Tag: erdogan

Categories
-Top News EU News USA

Erdogan criticizes US crackdown on college protests

Turkiye, a NATO ally of the United States, has sharply criticized Israel’s assault on Gaza and what it calls the unconditional support it receives from Western countries…reports Asian Lite News

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan waded into the debate over US college campus protests on Thursday, saying authorities were displaying “cruelty” in clamping down on pro-Palestinian students and academics.

Demonstrations have spread on campuses across the United States over Israel’s conduct of the war in Gaza, prompting police crackdowns and arrests at some venues such as Columbia University in New York.

“Conscientious students and academics including anti-Zionist Jews at some prestigious American universities are protesting the massacre (in Gaza),” Erdogan told an event in Ankara.

“These people are being subjected to violence, cruelty, suffering, and even torture for saying the massacre has to stop,” he said, adding that university staff were being “sacked and lynched” for supporting the Palestinians.

Turkiye, a NATO ally of the United States, has sharply criticized Israel’s assault on Gaza and what it calls the unconditional support it receives from Western countries.

The US is a top supplier of military aid to Israel and has shielded the country from critical United Nations votes.

“The limits of Western democracy are drawn by Israel’s interests,” Erdogan said. “Whatever infringes on Israel’s interests is anti-democratic, antisemitic for them.”

More than 34,000 people have been killed in Gaza during Israel’s nearly seven-month military offensive, Palestinian health officials say, after Hamas militants killed some 1,200 people and took 253 hostages during an Oct. 7 assault on southern Israel, according to Israeli tallies.

ALSO READ-Erdogan, Hamas Chief to Address Gaza Crisis

Categories
-Top News Europe

Oppn secures major victories in Turkey’s local polls

The Washington Post reported that voter turnout, citing the state-operated Anadolu Agency, stood at approximately 76 per cent, a decrease from the 87 per cent recorded in the previous year…reports Asian Lite News

In a significant blow to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, the main opposition party secured substantial victories in Sunday’s local elections, maintaining control over crucial cities and making substantial gains elsewhere, according to preliminary results, The Washington Post reported.

The results showcased the Republican People’s Party (CHP) retaining its grip on key urban areas, dealing a setback to Erdogan’s ambitions of reclaiming control over these pivotal territories.

With nearly 60 per cent of the ballot boxes tallied, incumbent Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu of the CHP led the race in Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city and economic nucleus, The Washington Post reported, citing, state broadcaster TRT.

Similarly, Mansur Yavas, the incumbent mayor of Ankara, clinched victory by a considerable margin, according to preliminary results.

The CHP was ahead in 36 of Turkey’s 81 provinces, The Washington Post reported, citing, results shown by TRT.

This electoral showdown was viewed as a barometer for President Erdogan’s popularity, as he aimed to recapture territories lost to the opposition in the elections five years ago. The CHP’s previous victories in Ankara and Istanbul in 2019 had punctured Erdogan’s aura of invincibility.

The focal point of the electoral battle was Istanbul, a city of 16 million people, where Erdogan commenced his political journey as mayor in 1994. The outcome served as a testament to the electorate’s desire for change and represented a substantial boost for the opposition, which had grappled with division and demoralisation following last year’s electoral defeats.

“The voters decided to establish a new political order in Turkey,” said CHP leader Ozgur Ozel to a jubilant crowd of supporters. “Today, the voters decided to change the 22-year-old picture in Turkey and open the door to a new political climate in our country.”

In Ankara, a jubilant crowd congregated outside City Hall to celebrate Yavas’ resounding victory, chanting slogans of pride for their mayor, “Ankara is proud of you!”

Sinan Ulgen, director of the Istanbul-based Edam think tank, said “the surprising outcome” was voters’ desire to penalise the ruling party for the depth of economic turmoil gripping the nation. Mounting inflationary pressures have rendered basic commodities unaffordable for many Turkish households.

“Turnout was relatively low compared to past elections,” he said. “There were cross-party shifts in the vote, which did not happen in the national elections because of stronger ideological attachments. This time around, the economy prevailed over identity.”

Approximately 61 million individuals, which included over a million newly eligible voters, were eligible to participate in the elections for metropolitan municipalities, town and district mayorships, as well as neighbourhood administrations.

