Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır: Italy’s Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy Adolfo Urso Visits Turkey

 

Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır announced that comprehensive discussions were held with Italy’s Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso, and his delegation. During the visit, the delegation toured BAYKAR’s advanced technology R&D and production facilities and met with Turkish and Italian business leaders to explore joint investment and collaboration opportunities.

🌍 As two strong production hubs in the Mediterranean, Turkey and Italy share a deep-rooted partnership in industry, technology, investment, and innovation. To enhance our global market presence and strengthen our competitiveness in line with mutual interests, we are taking new steps.

🤝 Minister Kacır and Minister Urso discussed opportunities to deepen cooperation in critical sectors such as defense, aviation, and space, and outlined a roadmap for the upcoming period.

🎯 We aim to leverage the significant potential of Turkey and Italy to the fullest. By increasing high-tech joint investments, we seek to strengthen our industrial and innovation ecosystems and further advance the economic and industrial ties between the two countries.

✈️ We view BAYKAR’s investment in Italy’s historic aviation company, Piaggio Aerospace, as a historic milestone in our industrial and technological collaboration. This strategic move, which signals the potential for larger partnerships, will be a powerful step shaping the future of cooperation between the two nations.

Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change Announces Penalties for Environmental Violations in Ankara

 

The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change has reported that its inspection teams have identified significant environmental violations in Ankara’s Şereflikoçhisar district. The municipal solid waste generated in the area was found to be stored at the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality’s solid waste landfill site, which lacks the required Environmental Permit and License Certificate.

Additionally, it was discovered that the Advanced Biological Wastewater Treatment Plant, constructed by ASKİ (Ankara Water and Sewerage Administration) to treat wastewater, has not been operational due to issues with its electrical energy supply. As a result, wastewater that has not undergone advanced biological treatment is being discharged irregularly into Lake Tuz, a Special Environmental Protection Area.

In response to these violations, the Ministry has imposed an administrative fine of 5,130,806 Turkish Liras on ASKİ, in accordance with the relevant Environmental Law.

The Ministry emphasizes the importance of adhering to environmental regulations and protecting natural resources, particularly in sensitive areas like Lake Tuz. Further measures will be taken to ensure compliance and prevent similar violations in the future.

Respectfully announced to the public.

President Erdogan: TUSIAD has crossed the line with its statement

 

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke at the Parliamentary group meeting. Erdogan, TUSIAD's statements,"They were adjusting to the power in the old Turkey, we called a halt to it. TUSIAD has crossed the line with its explanations,"he reacted with the words.                                                   President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made important statements at the AK Party's group meeting.

"We have never blocked our ears to consistent and constructive criticism"

We are witnessing that very different accounts are being made inside. Before moving on to TUSIAD's statements, which are very excessive and reek of provocation, I would like to underline the explanations of the following fact. In democracies, no one is free from criticism. If it is consistent, constructive, well-intentioned, we have never and will not block our ears to criticism. 

 "We ensured that all kinds of ideas were discussed comfortably"

If we are talking about a phenomenon of Turkey speaking today, it is undoubtedly the AK Party and our governments that have made it possible. It is our powers that raise the standard of our democracy, put an end to repressions and lift bans. We have ensured that all kinds of ideas are discussed comfortably, as long as they do not praise terrorism and violence, do not contain insults, and do not invite guardianship initiatives. We did all this despite the obstacles of the CHP and the guardianship centers. Our nation is the closest witness of our hard struggle for the construction of a Turkey dominated not by prohibitions, but by freedoms. Therefore, those who run to the court to prevent the bans from being lifted cannot have anything to say to us about democracy and freedoms. 

"We have no business with puppets, our interlocutors are puppeteers"

After the statements of the TUSIAD administration, we do not take into account the evil eye of the opposition figures who are lined up like servants on order. Those who behave more royally than the king are worth as much as their owners value them. We have no business with puppets. Our interlocutors are puppeteers. After drawing this basic framework, I believe that we can now talk about some truths more comfortably. The mentality of TUSIAD is a symbol of the periods when politics were weak and the state was under their control. This structure is a partnership with businessmen who have grown up and grown up in the shadow of the unfair profits obtained from the public purse and the backs of the nation, concessions obtained through distributorship instead of domestic, national production.          

