Turkey has demonstrated its steadfast commitment to its survival and security, emphasized President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday (January 6) following a cabinet meeting in Ankara.

“If necessary,” he added, “we will come suddenly one night,” in reference to Syria.

“With the epic revolution in neighboring Syria, a new era has begun both in that country and in our region. We see that the new Syrian administration is determined to build a Syria based on the territorial integrity and unity of the country,” explained the Turkish president.

#BREAKING Türkiye has shown its firm commitment to its survival and security, says President Erdogan, adding that if necessary, 'we can come suddenly one night' pic.twitter.com/aP27HdLENx

— Anadolu English (@anadoluagency) January 6, 2025

He continued by saying, “Our sincere desire, expectation, and policy align with this direction. We will not consent to the disintegration of Syria or the disruption of its unified structure under any pretext. If we perceive a risk in this regard, we will take the necessary measures immediately.

Those who had different dreams, turning the Syrian conflict and the threat of Daesh into an opportunity, have faced the long-standing realities of our region after recent developments.

This reality is that there is no place for terrorism in the future of the region. The only fate awaiting those who choose terrorism and violence is to be buried in the ground with their weapons. Let me be frank: no power can prevent this. Turkey has repeatedly demonstrated its uncompromising resolve to safeguard its survival and security. If it comes to that, we can once again come suddenly one night.”

Remarks on Armament Projects

In another part of his press conference, he stated, “Our investments in the defense industry are not for preparing for war but for preserving and defending peace, independence, the future, and sovereignty. We emphasize this policy at every opportunity.

Turkey is a source of trust and security for its friends but also has the strength to crush the dirty hands that threaten our homeland, no matter who they are,” he added.

He further referred to projects “that will strengthen the power of our navy in the Blue Homeland, which the main opposition dismissed as nonsense. Through our MILGEM project, we designed and built the first frigates of our country as 100% domestic and national. Besides our five ships, the construction of our seven MILGEM frigates is currently underway.

With the experience we have gained from these projects, the first metal cutting for the TF-2000 destroyer was carried out at the Istanbul Shipyard, and the first welding of our national submarine was completed at the Gölcük Shipyard. We see our national aircraft carrier as the big brother of the TCG Anadolu.

We will continue our work with determination alongside all partners in our defense industry sector for a Turkey that instills trust in its friends and fear in its enemies.”

“Working for Peace in Gaza”

Regarding major foreign policy issues, the Turkish president stated that his country is doing “whatever is necessary to open the door to reignite hopes for peace in Gaza,” adding that Ankara “will continue its efforts until results are achieved.”

“A sovereign, independent, and territorially intact State of Palestine will certainly be established, based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital,” he further asserted.