The Washington Post reported that voter turnout, citing the state-operated Anadolu Agency, stood at approximately 76 per cent, a decrease from the 87 per cent recorded in the previous year.

Despite a substantial security presence comprising 5,94,000 personnel across the nation, sporadic incidents marred the otherwise peaceful electoral process. In Diyarbakir, a dispute over the election of a neighbourhood administrator escalated into violence, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries. Similar clashes erupted in the province of Sanliurfa, leaving several individuals wounded.

“According to the data we have obtained, it seems our citizens’ trust in us, their faith in us has paid off,” Imamoglu said.

Preliminary results indicated Imamoglu secured approximately 50 per cent of the votes in Istanbul, while AKP’s candidate, Murat Kurum, trailed with 41 per cent, as reported by TRT.

Imamoglu, a charismatic figure widely touted as a potential challenger to Erdogan’s dominance, ran independently of some parties that supported him in his previous victory in 2019. Notably, both the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party and the nationalist IYI Party fielded their own candidates in this election, signalling a fractured opposition landscape.

The disintegration of a six-party opposition alliance following its failure to unseat Erdogan in the previous year’s elections underscored the challenges facing the opposition. Despite opportunities presented by economic woes and the government’s inadequate response to crises such as last year’s devastating earthquake, the opposition failed to capitalise effectively.

Ulgen highlighted the pivotal role assumed by Imamoglu in the opposition, positioning him as a formidable contender for the presidency in the 2028 elections. “This outcome has certainly been a watershed for Imamoglu,” he said, adding, “He will emerge as the natural candidate of the opposition for the next round of presidential elections.” The emergence of the New Welfare Party (YRP), a new religious-conservative entity, siphoned votes from disillusioned AKP supporters dissatisfied with the government’s economic management. (A

ALSO READ-UK begins post-Brexit trade talks with Turkey

Categories
-Top News Europe UAE News

MBZ, Erdogan discuss enhancing bilateral ties

The meeting took place during today’s reception in Dubai for His Excellency President Erdogan, who is in the UAE to participate in the World Governments Summit 2024, with Türkiye as a guest of honour…reports Asian Lite News

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Excellency President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of the Republic of Türkiye discussed strengthening bilateral relations and working together to meet the aims of the two countries’ wide-ranging economic partnership. Their discussions focused on expanding cooperation in areas that would benefit both countries and their peoples. The meeting took place during today’s reception in Dubai for His Excellency President Erdogan, who is in the UAE to participate in the World Governments Summit 2024, with Türkiye as a guest of honour.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed His Excellency President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, highlighting the considerable growth in UAE-Turkish relations, especially in investment, trade, energy, technology, and sustainable development. Both leaders are committed to furthering this progress to bolster bilateral ties. His Excellency President Erdogan expressed his gratitude for Türkiye’s honoured guest status at this year’s summit.

His Excellency President Erdogan also extended his deepest condolences and sympathies to His Highness over the passing of UAE Armed Forces personnel who lost their lives in a terrorist act in the Federal Republic of Somalia while on duty training the Somali Armed Forces. His Highness expressed his appreciation to the Turkish President for his sincere sentiments towards the UAE and its people.

The two leaders discussed the World Governments Summit and its agenda, underlining its role in enhancing governmental operations with innovative ideas and strategies for development, as well as boosting governmental capacity to navigate current and future challenges. They also reviewed several regional and international matters of mutual interest and shared their perspectives, including on recent developments in the Gaza Strip. The two sides stressed the need for international efforts to halt hostilities in the Strip and ensure the full protection of civilians in line with international humanitarian law, as well as guarantee the safe and sustained provision of humanitarian aid without risking further harm or forced displacement. Moreover, they underscored the critical need to prevent further escalation of conflict in the Middle East, which poses a threat to regional peace and stability.

The meeting was attended by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court; H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Presidential Court; Ali bin Hammad Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for National Security; Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology; and Khaldoun Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority and Member of the Executive Council.

ALSO READ-FCCI keen on elevating UAE-India biz ties

Categories
-Top News Arab News

Gaza crisis needs ‘firm treatment,’ says Erdogan

The Turkish leader refuted claims that the Hamas-led Oct. 7 attack acted as the source of the crisis, highlighting the long Palestinian struggle against injustice and the expansion of Israeli territory since 1948…reports Asian Lite News

World leaders must end the crisis in Gaza by addressing the source of the problem and establishing an independent Palestinian state, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said.

