms supplies.