Türkiye says Mideast policy based on national interests

Türkiye has reiterated that it follows a principled stance in pursuing foreign policy regarding the Middle East and underlined once again that it won't hesitate to take necessary measures to counter the threats to its national security.

"Our foreign policy is based on the interests of our state and nation. Within this framework, Türkiye aims to establish peace, stability and prosperity in the Middle East, to which it has strong historical and cultural ties. International law, humanitarian values and the quest for global justice are our main principles in shaping this policy," read a written statement by the Foreign Ministry on July 3.

The statement follows a comprehensive criticism from the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) who suggested that recent incidents in northern Syria where local Syrians attacked the Turkish military and the Turkish flag demonstrate a collapse of the Turkish foreign policy in the Middle East.

The incidents in northern Syria were triggered after local Turks in Kayseri burned the cars and shops of Syrians in reaction to allegations that a Syrian man sexually abused a minor.

In a written statement on July 2, deputy CHP leader İlhan Uzgel said: "Türkiye's policies concerning the Middle East, Syria and immigrants have collapsed. [President Recep Tayyip] Erdoğan and the [Justice and Development Party] AKP are mainly responsible for this outcome."

The Foreign Ministry, in response to Uzgel's accusations, recalled that Türkiye has been following a principled stance and revising its foreign policy in line with the requirements of its national interests.

"It goes without saying that constructive criticism would contribute to foreign policy in a democracy. However, distorting realities and...