“We need accurate diagnosis to come up with the right treatment. If we cannot diagnose a problem at its source, there will be no solution,” Erdogan said during an address as the guest of honor at the World Governments Summit in Dubai.

“Without an independent Palestinian state, we will never be able to find a temporary solution.” He added: “Every step taken will remain incomplete unless an independent, sovereign, and geographically integrated Palestinian state is established within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.”

The Turkish leader refuted claims that the Hamas-led Oct. 7 attack acted as the source of the crisis, highlighting the long Palestinian struggle against injustice and the expansion of Israeli territory since 1948.

Settlements on occupied lands in contravention of UN Security Council resolutions show that “Israel deems itself above international law and for many decades now, occupation, illegal settlements and massacre policies have been sustained,” Erdogan said.

The Gaza conflict is an example of what happens when critical issues are left unresolved, he added.

“Every outstanding incident that was not settled became greater in time, more intertwined into a gridlock and resurrected over and over again. Anything we sweep under the rug remains unsettled.”

Erdogan’s comments came as Israel, despite global outcry, gears up for a ground offensive in Rafah, where some 1.4 million displaced Palestinians have crowded in hope of finding shelter. The war on Gaza has so far killed more than 28,000 Palestinians, wounded 70,000 others, and flattened the enclave into a land of debris.

The Turkish leader urged the creation of an independent Palestinian state within June 1967 borders. This would achieve regional peace, stability and economic development, Erdogan said, calling for effective global governance, solidarity and cooperation “if we want to identify a prospective future for our world.”

Governments must support the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East amid funding cuts from some European countries, he added.

ALSO READ-Hezbollah Vows Attacks Until Gaza War Ends

Categories
-Top News Europe

Erdogan Picks Former MHP Member as Ankara Mayoral Candidate

The MHP had allied with Erdogan’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) in the May 2023 general elections…reports Asian Lite News

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan named Turgut Altinok, a former member of the hard-right Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), as his candidate for the upcoming election of a new Mayor for capital Ankara.

In the crucial elections scheduled for March, Altinok will run against the incumbent mayor of the capital city, Mansur Yavas, from the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), reports Xinhua news agency.

Altinok is the incumbent mayor of Ankara’s Kecioren district.

The MHP had allied with Erdogan’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) in the May 2023 general elections.

The AKP seeks to win back control of Turkey’s big cities from the CHP in the nationwide municipal elections on March 31 after losing the capital Ankara and the largest city Istanbul to the CHP in the 2019 elections.

Earlier this month, Erdogan named his former environment minister, Murat Kurum, as the AKP’s candidate for the Istanbul mayoral election.

Meanwhile, he named Hamza Dag, AKP’s deputy chairman, as his party’s candidate for the western Izmir city.

The President announced his candidates in all cities, except for seven, where his party will support its alliance partner MHP.

Erdogan also revealed that district candidates would be announced as of Saturday, beginning with Istanbul.

ALSO READ-Erdogan says ‘killing children does not exist in the Torah’

Categories
-Top News Europe UK News

Yousaf slams Cameron as ‘petty’ over Erdogan COP28 threat

Cameron, a former prime minister, also threatened to close Scottish offices in UK embassies and withdraw foreign office support for Scottish officials while overseas if there were “further breaches” of protocol…reports Asian Lite News

Scotland’s First Minister Humza Yousaf branded British Foreign Secretary David Cameron “petty” and “misguided” over his threat to withdraw foreign office support for Scottish ministers on overseas trips.

Cameron wrote a letter to Angus Robertson, the Scottish parliament’s constitution secretary, on Sunday in which he said Yousaf had breached protocol by meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the recent UN COP28 climate conference in Dubai without a UK official present.

He accused Yousaf of failing to provide “sufficient advance notice” of the meeting to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Cameron, a former prime minister, also threatened to close Scottish offices in UK embassies and withdraw foreign office support for Scottish officials while overseas if there were “further breaches” of protocol.

James Cleverly made a similar threat during his time as UK foreign secretary after Yousaf met the prime minister of Iceland in August with no British officials present.

