Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday ruled out claims that his country is experiencing an axis shift.
"Some circles were trying to portray our foreign policy initiatives as a 'shift of axis.' However, Türkiye is not experiencing a shift of axis; it is strengthening its own axis by simultaneously having different diplomatic relations in the world on the basis of our national interests," Erdogan said at parliament in the capital Ankara.
Located at the crossroads of three continents, Türkiye is significantly affected by global developments, he said.
"Türkiye does not have the luxury of closing in, isolating itself from the outside world and watching the events in its region by sitting on the fence," he added.
Erdogan described Ankara's policy as "constructive and active," taking initiative in solving global and regional problems.
He underlined that Türkiye, does not "seek escalation" with other countries, nor would it "yield to pressure no matter where it comes from."
"We strongly defend Türkiye's rights in all areas with an honorable, patient, determined and prudent attitude," he said, vowing not to harm the nation's dignity.