"The mentality of TUSIAD used to design politics as well"

We all remember what the mentality of TUSIAD corresponded to before 2002. They ruled only money in ancient Turkey. At the same time, they were designing politics as they wanted. They were controlling and directing decision-making bodies according to their interests. They were adjusting to the authorities through newspaper headlines. That's what we called a halt to.We have not recognized any power over the great will of the nation.           "Turkey's development move has always disturbed the mentality of TUSIAD"

We have transformed the economy from an annuity economy to a production and export economy. By putting an end to the discriminatory structure in which the capital is divided into colors, we have enabled new actors to emerge from the bosom of Anatolia. We have used the resources of the nation not for the enrichment of a handful of self-sufficient bourgeoisie, but for the peace, prosperity, development and well-being of the nation with all its segments. During the period of our powers, the income per capita increased from $ 3600 to over $ 15 thousand this year. O TUSIAD, there is a process that has increased from 3600 to more than 15 thousand dollars. This happened during the period of AK Party power. Either you don't know the account or your account is broken. Our exports reached $262 billion in 2024 from $36 billion. We have spread many prosperity to the base that we cannot count here yet. Of course, we have encountered very serious resistance in this process. We have been subjected to below-the-waist strokes and operations of those whose interests we have touched, we have cut off the rant taps. TUSIAD was coming at the beginning of these. Turkey's development move in a real sense has always disturbed the mentality of TUSIAD. As a matter of fact, the base, fascistic and noble attitudes exhibited by this organization against our country and our nation on the side of the coup plotters, juntas, imperialists and their agents of influence are preserved in our memory records. 

"The old mentality of TUSIAD is being tried to be put into circulation again"

We are aware that at a time when Turkey is working day and night for the Turkish Century, where it is expanding its political, military and social power in the region, leading the calls for the reconstruction of the global system in the world, which it arbitrates, implementing a stable program against inflation, taking important steps towards the goal of a terror-free Turkey, where it does not compromise on investment, production, employment and export targets, we are trying to put the old mentality of TUSIAD back into circulation. As I have always said, you will not succeed as we have done, if you want Turkey to surrender to the reverend who is affiliated with terrorist organizations and taunts right and left to cover up his shame, know that such a thing will never happen.

The Possibility of Regional Unification with Turkey: Is a New Alliance with Georgia, North and South Ossetia, Abkhazia, Moldova, Gagauzia, Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary at the Door?

 

**The Possibility of Regional Unification with Turkey: Is a New Alliance with Georgia, North and South Ossetia, Abkhazia, Moldova, Gagauzia, Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary at the Door?**

Recently, rumors circulating in international diplomatic circles claim that Turkey is seeking some kind of political, economic and cultural unification or alliance with Georgia, North and South Ossetia, Abkhazia, Moldova, Gagauzia, Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary. These claims are interpreted as a move that could radically change the regional balance of power. So how realistic is this merger idea? Here are the details...

---

### **The Origin of the Idea of Unification: Historical and Strategic Ties**

Turkey has historically had deep cultural, historical and political ties with the Balkans, the Caucasus and the Black Sea region. During the Ottoman Empire, a large part of these regions had been under Turkish rule. Today, Turkey is focusing on increasing cooperation with these regions in the fields of economic, energy and security.

The global developments in recent years, especially the Russia-Ukraine war and the blockage in the enlargement policies of the European Union, have led the countries of the region to seek alternative alliances. Turkey's claim to be a regional power and NATO membership are seen as an attractive partnership opportunity for these countries.

---

### **Georgia, North and South Ossetia, Abkhazia: A New Equation in the Caucasus**

Georgia has maintained close relations with Turkey for many years. Important steps have been taken between the two countries in areas such as energy corridors, trade and defense cooperation Dec. However, the complex political situation Georgia is in, especially the de facto independent structures of North and South Ossetia and Abkhazia, complicates the idea of a merger.

Turkey's role in this region is more in the direction of mediation and stability. However, Georgia's pro-Western policies and Turkey's balanced relations with Russia and deeper integration with these countries seem difficult for now.