Yousaf, who is the first Muslim leader of Scotland and head of the governing Scottish National Party, dismissed the criticism on Monday, describing Cameron as an “unelected lord.”

He also said that any withdrawal of FCDO support would have a negative impact on Scotland’s economy. Yousaf said the meeting was arranged at short notice by a Turkish delegation, but that he would have had “no problem” with a British government official attending.

According to Yousaf, an FCDO official “chose not to stay with the Scottish delegation the whole day, and because of that they ended up missing the meeting.”

He added that a UK government representative had been present during a “vast majority” of meetings held during COP28. “Nothing was discussed that hadn’t been discussed at other meetings, such as the climate crisis, and in this particular meeting the issue of the Israel-Gaza conflict,” Yousaf said.

“For Lord Cameron to say he’s basically going to stop Scotland’s international engagement because of one meeting, where one FCDO official wasn’t able to attend — because, of course, at events like COP, diaries can change quite last minute — is really petty, really misguided.

“I suggest to Lord Cameron that next time, if he has an issue like that, he should just pick up the phone. I’m sure it can be resolved.”  A UK government spokesperson said: “Foreign affairs is reserved under the Scotland Act and, in such turbulent times, the need for the UK to speak on the world stage with one consistent voice is more important than ever.”

ALSO READ-Erdogan says ‘killing children does not exist in the Torah’

Categories
-Top News Arab News Europe

Erdogan says ‘killing children does not exist in the Torah’

Erdogan said, “Israel is implementing a strategy of total annihilation of a city and its people. I say very clearly and frankly that Israel is a terrorist state.”…reports Asian Lite News

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday lashed out at Israel over its air and ground campaign in Gaza during a visit to Germany, saying that attacks on children and hospitals had no place in the Jewish holy book.

“Shooting hospitals or killing children does not exist in the Torah, you can’t do it,” Erdogan said at a media appearance with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Erdogan, in a recent speech to his ruling party, branded Israel as a “terrorist state”, CNN reported.

Erdogan said, “Israel is implementing a strategy of total annihilation of a city and its people. I say very clearly and frankly that Israel is a terrorist state.”

The Turkish President also vowed to take steps to ensure that Israel’s political and military leaders face trial in international courts for their actions in Gaza. “We will take steps to ensure that Israel’s political and military leaders who brutally murdered the oppressed people of Gaza will face trial in international courts,” he said, according to CNN.

Responding to Erdogan’s remarks, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired back on social media platform X, accusing Erdogan of supporting the “terror state of Hamas.”

Netanyahu emphasised, “By contrast, there are forces that support the terrorists. One of them is President Erdogan of Turkey, who calls Israel a terrorist state, but supports the terror state of Hamas and bombed Turkish villages inside Turkey itself. So, we’re not going to get any lectures from them.”

Erdogan didn’t stop there, accusing Netanyahu of threatening Gaza with nuclear bombs. He warned, “I am telling Netanyahu, you have atomic bombs, nuclear bombs and you are threatening with them. We know this. And your end is near. You can have as many nuclear bombs as you want. No matter what you have, you are on your way out.”

Erdogan had cancelled a planned visit to Israel the previous month, asserting that Turkey has “no problem with the Israeli state; however, Ankara would never approve of Tel Aviv committing atrocities,” according to CNN.

ALSO READ-Erdogan Supports Hamas, Labels Israel as ‘Terrorist’

Categories
-Top News Arab News Asia News

Erdogan Supports Hamas, Labels Israel as ‘Terrorist’

The Turkish leader also describes Hamas terrorists as “resistance fighters” trying to protect their lands and people…reports Asian Lite News

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan increased his criticism of Israel, calling it a “terrorist state” and claiming it is intent on destroying Gaza along with all of its residents.

In a fiery speech to members of his party, Erdogan also says his country will take steps to ensure that Israel’s political and military leaders are brought to trial in international courts, The Times of Israel reported.

“Israel is implementing a strategy of total destruction of a city and its people,” Erdogan says.

“I say openly that Israel is a terrorist state.”

The Turkish leader also describes Hamas terrorists as “resistance fighters” trying to protect their lands and people.

Erdogan made the comments days before he is set to depart on an official visit to Berlin. 

On Tuesday, German Chancellor said Erdogan’s accusations of fascism against Israel were “absurd”.

