Erdoğan reaffirms support for Palestinian cause

ANKARA

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has expressed Türkiye's unwavering support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

"The Palestinian issue has long been overlooked on the international community's agenda. It is crucial for the United Nations and the international community to be actively engaged in finding a just and lasting solution," Erdoğan stated during a joint press conference with Palestinian counterpart, Mahmoud Abbas, in Ankara on July 25.

During their bilateral meeting, the leaders discussed the ongoing developments in Palestine in detail and evaluated steps to strengthen the relations between their nations. Erdoğan emphasized the importance of bolstering the capacity of the Palestinian state and improving the living conditions of the Palestinian people.

The Turkish leader expressed his "deep concern over the escalating loss of life, destruction, illegal settlement expansion and settler violence in the region," stressing that the vision of a two-state solution is the only viable path to achieving peace and stability in the region.

Erdoğan strongly rejected any actions that seek to alter the historical status quo of holy places, particularly the al-Aqsa Mosque.

"We will continue to advocate for the Palestinian cause with unwavering determination and support all efforts to enhance the security and well-being of the Palestinian people," Erdoğan said. "Establishing an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on United Nations parameters, is a fundamental prerequisite for peace in our entire region."

The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), the Turkish Red Crescent and Turkish NGOs continue to provide humanitarian and development assistance to Palestine, the president said. "Our contributions to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, to whose activities we attach great importance, will continue as in previous years,” he added.

Speaking alongside Erdoğan, Abbas expressed gratitude for the meeting, emphasizing the significance of such diplomatic engagements in strengthening ties between nations.

"We attach great importance to meetings and cooperation that enhance relations between our countries and peoples. Our relations with Türkiye are continuously improving," he stated.

Erdoğan was also set to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on July 28. The visit, however, was postponed by the Israeli side on grounds of Netanyahu's health.