Erdoğan: “No one can point a finger at Türkiye” - Milliyet
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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan issued a defiant statement on national sovereignty during a parliamentary group meeting of the ruling AK Party, declaring that no external power can intimidate Türkiye or its leadership. His remarks came as part of a broader speech touching on national security, foreign policy, and energy ambitions.
Speaking at the gathering, Erdoğan also marked Martyrs’ Week by honoring members of the military and security forces who lost their lives in counterterrorism efforts and cross-border operations. He reiterated the government’s continued support for veterans and the families of fallen soldiers, framing their sacrifices as central to the country’s stability and security.
The speech also highlighted Türkiye’s growing focus on energy exploration abroad. Erdoğan announced that the country is preparing to begin its first drilling operation off the coast of Somalia, signaling a new phase in its efforts to expand energy resources beyond its borders.
According to Erdoğan, the ultra-deep-sea drilling vessel “Çağrı Bey” has reached the CURAD-1 well site and is set to begin hydrocarbon exploration. The project follows months of seismic research conducted by another Turkish vessel, which covered approximately 4,500 square kilometers and yielded promising preliminary findings.
He noted that the CURAD-1 well, with a depth of around 7,500 meters, is expected to become one of the deepest offshore drilling operations in the world. The mission will be supported by Turkish naval ships, underscoring both the technical scale and strategic importance of the initiative.
Erdoğan’s remarks reflect Ankara’s dual messaging of asserting geopolitical independence while pursuing ambitious energy exploration projects aimed at strengthening the country’s long-term economic and strategic position.
