We will not give up on constricting terrorist organizations. We will add new ones to the Euphrates Shield and Olive Branch operations. Our soldiers are ready for new missions, Erdoğan said
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said on Sunday that Turkey will launch new cross-border operations to clear its borders from terrorists.
Speaking to thousands of supporters in Istanbul as he announced his ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party’s election manifesto before next month's snap parliamentary and presidential elections slated for June 24, Erdoğan said Turkey “will pursue independence, national interest, national security and a conscientious stance in foreign policy.”
Addressing Turkey’s booming defense industry, the Turkish president revealed that “as Turkey, our goal is to have 100 percent indigenously-made land, air, sea defense systems,” noting that Turkey's projects in domestic automobile and defense industries will be quickly implemented.
"We will not give up on constricting terrorist organizations. We will add new ones to the Euphrates Shield and Olive Branch operations. Our soldiers are ready for new missions," Erdoğan said
Among AK party’s other goals are combating corruption, poverty and bans, the Turkish president said.
Turkey has never given up its goal of joining the European Union, Erdoğan said.
He added that Ankara's counterparts in Europe did not show the same determination on the matter.
Turkey began talks to join the EU in 2005, 18 years after applying. A series of factors slowed negotiations, notably the Cyprus issue and resistance in Germany and France to Turkish membership.
Erdoğan vowed to bring down interest rates, inflation and current account deficit following snap presidential and parliamentary elections on June 24.
Erdoğan said the new executive presidential system which Turkey will switch to after the elections would give a new momentum to the economy.
“With the presidential government system, national income will increase and -- since it will spread further in the base -- the gap between the income groups will close rapidly,” he said.
“Turkey is becoming an important power in the world. Turkey will be a global power, a leading force.”
