Holding a press conference following the G20 Summit in New Delhi, President Erdoğan said: “We have been making intense efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war, which has cost millions of lives. We have undertaken many diplomatic moves ranging from the Istanbul Process, which brought the sides together around the same table, to the prisoner exchange and Black Sea Initiative.”
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held a press conference following the 18th G20 Summit in the Indian capital city of New Delhi.
Extending his condolences to the people of Morocco, President Erdoğan said: “We are ready to help our Moroccan brothers and sisters as a country that experienced the disaster of the century just six months ago. We have completed the 18th G20 Summit in India. On behalf of myself and my nation, I congratulate India on its successful term presidency. I am grateful to anyone, particularly Prime Minister Modi, for their efforts, as well as for their hospitality towards myself, my wife, and my delegation.”
Noting that this year’s G20 Summit convened under the theme of “One Earth, One Family and One Future,” President Erdoğan pointed out that environmental issues facing the earth were discussed during the first session of the summit.
Drawing attention to the increasing impacts of the climate change, loss of biodiversity and the triple planetary crisis, President Erdoğan said that the destructive consequences of these are felt in a wide spectrum from wildfires to floods, drought, and warming.
“WE TAKE IMPORTANT STEPS IN NUCLEAR AND HYDROGEN INVESTMENTS”
Pointing out that Türkiye’s share in green gas emission is quite low, President Erdoğan stressed that Türkiye, nevertheless, shares the burden in this vital issue concerning the common future of humanity and the world.
Türkiye is among the countries making the most meaningful contributions to the Paris Climate Agreement with its 2053 net zero emission and green development targets, underlined the President. “We are taking important steps both in nuclear and hydrogen investments and in renewable energy. We rank the 5th in Europe and the 12th in the world in terms of installed renewable power. Our steps in energy efficiency and renewable energy have prevented 90 million tons of carbons’ equivalence of green gas emissions annually. We have doubled our emission reduction targets by 2030 in line with our 2053 net zero emission target. We are one of the leading countries of the world in combatting desertification and erosion. With the projects we implement in a wide range of areas, we are working for a greener, cleaner, and a more livable Türkiye and world.”
Describing the Zero Waste Project, led by First Lady Emine Erdoğan, as a critical milestone in this process, President Erdoğan stated that the project, run with the motto, ‘The World, Our Common Home,’ received five international awards, three of them from the United Nations offices and programs.
“WE STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER TO DEVELOPING COUNTRIES”
Pointing out that the Zero Waste Project has turned into a global movement with the United Nations General Assembly resolution, President Erdoğan said: “With this resolution, March 30 has been declared as the International Zero Waste Day. With our proposal, we have highlighted the importance of zero waste initiatives in the G20 declaration. We drew attention to the significance of fair burden sharing between developed and developing countries during the first session of the summit. In addition, we stressed the importance of funding and technology transfer to developing countries.”
Türkiye will continue to work for the preservation of the earth, pointed out the President. “During the second session titled ‘One Family,’ we recounted our efforts aimed at leaving no one behind and enhancing the global solidarity. We told what should be done in order for refugees and displaced persons to return to their home countries in a voluntary, secure and honorable manner.”
“
“We are all members of the great human family of 8 billion people,” underlined the President. “None of us can feel safe in a world where children die since they cannot find a piece of bread and water, where tens of thousands of travelers of hope lose their lives in deserts every year, where our seas quickly turn into giant cemeteries of refugees, where millions are displaced from their homes due to wars and conflicts, where human life grows increasingly more worthless despite all the rhetoric; in short, in a world where heartbreaking tragedies take place right beside us. If extravagance, waste and luxury go rampant on one hand while 735 million people grapple with famine on the other hand, then it means that there is a very serious problem.”
“NEARLY 600 THOUSAND SYRIANS HAVE RETURNED TO THEIR COUNTRY IN A SECURE AND VOLUNTARY MANNER”
Pointing out that from Africa to Asia, billions of people work and break sweat under terrible circumstances for the joy and prosperity of just a handful of people, President Erdoğan noted: “We believe that a more just world is possible. We make the most aid in the world in proportion to national income. We host over four million innocent and oppressed people in our country. Clearing Syria’s north of terrorist organizations, building permanent houses in this region with the support of brotherly countries, and meeting the needs in every area from education to security, we eliminate at their roots the causes that force people to emigrate.”
President Erdoğan added that nearly 600 thousand Syrians have returned to their country thus far in a secure and voluntary manner befitting human dignity, and that this number will further increase with the implementation of more projects.
“33 MILLION TONS OF GRAINS HAVE REACHED INTERNATIONAL MARKETS”
President Erdoğan underscored that Türkiye has been making intense efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war, which has been going on for one year and a half, costing hundreds of thousands of lives.