Erdogan has been an increasingly vocal critic of Israel’s war against Hamas, which was launched after the terror group carried out a murderous rampage across southern Israel on October 7, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians.

Israel was a long-time regional ally of Turkey before Erdogan came to power, but ties imploded after a 2010 Israeli commando raid on the Gaza-bound Mavi Marmara ship, part of a blockade-busting flotilla, that left dead 10 Turkish activists who attacked IDF soldiers aboard the ship.

Netanyahu and Erdogan repeatedly aimed brickbats at each other in the ensuing years, including mutual charges of genocide. In July 2014, Erdogan accused the Jewish state of “keeping Hitler’s spirit alive” during a war with Gaza.

Ties later saw a moderate improvement, but both countries withdrew their ambassadors in 2018 amid violence in Gaza and the Trump administration’s relocation of its embassy to Jerusalem.

Facing hardening diplomatic isolation and economic woes, Erdogan began to publicly display an openness toward rapprochement in December 2020.

In August of last year, Israel and Turkey announced a full renewal of diplomatic ties. Earlier this month, Ankara said it was recalling its ambassador to Israel for consultations due to Israel’s refusal to agree to a ceasefire in Gaza.

ALSO READ: ‘March for Israel’ in DC Against Antisemitism

Categories
-Top News Europe

Erdogan again raises Kashmir at UN; calls for India-Pak talks

Erdogan signalled to the Taliban regime, which has barred women and girls from education in the name of Islam that and most work, that it would be accepted internationally if it gave up the restrictions…reports Arul Louis

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has again raised the Kashmir issue saying that resolving it through dialogue by India and Pakistan will lead to regional stability.

“Developments that will pave the way for regional peace, stability and prosperity in South Asia will be the establishment of a just and lasting peace in Kashmir through dialogue and cooperation between India and Pakistan,” he said on Tuesday at the high-level UN General Assembly meeting.

“Turkiye (Turkey) will continue to support the steps to be taken in this direction,” he added.

His latest comment was mild as it had been the last two years and by avoiding references to UN resolutions or a direct mediation offer, it was closer to India’s position that the Kashmir dispute was a bilateral matter.

In 2020, Erdogan called the Kashmir situation a “burning issue” and criticised the abolition of the special status for Kashmir.

The previous year, he had asserted that “despite the resolutions (UN) adopted, Kashmir is still besieged and eight million people are stuck in Kashmir”.

Last year, only Erdogan and then-Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan were the only two leaders to refer to the Kashmir issue while the 191 others ignored it despite Islamabad’s lobbying, showing its isolation in the UN.

Erdogan signalled to the Taliban regime, which has barred women and girls from education in the name of Islam that and most work, that it would be accepted internationally if it gave up the restrictions.

“The transformation of the interim (Afghanistan) government into an inclusive administration in which all segments of society are fairly represented will pave the way for Afghanistan to be positively received in the international arena,” he said. He criticised China for its treatment of the Uyghur minority, who are mostly Muslim.

“We will continue to express our sensitivity regarding the protection of the fundamental rights and freedoms of Uyghur Turks, with whom we have strong historical and humanitarian ties,” he said.

Erdogan said that the Security Council “has ceased to be the guarantor of world security and has become a battleground for the political strategies of only five countries”.

ALSO READ-Erdogan: Turkey May End EU Bid

Categories
-Top News Europe India News

India is Turkey’s greatest trade partner in South Asia, says Erdogan

Erdogan on Friday arrived in New Delhi for the G20 Summit. He was accompanied by his wife, the first lady of Turkey Emine Erdogan…reports Asian Lite News

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday said India is Turkey’s greatest trade partner in South Asia and the two countries have great potential in the field of economy.

“India is our greatest trade partner in South Asia. And we have great potential to enjoy primarily in the field of economy and many others…” the Turkish President said at a press conference on Sunday.

The Turkish President then thanked India for “a gracious and very successful term of presidency”.

He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the hospitality shown to him, his wife and the entire Turkish delegation.

“I would like to thank PM Modi for the gracious hospitality that was shown to me, my spouse and my entire Turkish delegation,” he said.

