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Qatar Tribune
a day ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Turkish embassy to marks 9 yrs of democratic resilience against coup bid
Ashraf Siddiqui Doha The Turkish Embassy in Qatar is set to commemorate the ninth anniversary of Turkiye's resolute defence of its democracy on July 15, 2025. Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Ambassador of Turkiye to Qatar HE Dr Mustafa Goksu expressed his deep gratitude to the Turkish people for their unwavering commitment to upholding the country's democratic institutions in the face of the failed coup attempt on July 15, 2016. He said that on July 15, 2016 night, Türkiye faced an unprecedented threat when the Fethullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) sought to topple its democratically elected government through violence, attacking critical institutions and targeting coup was defeated through the resolute stand of unarmed citizens, leaving 251 dead and over 2,000 injured, and demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to constitutional order. Ambassador Goksu emphasised Turkiye's continued fight against FETO, whose global network and clandestine methods threaten democratic governance worldwide. Expressing his gratitude to the leadership of Qatar for its principled and timely support, exemplified by the Amir of Qatar His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani being the first leader to call President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, he saidthat it remains deeply valued. He added that today, Turkiye and Qatar enjoy robust ties grounded in mutual trust and solidarity. Despite facing the challenges of attempted coups, natural disasters, and global crises, Türkiye has strengthened its democracy, economy, and international standing, the Ambassador said, underscoring Türkiye's gratitude for Qatar's unwavering support and reaffirming both nations' shared commitment to peace, stability, and cooperation. Dr Goksu highlighted the country's progress and noted that Türkiye remains a leading global tourist destination with nearly 62 million visitors in 2024. Emphasising security, he recalled decisive action against terrorism through operations in Syria, contributing to regional stability. He outlined major infrastructure achievements, including the Eurasia Tunnel, 1915 Çanakkale Bridge, and investments in renewable energy. He also detailed the rise of Türkiye's defence industry, now over 80 percent domestically produced, with advanced projects such as Bayraktar UAVs, the TCG Anadolu assault ship, and the KAAN fighter jet. The envoy pointed to a transformative foreign policy focused on sovereignty, security, and strategic autonomy, balancing ties with NATO and the EU while expanding partnerships in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Türkiye's humanitarian leadership was underscored by its status as the world's largest per capita donor and its value-based foreign policy that prioritises human dignity, he stressed. Goksu also emphasised Turkiye's active diplomacy and mediation efforts—from facilitating peace talks between Somalia and Ethiopia to brokering the Black Sea Grain Initiative in the Russia–Ukraine conflict. He reaffirmed that Turkiye will continue to support stability in Libya, Syria, Sudan, Afghanistan, and Gaza through humanitarian aid and diplomatic engagement. He noted Turkiye's role as an energy hub, its vast diplomatic network, and its commitment to multilateralism, innovation, and cultural diplomacy, reinforcing its position as a responsible and influential global actor.
Newsweek
06-06-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Rising NATO Ally Builds Its Own Aircraft Carrier
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Turkey's ambitious naval expansion is taking shape as new details emerged about its first homegrown aircraft carrier, Mugem, now under construction in Istanbul. With design and system integration work ongoing, priority will be given to homegrown aircraft, including unmanned combat drones and light jets, according to statements by Captain Hakan Uçar, director of the Turkish Navy's Design Project Office, reported by Jane's OSINT on Friday. Newsweek has reached out to Turkey's Presidency of Defense Industries, overseeing defense projects, for comment. Why It Matters Turkey's defense industrial growth signals Ankara's drive to assert greater strategic autonomy and its importance both within NATO and for the Middle East under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, an ally of U.S. President Donald Trump. Turkey's expanding naval and air defense capabilities—including a fifth-generation fighter jet —could also change global defense industry dynamics. What To Know About 285 meters long and 72 meters wide, Mugem will weigh arounds 60,000 tons and should carry up to 50 aircraft, with two runways for takeoff and one for landing, according to a description on the Turkish government's Directorate of Communications' website. The ship will have a flight deck built for aircraft to take off from a short runway and land safely, known as the STOBAR system, according to Jane's OSINT, a prominent open-source intelligence and defense analysis provider. Turkey, a NATO member since 1952, lacks a full-sized traditional aircraft carrier; its largest ship, the amphibious assault vessel TCG Anadolu, serves mainly as a drone carrier but has limited capabilities compared to a true carrier. The Turkish Ministry of National Defense revealed the warship last year and announced the start of construction in January. Turkey is also building a submarine and the TF-2000-class destroyer. Erdogan has established himself as a key figure across multiple geopolitical arenas, with Trump acknowledging and turning to the leader of a longstanding ally, as he seeks to redefine Washington's Middle East policy. Turkey's expanding defense capabilities come amid an escalating rivalry with Israel, especially in Syria where Turkey maintains bases in the north and has set out to leverage close ties with Syrian opposition factions. Turkey is also an important buttress against Russia and has been a diplomatic player on the Ukraine war. What People Are Saying Turkish Presidency's Directorate of Communications in January 2025: "With this project, Turkey's goal of maritime independence and regional superiority is clearly visible. However, as long as foreign dependency continues in critical areas such as power systems and aircraft technology, more time and investment is needed to achieve these goals." Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in 2024, as quoted by TRT World: "We will not stop or turn back from our path until we achieve the goal of a fully independent Türkiye in the defence industry." What Happens Next Turkey will continue accelerating major defense projects, drawing increasing strategic interest from regional powers.
