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President Recep Tayyip Erdogan concluded a three-nation Gulf tour on Thursday, announcing ongoing negotiations with Qatar and Oman to purchase Eurofighter aircraft and pledging continued Turkish support for Gaza reconstruction on Friday.
Speaking to journalists aboard an aircraft following visits to Kuwait, Qatar and Oman, Erdogan emphasized the strategic importance of Gulf relations to Turkish foreign policy.
"We attach great importance to our relations with Gulf countries in our foreign policy. We strengthen our relations with these countries through the high-level mechanisms we have established and the agreements we have signed," Erdogan said.
Erdogan disclosed that Türkiye is conducting negotiations with two Gulf nations on the purchase of Eurofighter fighter aircraft.
"We are currently conducting negotiations with two countries. One is Qatar, the other is Oman. I have conducted these discussions myself. My Defense Minister and Foreign Minister have also held these contacts. They will continue these discussions in the coming process," Erdogan said.
He emphasized that the acquisition of these aircraft would significantly strengthen the Turkish Air Force.
"The negotiations we are conducting on this matter, which involves many technical details, are progressing positively. We want to bring these to a conclusion quickly and, Allah willing, further strengthen our Air Forces. With the acquisition of these aircraft, our Air Forces will become much stronger," Erdogan said.
Defense officials, in coordination with the Turkish Defense Ministry, are advancing discussions with Qatar and Oman on the Eurofighter purchase, according to Erdogan's statement.
During the Kuwait visit, Erdogan met with Emir Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah at the Emir's invitation and signed four agreements in the areas of transportation, energy, and investments, in addition to reviewing defense industry projects outlined in a "Government-to-Government Sales Protocol" previously signed.
With Qatar, Erdogan held the 11th meeting of the High Strategic Committee established in 2014. Four additional agreements were adopted during this visit. Erdogan noted that relations with Qatar are progressing excellently at every level and that Türkiye and Qatar are fully aligned on regional issues.
Following Qatar, Erdogan visited Oman at the invitation of Haitham bin Tariq. Sixteen additional agreements were signed covering defense, energy, technology, industry and investments. Oman granted Turkish citizens visa-free entry for specified periods beginning on Nov. 1.
"This tour was aimed at the highest level of bilateral relations and represents our commitment to the Gulf region and the Islamic world," Erdogan said.
Responding to questions about Gaza, Erdogan addressed concerns about maintaining the ceasefire and ensuring adequate humanitarian assistance.
"As Türkiye, we are making every effort to preserve the ceasefire. The Hamas side is respecting the ceasefire and has clearly expressed its determination on this matter. Israel, however, continues to violate the ceasefire," Erdogan said.
He called for greater international pressure, particularly from the United States, to ensure Israel's full compliance with the ceasefire agreement.
"The international community, particularly the United States, needs to make greater efforts to ensure Israel's complete compliance with the ceasefire and agreements. Sufficient diplomatic pressure on Israel is essential in this process," Erdogan said.
Erdogan emphasized Türkiye's commitment to Gaza reconstruction and humanitarian assistance.
"Gaza will rise again, make no mistake about this. Uninterrupted access of aid to Gaza is very important in this process. We have never ceased and will not cease sending aid to Egypt. We are sending the assistance that our government and civil society organizations have delivered to the region to Gaza in trucks," he said.
He noted that Türkiye's 17th aid ship had recently arrived at El-Arish Port. The Turkish president stressed the importance of a coordinated international effort in rebuilding Gaza.
"Gaza can only rise again through a coordinated effort. We conducted comprehensive discussions at every stop. It is now time for action, not words," he added.
Regarding the deployment of Turkish security personnel to Gaza, Erdogan indicated that negotiations on this matter remain ongoing.
"Discussions regarding a task force to serve in Gaza are continuing. The modality of this matter has not yet been finalized. Because it is a complex issue, comprehensive negotiations are being conducted. We are prepared to provide all kinds of support to Gaza on this matter," he noted.
On the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Erdogan noted that the Budapest summit plans had been postponed but expressed Türkiye's readiness to host peace talks.
"Here, the importance of Türkiye's or Istanbul's vision for peace has once again been demonstrated. We are ready at any time to host such a step. We believe every kind of dialogue will be useful to end this war," he added.
He emphasized that Türkiye maintains good relations with both Russia and Ukraine and has earned the trust of both sides.
"We have good relations with both sides and we are a country that has earned the trust of both sides. This gives us an advantage on the path to peace, and we are determined to use this situation for the benefit of humanity," he concluded.
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