Erdoğan: Turkey Shapes Its Own Future, Acts as Regional Power Broker

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan declared that Turkey is not a country to be dictated to by others, but rather one that writes its own story and shapes its own future, positioning itself as a key player in its region. Speaking at the opening ceremony of National Security Conferences in Ankara, Erdoğan asserted that Turkey's growing self-confidence, courage, planning, and independent action capability underpin its "Terror-Free Turkey" initiative and its decisive steps across the Gulf, North Africa, and the Eastern Mediterranean.

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Today, the determined steps we are taking in our 'Terror-Free Turkey' process, with our own priorities and methods, extending from the Gulf region to North Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean, are underpinned by this growing self-confidence, courage, planning, and ability to act independently.

Erdoğan described the "Terror-Free Turkey" process as more than just a security policy; he called it a strategic state vision for the nation's new century. He expressed confidence that its successful implementation would not only fortify Turkey's internal front but also enhance its security and open new avenues for the Turkish people. He further elaborated that Turkey has become adept at analyzing conflict zones and adapting to evolving security paradigms, continuously improving its capabilities through cross-border operations and a strengthened defense industry that minimizes foreign dependency.

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'Terror-Free Turkey' process is the name of a strategic state vision for our country's new century, beyond a security policy.

In his address, Erdoğan also pointed to the enhanced coordination among security institutions to neutralize risks and the purging of "FETÖ-like structures" that he accused of serving Turkey's enemies, thereby preventing infiltration and internal sabotage. He noted the delicate balance achieved between freedom and security in democratic reforms. Furthermore, he highlighted efforts to ensure energy supply security through expanded diplomatic missions and new agreements, modernized healthcare infrastructure, and strengthened disaster response capabilities, all contributing to aligning Turkey with its ambitions and goals. Erdoğan concluded by stressing the importance of recognizing the responsibilities history and destiny have placed upon Turkey, vowing to continue reinforcing this capacity both domestically and internationally.

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We have minimized our foreign dependency by strengthening our defense industry. We have neutralized risks by maximizing coordination among our security institutions. We have prevented infiltration and internal sabotage by cleansing our state of FETÖ-like structures that served as tools for Turkey's enemies.