Türkiye Won’t Be Forced to Choose Between EU and SCO: Erdogan

Istanbul, The Gulf Observer: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that Türkiye is not compelled to choose between the European Union (EU) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), dismissing claims that the nation must align exclusively with one bloc.

Speaking on Saturday at the Naval War College Commencement and Flag Handover Ceremony in Istanbul, Erdogan emphasized Türkiye’s balanced approach to international relations. “While strengthening our relations with the East, we seek ways to advance our deep-rooted cooperation with the West,” he said.

Erdogan reiterated Türkiye’s commitment to defending its national interests, particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean, where the country has been asserting its rights under the “Blue Homeland” doctrine. He affirmed that Türkiye would protect its maritime rights and the rights of Turkish Cypriots “till the end” and would not allow their rights to be violated.

“The fact that there are borders between us and the people with whom we lived together just a century ago does not mean that we will be separated from the geography of our hearts,” Erdogan added, underscoring Türkiye’s historical and cultural ties across its neighboring regions.

This statement comes amid ongoing discussions about Türkiye’s strategic positioning between Eastern and Western alliances, reflecting Erdogan’s vision of maintaining strong, multifaceted international relations.