Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that military officials facing arrest warrants from the International Criminal Court belong in courtrooms rather than at United Nations platforms, speaking at the closing ceremony of the 21st MÜSİAD EXPO and 29th International Business Forum in Istanbul, according to the Anadolu Agency.
ICC Arrest Warrants and UN Diplomatic Stand
Erdoğan criticized what he termed an occupying Zionist mentality during his address at the Istanbul Exhibition Center. He asserted that individuals targeted by international arrest warrants for war crimes should face justice for killings and bloodshed rather than addressing the United Nations. Diplomatic delegations walked out of the UN General Assembly hall during sessions addressing the crisis, an action Erdoğan described as a direct challenge to what he characterized as a network of genocide.
“The people of Palestine are not alone, never defenseless,” Erdoğan said, according to the Anadolu Agency report, adding that the UN General Assembly provided a fitting response to military criminals. He emphasized that accountability must apply to civilian casualties occurring at food distribution points, in incubators, mosques, schools, and hospitals.
Global Crises and the Limits of International Diplomacy
Addressing the broader international situation, Erdoğan stated that the global system faces deep institutional failure regarding legitimacy, representation, and fairness. He noted that the geographical region surrounding Turkey experiences severe economic and security shocks affecting trade, energy supply, and food security.
“Problems that in the recent past were solved through the exchange of ideas today are tried to be solved through the exchange of missiles and drones,” Erdoğan said, pointing out that the principle of the strong dominating the weak increasingly dictates international relations.
Artificial Intelligence Integration and Sectoral Transformation
Shifting focus to technological advancements, Erdoğan pointed to artificial intelligence and robotics as transformative forces reshaping personal and professional spheres. He noted that sectors ranging from healthcare and education to agriculture, transportation, and economics rely heavily on automated systems to alter production and consumption patterns.
Did you know? Turkish economic data shows 24 quarters of growth, with the national economy reaching substantial figures in current prices by late 2025.
Despite these commercial advantages for entrepreneurs and industrialists, Erdoğan cautioned that ignoring the human factor during AI development risks producing outcomes opposite to those intended.
Economic Resilience and Growth Figures
Connecting global stability to domestic performance, Erdoğan reported that the Turkish economy sustained a 16-year streak of continuous expansion by posting a growth rate last year. Output continued upward with an increase in the first quarter of 2026 and a rise in the second quarter.
Data provided during the forum indicates that Turkey currently ranks as the 16th largest economy globally and the 6th largest in Europe. Gross domestic product per capita climbed significantly from 2002 to 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
What event did President Erdoğan address in Istanbul?
Erdoğan spoke at the closing ceremony of the 21st MÜSİAD EXPO and the 29th International Business Forum at the Istanbul Exhibition Center, as reported by the Anadolu Agency.
What position did Turkey take regarding ICC arrest warrants?
President Erdoğan stated that military officials facing ICC arrest warrants for war crimes belong in courtrooms answering for killings rather than speaking at the United Nations.
How has the Turkish economy performed recently?
The Turkish economy recorded continuous growth over 24 quarters, expanding in the first quarter of 2026 and in the second quarter, following a growth rate last year.
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