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President Recep Tayyip Erdogan disclosed Monday that he raised concerns about Venezuela's stability during a phone conversation with US President Donald Trump, following the American military operation that resulted in Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro's removal from power and transfer to the United States.
Speaking after Türkiye's first cabinet meeting of the year, Erdogan said he emphasized to Trump that Venezuela must not be allowed to descend into instability. President's comments marked his first public statement on the dramatic developments in Caracas, where US forces bombed the Venezuelan capital Saturday and ended Maduro's 12-year rule.
"We do not condone any action that violates political legitimacy and international law, wherever it occurs in the world," Erdogan said in his speech.
Erdogan said Turkish officials conducted a comprehensive review of the Venezuela situation during Monday's cabinet meeting, examining current intelligence compiled by relevant agencies. He framed the matter as both a question of international law and bilateral friendship between Türkiye and Venezuela.
President Erdogan warned that violations of national sovereignty and international law represent risky steps that could trigger serious complications globally. "In a world where the law of force prevails instead of the force of law, instability, crises and conflicts are inevitable," he said.
Erdogan stressed that Türkiye opposes chaos and tension in any region, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a rules-based international system.
Describing Venezuela and Maduro as friends of the Turkish nation, Erdogan said the two countries have prioritized solidarity during difficult times. He indicated Türkiye would continue supporting the Venezuelan people in their pursuit of prosperity, peace and development.
"As two friendly countries, we have made efforts to stand in solidarity with each other during our difficult days. Today, we continue to act with the same understanding," Erdogan stated.
Erdogan said Ankara aims to pursue whatever course of action serves the best interests of both Türkiye and the Venezuelan people in the current crisis. He reiterated his message to Trump that Venezuela should not be pushed toward instability.
In separate comments released Monday by Bloomberg claimed Erdogan expressed optimism about Türkiye's potential readmission to the F-35 fighter jet program. The United States expelled NATO member Türkiye from the program in 2019 and imposed sanctions after Ankara purchased Russia's S-400 missile defense system.
Erdogan called Türkiye's exclusion from the program "unjust" and described the country's readmission as important and necessary. The comments suggest both NATO allies are working to resolve the longstanding dispute since Trump's return to office.
Maduro pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking charges in a New York court Monday, following his weekend capture and transfer to US custody.
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