He further said: “This year, our theme was one world, one family and one future. And within the first session of the summit, we talked about the environmental challenges that our planet currently encounters. Climate change, the loss of biological diversity and especially there is the dimension of extensive pollution is a trio of challenges which we can feel even more profoundly now…”

The Turkish President further said that any initiative that isolates Russia is bound to fail.

“Its success is a very little possibility. We believe that any step that may escalate the tensions in the Black Sea should be avoided… In order to support global food security and food supply security, we are going to bring together the Food Supply Security Study Group, both Russia, and Ukraine, as well as the United Nations, and with our stakeholders coming from the international community, we are going to have continuous talks…” he said.

Erdogan on Friday arrived in New Delhi for the G20 Summit. He was accompanied by his wife, the first lady of Turkey Emine Erdogan.

He was received by Shantanu Thakur, Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways of India.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced the conclusion of the G20 Summit in New Delhi and proposed to hold a virtual G20 session in November to review the suggestions and proposals made at the premier forum for international economic cooperation.

“As you all know India has the responsibility of G20 presidency till November 2023. In these two days, all of you gave a lot of suggestions and placed proposals. It is our duty to see how faster progress can be achieved on these,” PM Modi said.

“I propose that at the end of November, we hold a virtual session of G20. We can review the topics decided in this Summit, in that virtual session. I hope you all will connect in the virtual session. With this, I declare the conclusion of the G20 Summit,” he added.

Before declaring that the summit had ended, PM Modi handed over the ceremonial gavel of the Group of 20 presidency to Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

“I congratulate the Brazilian President and my friend Lula da Silva and hand over the gavel of Presidency,” PM Modi said. (ANI)

‘Any effort to isolate Russia is bound to fail’

As the Delhi G20 leaders summit called for the immediate revival of the Black Sea grain initiative to ensure that developing and least developed countries, particularly those in Africa, don’t suffer, Turkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday said that any initiative to isolate Russia is bound to fail.

Addressing reporters after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the culmination of the G20 summit, he said: “We believe that any initiative that isolates Russia is bound to fail. Its success is a very little possibility. We believe that any step that may escalate the tensions in the Black Sea should be avoided. In order to support the global food security, food supply security, we are going to bring together the Food Supply Security Study Group, both Russia, Ukraine, as well as the United Nations, and with our stakeholders coming from the international community, we are going to have continuous talks.”

Following an earlier-than-anticipated arrival of a consensus, the Delhi Declaration, adopted at the summit, said that the G20 called for the “full, timely and effective implementation” of the MoU between Russia and the UN on promoting Russian food products and fertilisers to world markets and the Initiative on the Safe Transportation of Grain and Foodstuffs from Ukrainian Ports, or the Black Sea Initiative.

“In this context, emphasising the importance of sustaining food and energy security, we called for the cessation of military destruction or other attacks on relevant infrastructure,” it said.

On July 17, Russia had said that it would be revoking its involvement in the agreement that allowed grain to be moved from Ukraine to Africa and Asia to tackle the food crisis caused by the war, which pushed up prices to eye-watering levels.

Russia had said that it will honour the deal after “the part of the Black Sea deal related to Russia is implemented”.

Meanwhile Erdogan thanked India, saying: “I thank India for a gracious and very successful term of presidency. I would like to thank PM Modi for the gracious hospitality that was shown to me, my spouse and my entire Turkish delegation. This year, our theme was one world, one family and one future. And within the first session of the summit, we had talked about the environmental challenges that our planet currently encounters. Climate change, the loss of biological diversity and especially there is the dimension of extensive pollution is a trio of challenges which we can feel even more profoundly now.”

“India is among our greatest trade partners in Asia and there is huge potential to this partnership,” he added.

On the proposed India-UAE-Europe economic corridor, Erdogan said: “Regarding the corridor, as far as our work regarding the corridor is concerned, first of all, the Gulf countries are included in it. Iraq is also part of it. And opening up a corridor through Turkey would mean the following taking up the Gulf and opening it up all the way into Europe and tying it all the way into Europe.

“Now, regarding such a corridor, particularly United Arab Emirates, Iraq and Turkey are acting sensitively and in a fast manner. We hope to be able to implement this project. We’re working on it, and as we speak, our ministers of foreign relations and ministers of transportation work together. And we will try and work to be able to implement this in the coming couple of months.”

ALSO READ-How India made Delhi Declaration possible