Erdogan: Kurdish Citizens Hold Significant Parliamentary Influence, Welcomes Iran-Israel Ceasefire

By Ahora Qadi

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasized the political inclusion of Kurdish citizens and expressed support for the recent ceasefire between Iran and Israel, underscoring Turkey’s commitment to regional stability and inclusive governance during a press conference held at the conclusion of the NATO Leaders’ Summit.

"We Have No Issues with Kurdish Citizens"

Responding to a question about the peace process, Erdogan asserted that his administration maintains a positive relationship with Kurdish citizens in southeastern Turkey (Northern Kurdistan). “As presidents, we have no problem with our Kurdish citizens living in the region. Things are progressing quite well at the moment,” he said.

He noted that Kurdish representatives hold a strong presence in the Turkish parliament, signaling their active role in the country's political landscape. Erdogan disclosed that he previously met with Pervin Buldan and the late Sırrı Süreyya Önder upon request, and indicated that a new meeting with Kurdish political figures is expected soon. “There is no issue with continuing such dialogues,” he added, reaffirming Turkey’s unity: “In my country, Turks, Kurds, Laz, Circassians, Arabs— we are all one. My duty is to protect the integrity of my country, and we will uphold this in the best way possible.”

Regional Diplomacy and Iran-Israel Ceasefire

Commenting on the de-escalation between Tehran and Tel Aviv, Erdogan welcomed the ceasefire and praised diplomatic efforts that helped prevent broader regional conflict. “The military escalation between Israel and Iran has endangered our region. From the very beginning, we engaged in intensive diplomatic activity,” he stated.

Erdogan emphasized that enduring solutions with Iran, a neighboring country, must be achieved through diplomacy and negotiation, not warfare. He called on all allies, including the United States, to contribute constructively to peacebuilding in the Middle East. “The region is filled with examples proving that war leads nowhere,” he said, expressing hope that all sides will heed the call of “my friend Trump.”

Summit Diplomacy and Gaza Appeal

The Turkish president also detailed high-level meetings he held with world leaders including U.S. President Donald Trump, German Chancellor Mertz, and French President Macron. He revealed that Turkey will host next year’s NATO summit, marking a significant diplomatic milestone.

Addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Erdogan warned against international inaction. “For months, aid has not reached the oppressed people in Gaza,” he said. He criticized Israel for blocking humanitarian access, including denying passage to aid delivered by the Red Cross. “We call on powerful nations to stand against Israel and to ensure that aid corridors to Gaza are opened.”

On Potential Tensions with Israel

When asked whether a new round of tensions could emerge between Turkey and Israel, Erdogan clarified: “As long as there is no attack on Turkey, such a thing is out of the question. Turkey is a country of peace in its region and exerts all efforts to uphold that peace.”

Nonetheless, he affirmed that Ankara would continue to oppose Israeli policies perceived as oppressive: “We will always stand against tyranny, as we have in Gaza. We will remain on the side of the oppressed and will continue to do so.”

Erdogan’s remarks reinforced Turkey’s dual focus on domestic inclusivity and assertive regional diplomacy, amid shifting dynamics in the broader Middle East.