Turkey’s membership in the European Union “is no longer a priority” for Ankara, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, even arguing that “Europe will be the loser” if this happens.

In an interview with Al Jazeera Arabic’s “Al Muqabala” program, the Turkish president addressed a series of critical issues, ranging from relations with the EU and the F-35s to the new defense agreement involving Mecca, Egypt, the Strait of Hormuz, Syria, and Gaza.

According to Turkish broadcaster NTV, Erdogan argued that the European Union does not appear willing to accept Turkey as a full member.

Erdogan said that EU membership is no longer high on Ankara’s agenda. As he noted, Europe is not showing any real willingness to admit Turkey to the Union and, in his view, if this process does not move forward, “Europe will be the loser.”

Regarding the issue of the U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets, he said: “I received a promise from Trump regarding the F-35s. I expect that promise to be honored.”

The Turkish president also referred to the Joint Defense Agreement signed on August 7 by Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan in Mecca, which provides that an armed attack against any one of the three countries will be considered an attack against all of them.

He argued that the agreement “sent an important message to the world.”

Erdogan also left open the possibility of expanding the new defense framework, noting that Egypt could potentially join in the future.

Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Turkey’s main priority is for the strait to be reopened.

As he put it, keeping the strait closed does not serve the interests of any side.

At the same time, he praised Qatar’s role in mediation efforts aimed at ending the conflicts in the region.

Erdogan also revealed that he is planning to visit Syria. As he stated, Turkey will continue working to restore stability in the country and “will not leave it alone.”

Regarding Syria’s Kurds, he said that they too should benefit from peace and stability, adding that Ankara will continue to strengthen its relations with Kurdish communities.

Referring to Gaza, the Turkish president reiterated that Ankara will continue its support. “We cannot leave Gaza alone,” he said. He further argued that Hamas is fulfilling its obligations “in good faith,” while accusing Israel of continuing the war.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan also expressed concern over Israeli attacks on Lebanon, noting that he had raised the issue with Donald Trump and that the United States could play an important role in ending the conflicts.

Regarding Sudan, Erdogan said that Turkey would continue its support and described his relations with the head of the Sovereignty Council, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, as good.

Regarding Libya, he said that relations with Ankara remain stable and assured that Turkey “will not leave it alone.”