Erdogan accuses EU of strategic shortsightedness
The strategic shortsightedness of the European Union towards Turkey continues to persist in many EU institutions, stated Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
“It must be understood that an EU without Turkey as a full member will not be able to become a global player and a center of attraction,” he said.
According to him, the EU must fully recognize the value of Turkey's constructive stance, not abuse it, and refrain from actions that could jeopardize it.
“Today, Europe needs Turkey more than Turkey needs Europe. Tomorrow, this need will become even greater,” Erdogan emphasized.
Speaking about the country’s economic indicators, Erdogan reported that in April, exports increased by 22.3% year-on-year, reaching $25.4 billion. From January to April, the export volume amounted to $88.63 billion. According to the president, the export volume over the past 12 months exceeded $275.8 billion for the first time, marking a record in the republic’s history.
“If we look at the details of our exports, an encouraging picture emerges. Our exports grew in 166 countries and regions. Exports increased across all 26 sectors. In the sector rankings, the automotive industry maintained its lead with $3.9 billion, followed by chemicals with $3.1 billion, electronics and electrical engineering with $1.8 billion, and ready-made clothing with $1.451 billion. We also consider it significant that our exports in the defense and aviation sector reached $962 million. Thus, in the first four months of the year, we achieved significant success, recording a 28% growth in this sector,” the president explained.
He stressed that Turkey’s potential far exceeds these figures. “We hope that by opening new markets, stimulating exports, and supporting our exporters, we will achieve even higher results,” Erdogan added.
He also highlighted the country’s record-breaking performance in the tourism sector.
The president noted that despite conflicts, tensions, and uncertainties, Turkey remains the strongest and most stable country in the region.
Recalling that the year 2025 in tourism concluded with figures of 64 million visitors and $65.2 billion in tourism revenue, Recep Tayyip Erdogan provided specific numbers: “Despite various difficulties that negatively impacted the sector, tourism revenues in the first quarter increased by 4.2% compared to the same period last year, reaching $9.896 billion. Additionally, during this period, the number of tourists grew by 4.2%, reaching 9.219 million. In the first quarter, the average expenditure of foreign tourists per person per night rose from $116 to $119.”
Source: Anadolu