---

### **Moldova and Gagauzia: A New Alliance in the West of the Black Sea**

Moldova is going through a difficult political process, especially due to the Transnistrian issue and Russia's influence in the region. Gagauzia, on the other hand, has historical and cultural ties with Turkey as an autonomous region within Moldova. Turkey is focusing on educational and cultural projects to strengthen its ties with the Turkish-origin population in Gagauzia.

As Moldova's accession process to the European Union continues, the search for a closer alliance with Turkey may be attractive for Moldova both economically and politically. But such a merger also brings with it the risk of attracting a reaction from Russia.

---

### **Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary: A New Cooperation in the Balkans**

Romania and Bulgaria already have close relations with Turkey due to being members of both NATO and the European Union. Energy corridors, defense industry business associations and trade are the elements that bring these countries closer to Turkey. Hungary, on the other hand, has taken steps to strengthen its strategic partnership with Turkey in recent years.

However, the membership of these countries in the European Union and the strict rules of the EU make the idea of a deeper unification with Turkey difficult for now. Instead, stronger cooperation in the economic and security fields may come to the fore.

---

### **Merger Scenario: Realistic or Utopian?**

It seems quite difficult for Turkey to implement a unification or alliance project covering such a wide geography at the moment. Each country's own internal dynamics, international commitments and the reactions of regional powers complicate such a project.

However, Turkey can assume a regional leadership role by strengthening its bilateral relations with these countries. Energy corridors, trade agreements, defense cooperation and cultural projects can lead these countries to closer cooperation around Turkey.

---

### **Conclusion: Regional Cooperation or Political Unification?**

Although the idea of a political unification of Turkey with Georgia, North and South Ossetia, Abkhazia, Moldova, Gagauzia, Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary may seem utopian at the moment, regional cooperation and integration projects are quite realistic. Turkey's historical and cultural ties with these countries can further strengthen economic and security cooperation.

However, the realization of such a project requires a great diplomatic effort both in terms of domestic political dynamics and international balances. By following a balanced policy in this process, Turkey can assume a regional leadership role. However, for now, this merger idea is considered more as a "vision of the future".

--- 

This article is an original analysis prepared in line with regional dynamics and Turkey's strategic goals. Developments will continue to be closely monitored.

Turkey and Ukraine Strengthen Cooperation Amid Ongoing Conflict: Erdoğan and Zelenskyy Hold Joint Press Conference

Turkey and Ukraine Strengthen Cooperation Amid Ongoing Conflict: Erdoğan and Zelenskyy Hold Joint Press Conference

Ankara, Turkey – In a significant diplomatic meeting, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a joint press conference following bilateral talks and the signing of several agreements aimed at enhancing cooperation between the two nations. The meeting took place against the backdrop of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, now entering its fourth year, with both leaders emphasizing the importance of peace and strategic partnership.

 Key Agreements Signed

The two leaders oversaw the signing of two key agreements:

1. Memorandum of Understanding on Media and Communication Cooperation**: Signed between the Turkish Presidency's Directorate of Communications and Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications, this agreement aims to strengthen collaboration in the media and communication sectors.

2. **Education Cooperation Agreement**: Signed between the Turkish and Ukrainian governments, this agreement focuses on enhancing educational ties and exchanges between the two countries.

### Erdoğan’s Remarks: A Call for Peace and Strategic Partnership

President Erdoğan began his speech by expressing condolences to the Ukrainian people for the lives lost in the ongoing conflict. He reiterated Turkey’s commitment to mediating peace efforts, stating, *"There will be no winners in war, and no losers in peace."* He highlighted Turkey’s active diplomatic role since the beginning of the war, including hosting direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul in March 2022 and facilitating the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

Erdoğan emphasized that Turkey’s diplomatic efforts align with the recent initiative by U.S. President Donald Trump to negotiate an end to the conflict. He expressed confidence that Turkey, given its neutral and trusted mediator role, would be an ideal host for future talks involving Russia, Ukraine, and the United States.

The Turkish president also underscored Turkey’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence. He called for an immediate end to the war, which has caused immense destruction and loss of innocent lives. Erdoğan further highlighted the importance of ensuring commercial navigation safety in the Black Sea, which he believes could serve as a confidence-building measure in the peace process.

