File photo.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed optimism Monday over defense cooperation with European partners and reiterated Turkey’s firm stance on a two-state solution for Cyprus.
Speaking to reporters, Erdogan said Turkey is moving forward with a new aircraft carrier project in collaboration with Spain. “God willing, we plan to complete this new aircraft carrier in two to three years,” he said. “We discussed it with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. He said, ‘We’re in.’”
He also noted progress in talks with the UK and Germany regarding the purchase of Eurofighter jets. “Both are positive,” Erdogan said. “I observed a constructive approach in my meetings with [UK Prime Minister] Keir Starmer and [German Chancellor] Friedrich Merz.”
On Cyprus, Erdogan was unequivocal: “There is no place in my book for a meeting with the south. They don’t recognize the TRNC,” he said, referring to the Turkish-occupied northern part of the island. “We don’t recognize southern Cyprus. The key to a solution is two states. There will be no compromise.”