UPDATE - Turkish president emphasizes need to develop accurate, lasting and long-term policies on migration

ADDS MORE STATEMENTS BY TURKISH PRESIDENT

By Muhammed Enes Calli and Zehra Nur Celik

ISTANBUL/ Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday emphasized the need to approach migration with a comprehensive perspective and to develop accurate, lasting, and long-term policies accordingly.

Speaking at the MUSIAD EXPO 2024 and International Business Forum in Istanbul's TUYAP Fair and Congress Center, Erdogan said like any state facing the pressure of irregular migration, Türkiye will continue its fight against illegal migration flows without compromise.

"The issue of migration is one of the most sensitive topics of our time, not only for countries like ours on transit routes but for the entire world," he added.

For Türkiye, migration is a much older concept compared to many other countries around the world, Erdogan said, adding: "We are a country that has historically been affected by migration movements due to our geographical location as well as our human and cultural ties."

"Today, we host around 3.5 million displaced people, most of whom are from Syria,” he said. “Over 6 million of our compatriots, the vast majority residing in Germany, continue their lives in various countries across Europe, contributing significantly to the economies of the countries they live in."

He said Türkiye regards the security of its borders as a matter of "honor and will protect them," and “will further fortify them with additional measures."

"The issue of migration has been the subject of countless meetings, studies, and symposiums so far," the Turkish president said. “We must approach this matter with a comprehensive understanding and accordingly develop accurate, permanent, and long-term policies."