On economic cooperation, Erdoğan noted that despite the challenges posed by the war, bilateral trade between Turkey and Ukraine is steadily progressing toward the $10 billion target. He also mentioned that Turkish companies are eager to support Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts.

### Zelenskyy’s Response: Gratitude and Call for Security Guarantees

President Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude to Turkey for its consistent support, particularly in safeguarding Ukraine’s territorial integrity. He acknowledged Turkey’s role in facilitating the release of Ukrainian prisoners of war and its efforts in mediating peace talks.

Zelenskyy stressed the importance of achieving a just and lasting peace, emphasizing that any peace agreement must include strong security guarantees for Ukraine. He called for the involvement of international partners, including the United States and European Union, in providing these guarantees to prevent future conflicts.

The Ukrainian president also highlighted the need for prisoner exchanges and the return of Ukrainian children forcibly taken to Russia. He praised Turkey’s humanitarian efforts, particularly in hosting Ukrainian orphans and supporting their well-being.

### Focus on Strategic Partnership

Both leaders discussed ways to deepen the strategic partnership between Turkey and Ukraine, particularly in trade, education, and cultural exchanges. Zelenskyy expressed optimism that bilateral relations would reach new heights once peace is restored.

### Questions from the Press

During the Q&A session, journalists raised questions about the possibility of a near-term peace agreement and Turkey’s role in the process. Erdoğan reiterated Turkey’s readiness to facilitate negotiations, while Zelenskyy emphasized that any peace deal must be fair and involve Ukraine’s direct participation.

When asked about the recent U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, Zelenskyy expressed surprise at not being invited, stating that Ukraine’s absence from such discussions undermines the legitimacy of any peace process. He reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to a diplomatic solution but insisted that the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected.

### Conclusion

The meeting between Erdoğan and Zelenskyy underscored the strong bilateral ties between Turkey and Ukraine and their shared commitment to ending the war through diplomacy. While challenges remain, both leaders expressed hope that sustained dialogue and international cooperation could pave the way for a just and lasting peace.

As the conflict continues, Turkey’s role as a mediator and Ukraine’s resilience in defending its sovereignty remain critical to achieving a resolution that ensures stability in the region.

ASELFLIR 600 meets the sky

 

ASELSAN, one of the locomotives of the national defense industry, continues on its way. ASELSAN General Manager Ahmet Akyol announced in his special statement to TRT Haber that ASELFLIR 600 will make its first flight in May. Akyol also said that they are working on a new solution to protect armored vehicles from FPV drone attacks.IDEX and NAVDEX 2025 International Defense Fair and Conference, held in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, continues with the participation of the world's most important companies in the field of defense industry.

ASELSAN, one of the leading actors in the ongoing story of our country's defense industry from past to present, is also attracting intense interest, especially from foreign delegations, at the event in Abu Dhabi.

Making special statements to TRT Haber within the scope of the event, ASELSAN General Manager Ahmet Akyol touched upon important details on many issues, from the latest situation in the Steel Dome to the first shot of the GÖKSUR air defense system, from the national system to be developed against FPV drone attacks to ASELFLIR 600.Step by step approaching the Steel Dome

General Manager Akyol said that they built Steel Dome with an understanding that the systems that ASELSAN has developed for many years work in an integrated and single network and are also supported and commanded by artificial intelligence.

Reminding that they added Siper, one of the most important components of the system, to the inventory last year, and that they delivered Hisar for medium altitude in multiple numbers last year, Akyol said, “There is a process we are working on step by step. We should not forget the sensor side of the coin. We put the Alpine radar family, which we developed for this purpose, into service last year. We are proud to have completed a very successful launch on the sea side of the Steel Dome these days. GÖKSUR's first shot in the sea environment was successfully carried out. "It will be a very important deterrent force for the Turkish navy." he said.ASELSAN aims to provide a solution to the FPV drone danger

Reminding that FPV drones caused serious problems for armored vehicles, especially with the Russia-Ukraine war, Akyol said that they started a new project for a local and national solution:

“We are taking action against the danger of FPV drones through two channels. We have released our product called Kangal, which can also mix the frequency bands of FPV drones at a fixed point. A job that successfully mixes the systems through which FPV drones transmit images. We have also implemented a system we call 'Chameleon', which can deceive such drones.