Drawing attention to Türkiye’s diplomatic moves including the Istanbul process that brings together the sides around the same table, the prisoner exchange and the Black Sea Initiative, President Erdoğan went onto say: “33 million tons of grains have reached international markets within the framework of the Black Sea Initiative. We have prevented the further escalation of the food crisis thanks to this initiative, which has been prolonged for three times as a result of our personal dialogue. We thoroughly discussed this issue during the visit I paid to Sochi on Monday at the invitation of Mr. Putin.”
“STEPS THAT WOULD DISRUPT PEACE AT THE BLACK SEA MUST BE AVOIDED”
Russia, Qatar and Türkiye attach importance to the shipment of processed flour to African countries in need of food, stressed President Erdoğan. “We will achieve this in solidarity. A process that excludes Russia on the grain issue is very unlikely to be sustainable. We are of the opinion that steps that would disrupt peace at the Black Sea and escalate tension in the region must be avoided. Meticulously applying the Montreux and maintaining constant dialogue with the sides, we have not allowed such a situation thus far. We will soon convene the Food Safety Working Group to contribute to global food safety. We will remain in close contact with Russia, Ukraine, the United Nations and the international community. The summit declaration duly mentions all of these efforts of our country.”
Welcoming the decision to let the African Union into the G20 as a permanent member with Türkiye’s strong support, President Erdoğan expressed his wish for the African Union’s membership to lead to favorable developments for all the African brothers and sisters.
“ATTACKS TARGETING MUSLIMS AND REFUGEES ARE NO LONGER TOLERABLE”
President Erdoğan warned that the “One Earth, One Family and One Future” ideal sustains the biggest harm from Islamophobia and xenophobia which spread like a plague.
Stressing that attacks targeting Muslims and refugees in some Western countries are no longer tolerable, turning into a wave of hatred in some places, President Erdoğan said: “Most of the countries claiming to be advocating democracy and human rights unfortunately play ostrich in the face of this barbarism. Burning the Quran under police protection is an overt provocation and hate crime, not a freedom of expression. No one can expect us to remain silent in the face of this. I believe that countries where Islamophobia is on the rise should adopt more determined policies on this issue for the common future of humanity. Loopholes, if any, should be corrected. Necessary legal amendments should be made rapidly. As a responsible member of the international community, we deem it our duty to tell the truth openly as a true friend. Accordingly, we bring this issue up at all the platforms we are a member, first and foremost at the United Nations.”
Türkiye contributed to the United Nation’s declaring March 15 as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, stated President Erdoğan. “In this respect, the resolutions of the Human Rights Council and the General Assembly regarding attacks on the Holy Quran are of importance. We are pleased to see that some countries take administrative and legal measures in the face of such incidents. Desecration of holy books has been denounced in the G20 declaration as well upon our country’s proposal and efforts.”
President Erdoğan noted that Türkiye urges anyone advocating humanitarian values, attaching importance to human rights and freedoms and believing that followers of different faiths can co-exist peacefully to lend support to Türkiye’s efforts in this direction.
“TÜRKİYE AND INDIA HAVE IMPORTANT POTENTIAL IN MANY AREAS”
Stressing that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the foundation of MIKTA, President Erdoğan said: “Under the term presidency of Indonesia, we as the leaders reviewed the last 10 years of MIKTA and our future projections. I had a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister of India Mr. Modi as part of my visit. India, our biggest trade partner in the South Asia, and Türkiye have important potential in many areas, particularly in economy.”
Expressing his belief that this potential can now be unleashed at the highest level now that the uncertainties of the election period have been left behind, President Erdoğan said: “The May 14-28 elections, held with a record high turnout reaching some 90 percent, have reconfirmed both the strength of the Turkish democracy and our nation’s confidence in our government. We further consolidate this confidence with every step we take.”
Voicing his observation that the Medium Term Programme Türkiye unveiled on Wednesday has been welcomed with pleasure both at home and abroad, President Erdoğan stated: “The statement made by the World Bank reflects the confidence in the Turkish economy. The World Bank Group has added a new investment package of 18 billion dollars to its already existing investment package of 17 billion dollars. Therefore, the size of the investments the World Bank is planning to make in Türkiye over the next three years reaches 35 billion dollars. We all will see that international investments will grow in parallel with our economic achievements.”
“WE WILL NEVER DEVIATE FROM OUR GOALS OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE”
While healing the wounds of the February 6 earthquakes on one hand, Ankara will never deviate from the goals of the Century of Türkiye on the other hand, noted President Erdoğan, expressing his opinion that his visit to India enabled the fact of a growing and strengthening Türkiye to be better understood along with other issues.
President Erdoğan further stressed that he held fruitful bilateral talks with the Indian Prime Minister, the host of the summit, as well as the leaders of Japan, Brazil, the UAE, the Republic of Korea, Germany, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the European Council, and the World Bank on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in New Delhi.
Thanking New Delhi for its hospitality, President Erdoğan wished success to Brazil, which has taken over the G20 term presidency from India.
