Erdoğan urges Europe to pursue peace in Mideast war

ANKARA

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on April 22 urged Europe to adopt a peace-oriented approach to the Middle East war during a phone call with his German counterpart, Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

According to a statement from Türkiye’s Communications Directorate, Erdoğan said the longer the war continues, the greater the damage to Europe will be unless diplomacy is prioritized.

He added that Ankara is pursuing efforts to end the war in Ukraine through negotiations, similar to its diplomatic engagement regarding tensions involving Iran, with the goal of achieving lasting peace.

The two leaders also discussed bilateral relations and broader regional and global developments, the readout said. Erdoğan noted that ties between Türkiye and Germany have gained momentum in recent months through high-level contacts.

Separately, Erdoğan marked National Sovereignty and Children's Day on April 23 at the presidential complex in Ankara, while state officials attended a parallel ceremony at Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of modern Türkiye founder Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

As part of the celebrations, Erdoğan hosted Education Minister Yusuf Tekin and a group of children, attended a program organized by state broadcaster TRT and later joined a reception at parliament.

Türkiye’s parliament was first convened in Ankara in 1920 during the War of Independence, laying the foundation for the modern republic. Atatürk later declared April 23 a national holiday and, in 1929, dedicated it to children, making it the world’s first official holiday focused on children.

In line with tradition, student representatives and education officials from all 81 provinces visited Anıtkabir early in the day, holding a ceremony that included a moment of silence, the national anthem and the signing of a memorial book.

This year’s observances come amid a somber national mood following recent school attacks in the southeastern province of Şanlıurfa and nearby Kahramanmaraş, which have intensified public debate over child safety and gun control.

Erdoğan said the government is preparing new regulations to address the issue, including stricter penalties for firearm owners who fail to properly secure their weapons.

“We will increase penalties for firearm owners who do not fulfill their duty of care, especially in cases where a child gains access to a weapon,” he said earlier this week, adding that additional legal restrictions on gun ownership are also planned.