Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday underscored Türkiye’s pivotal role in ensuring Europe’s security and prosperity during a summit of the European Political Community (EPC) in Albania, while also unveiling what he described as a historic breakthrough in domestic counterterrorism efforts.
Speaking to reporters aboard his flight back from Tirana, where the sixth EPC summit was held, Erdogan called for deeper cooperation across the continent and warned that persistent political biases and hesitation among European nations were holding back much-needed transformation.
“The time has come to leave behind political obstacles and prejudiced attitudes that hinder deeper cooperation,” Erdogan told journalists. “Otherwise, Europe will not be able to achieve the transformation it desperately needs, and its competitiveness will decline significantly in every sense.”
The Turkish leader positioned his country as a critical player in regional diplomacy and conflict resolution, particularly in regard to the ongoing war in Ukraine. He urged European nations and global powers to support Türkiye’s latest efforts aimed at brokering a ceasefire and eventual peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.
“We expect the support of all relevant parties, including the European Union, for the sensitive process we are pursuing with U.S. President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the immediate establishment of peace in Ukraine,” Erdogan said.
Renewed Push for Ukraine Peace Talks
Erdogan revealed that Ankara is currently engaged in behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts to mediate between Moscow and Kyiv. These initiatives, he said, are not merely rhetorical but involve concrete proposals, direct contacts and confidence-building measures.
“We are not just saying ‘end the war’ — we are proposing methods, preparing the ground, and issuing calls to action,” Erdogan said. “This war cannot be concluded through armed conflict. Our strongest desire is to achieve a lasting result through peace negotiations.”
He said Türkiye would continue to use its regional influence to keep communication channels open and facilitate meaningful dialogue between the two sides.
“Our determination is firm,” he said. “We will continue playing a mediator role to end this war and will make every effort to keep diplomacy alive.”
His remarks followed a high-level trilateral meeting in Istanbul on Thursday, chaired by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, and attended by Russian and Ukrainian counterparts. The talks, held at the Dolmabahce Presidential Office, were aimed at reactivating dialogue after months of stalled negotiations.
‘Terror-Free Türkiye’ Vision Following PKK Announcement
Turning to domestic matters, Erdogan highlighted what he called a “historic moment” in Türkiye’s decades-long fight against terrorism. Referring to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which Ankara designates as a terrorist organization, Erdogan said the group’s recent announcement of its decision to dissolve and lay down arms marks the end of “a 50-year nightmare.”
“The goal of achieving a terror-free Türkiye is now within reach,” Erdogan said. “Laying down weapons completely, fully implementing the dissolution decision, and abandoning illegality are essential. We will monitor the implementation of these decisions very closely.”
He said the move, if fully realized, would bring transformative change to Türkiye’s eastern and southeastern provinces, which have long been plagued by conflict.
“Look, the terror scourge was a shackle put on this country’s feet for years. We’ve started breaking the chains that slowed us down and held us back,” Erdogan said. “When the terrorist organization left the regions, celebrations broke out in the Southeast and East. My citizens danced in the streets because peace had come.”
Erdogan said the government expects this new climate of peace to drive economic revitalization in formerly volatile areas.
“The economic revival in this region will happen hand in hand with this atmosphere of peace,” he said. “Commercial life will be rejuvenated, the streets and avenues will come alive, and our highlands will be safe again. Shepherds will once more be able to live with their flocks without fear. Our expectation is to close the terrorism chapter once and for all.”
Diplomatic and Security Focus Ahead of Elections
Erdogan’s remarks come at a time when Türkiye is seeking to assert itself more strongly on the European stage, while also preparing for domestic elections amid growing attention on security and economic recovery.
The Turkish president has repeatedly sought to use diplomatic leverage — including his country’s role in NATO and its unique ties with both Russia and Ukraine — to position Ankara as an indispensable actor in European and global affairs.
His comments in Tirana reinforced that narrative, emphasizing that peace and prosperity in Europe are directly linked to Türkiye’s active engagement and cooperation.
“The path to a stronger Europe passes through Türkiye,” Erdogan concluded. “We are not just a part of this continent geographically — we are central to its security and stability.”