Nowadays, attacks against armored vehicles have increased greatly. In fact, as ASELSAN, we introduced the AKKOR system in this regard and gave it to our national tank Altay. We are now working on an integrated solution with its radar, optics and smart ammunition that can protect armored vehicles against FPV drone attacks. “With this system, which we aim to release in a short time, we aim to create a shield against the danger of FPV drones in armored vehicles.”

“The possibility of ASELFLIR 600 meeting the skies very soon is exciting”

Another project that comes to mind when ASELSAN is mentioned is reconnaissance, surveillance and targeting pods... Emphasizing that they quickly produced a solution after the embargoes against Turkey, especially on the cameras of S/UAVs, and that they introduced the CATS system at that time, Akyol stated that the product worked successfully in different parts of the world.

However, at that time, "If we are making the best S/UAVs in the world, we will also make the best cameras." Explaining that they set out by saying, Ahmet Akyol concluded his words as follows:

“We achieved this with ASELFLIR 500. We exported it to 16 countries in our first year. And those who use it are very satisfied. Now we will reach a 'game-changing' distance in imaging with ASELFLIR 600. We are almost doubling the laser marking range. And thus, we will now nationally gain the ability to view all strategic targets from very long ranges.

Our goal is to bring ASELFLIR to the sky in May this year. And then turning to mass production. We said that whatever we do in terms of product, we will be a candidate for leadership in the world. We achieved this with ASELFLIR 500. “With ASELFLIR 600, we will provide a very, very critical capability to both our heroic army and the whole world.”

A new campaign for middle income from Emlak Konut

 

Minister of Environment, Urbanism and Climate Change Murat Kurum mentioned the Emlak Housing project to be launched for middle income earners and said, "Emlak Housing will announce all the details of our campaign that will start tomorrow. I wish all these efforts to be beneficial for our nation and our sector," he said. Minister of Environment, Urbanism and Climate Change Murat Kurum spoke at the Turkish Construction Sector Workshop held in Ankara.

Rebels capture another city in Democratic Republic of Congo

 

The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) announced that the Rwandan army and the rebel group called the 23 March Movement (M23) occupied Bukavu, the capital of South-Kivu province.

In the statement made by the DRC Ministry of Communications, it was stated that M23 members and Rwandan soldiers occupied the city of Bukavu.

In the statement, it was stated that the occupation was a clear violation of international agreements, and it was announced that Rwanda was carrying out illegal operations in the KDC territory.

M23 members captured Goma, the capital of North-Kivu province, last month.

The United Nations (UN) reported that the number of people who lost their lives in the clashes for control of the city of Goma approached 3 thousand.

More than 500 thousand people have been displaced since the beginning of the year due to conflicts in the east of the DRC.

Rwanda, which the UN and DRC accuse of supporting M23, denies the allegations.

The group, which emerged under the name of "23 March Movement" after the peace agreement signed by the countries of the region on March 23, 2009, to ensure security in the east of the KDC, was broken, and began to be known as "M23".

M23 consists largely of Tutsi, the tribe of Rwandan President Paul Kagame.

The opening program of Bahtiyar Vahabzade's commemoration year, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Bahtiyar Vahapzade's birth, is held at the TÜRKSOY General Secretariat.

 

The opening program of Bahtiyar Vahabzade's commemoration year, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Bahtiyar Vahapzade's birth, is held at the TÜRKSOY General Secretariat. 21.02.2025 

⏰ 11.00

TÜRKSOY General Secretariat Conference Hall

In his post on AK Party Social Media accounts at the 8th Ordinary Grand Congress of the AK Party on February 23

In his post on AK Party Social Media accounts at the 8th Ordinary Grand Congress of the AK Party on February 23: "Our Chairman All our people are invited to our 8th Ordinary Grand Congress, which will be held with the participation of our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. FUTURE IN THE LIGHT OF AK IN IT'S NAME 📍Ankara Indoor Sports Hall 🕙 February 23, 2025, 10:00" he said.