President Erdoğan answered reporters’ questions following his speech.
In answer to a question about the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, President Erdoğan said: “Gulf countries and Iraq are included in this corridor. This corridor links the Gulf and the Caspian to Europe through Türkiye. As the United Arab Emirates, Iraq and Türkiye, we act delicately on this issue and work to implement this project quickly. Our foreign ministers and transport ministers will work to realize this within a couple of months.”
Asked about his bilateral meeting with the Saudi Crown Prince, President Erdoğan said that they discussed many issues including political, economic and cultural ties with a special focus on the future of the relations.
“THERE IS NO WAY OUT OTHER THAN CALLING FOR CALM IN THE REGION”
In response to a question about the latest situation along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, President Erdoğan stated: “I have discussed the issue in a phone call with Mr. Aliyev today. Probably, I will hold a call with Mr. Pashinyan tomorrow. There is no way out other than calling for calm in the region. However, the steps being taken in Khankendi, in Karabakh are not correct. It is impossible to approve these steps. Indeed, EU members also don’t approve these. In my meeting with Charles Michel, they don’t regard these developments as positive. For sure, we also don’t regard these as possible. Accordingly, during tomorrow’s call with Mr. Pashinyan, I will tell him to make a warning on this issue and that it is impossible for us to approve such an election. All the friendly countries we have spoken with thus far, including western countries, don’t accept such an election. They say this cannot be accepted, this election cannot be approved.”
“WE WILL CONTINUE TO TAKE STEPS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST POVERTY”
Responding to a question on criticisms about grain shipments from Russia, President Erdoğan stated: “To be honest, I don’t agree with these criticisms. That is so because Russia has so far exported 33 million tons of grains through the Black Sea corridor. However, there is a fact here. 44 percent of these grains were purchased by the West. 14 percent came to Türkiye. 14 percent went to African countries. Mr. Putin insists that the west didn’t keep its promises to Russia. Mr. Putin offers, ‘Let us send this grain to you for free. You as Türkiye process it into flour. We may take Qatar on our side as well. And in this way, let us send this grain to poor African countries.’ In our latest call on Monday, the issue Mr. Putin insists on is that he is ready to send this grain to poor countries free of charge. We are on the same page. Qatar also concurs. We are in favor of such a process. Mr. Putin has already approved of one million tons for the time being. I also stated during my meeting here with Mr. Lavrov that we shouldn’t make do with one million tons and should work to increase it. That is so because poor African countries are looking to Russia, asking how much grain will come from Russia. They said they will think about it. We, on the other hand, will continue to work even if through telephone diplomacy. My Foreign Minister will also follow the process. We will continue to take steps to fight poverty, particularly regarding African countries.”
“I AM NOT HOPELESS ABOUT THE RESUMPTION OF THE GRAIN CORRIDOR”
Asked about his opinions regarding the future of the grain corridor, President Erdoğan said: “I am not hopeless about the resumption of the grain corridor. This process may restart. However, Mr. Guterres has a letter. We will ask him to send a second letter updating the first one. If he does so, a new development may happen on this issue as regards insurance and swift. We will be following the issue.”
Regarding the African Union’s membership to the G20, President Erdoğan stated: “This is a positive and favorable development. I believe that Africa’s membership has revived the process. The decision to admit Africa as a member was applauded loudly here. This also made us happy.”
Stressing that relevant countries will be much more sensitive and careful in their relations with Africa from now on, President Erdoğan expressed his wish to make the relations more vibrant and keep the process alive.
“SWEDEN HAS TO FULFILL ITS RESPONSIBILITIES”
Asked whether he met with US President Joe Biden during the summit, President Erdoğan said: “I had a quick word with Mr. Biden. We also discussed the F16 issue. Unfortunately, friends keep bringing Sweden up when it comes to the F16 issue. Such an approach seriously upsets us. When they so, I have a response. You say you have a Congress to consider, I have my own Congress, which is the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye. Unless the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye passes it, I cannot alone ratify it. I am not at a point where I can reach a decision on my own. My National Assembly needs to pass it. Sweden has to fulfill its responsibilities. Unless it fulfills its responsibilities, I have to wait for my National Assembly’s decision.”
“EU MEMBER COUNTRIES HAVE BEEN STALLING US FOR 50 YEARS”
Asked about his meeting with President Charles Michel of the European Council on the margins of the G20 Summit, President Erdoğan stated: “Mr. Michel is not entitled to make a decision on his own. He is working to reach a decision by holding talks with all the EU member countries. EU member countries have been stalling us for 50 years, and they are still stalling us today. Whether they stall us or not, Türkiye is Türkiye; we will proceed on our way.”
In answer to a question about India’s demand to have a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council, President Erdoğan noted that Türkiye would be proud of the presence of a country like India at the UNSC and added that the entire world would be glad if all the countries, who are a member of the United Nations currently, became a permanent member in a rotating manner without any such distinction as permanent or non-permanent,