Latest News from Turkey
Turkish Parliamentary Commission Backs Kurds Peace Reforms Tied to PKK Disarmament
A Turkish parliamentary committee overwhelmingly approved recommendations for reforms to reintegrate PKK members who renounce violence, expand freedom of expression, and end government trustees replacing pro-Kurdish mayors. The report emphasizes state verification of PKK's disarmament and dissolution as the critical threshold, avoiding blanket amnesty and focusing on individual case reviews.
President Erdogan welcomed the report as a historic step to accelerate reconciliation.
Turkish Lawmakers Recommend Broader Democratization Measures in PKK Peace Report
The commission's report calls for reviewing media laws to protect freedom of expression, releasing elderly or sick prisoners, and ensuring non-violent acts are not prosecuted under anti-terror laws. It proposes internal municipal council elections for mayors removed from office instead of government appointments.
Compliance with European Court of Human Rights rulings on detention conditions is urged, without parole for PKK leader Ocalan.
OYAK Group Secures $400 Million Loan for Sustainable Growth and Targets Unit IPOs
Turkey's OYAK finalized a $400 million club loan with DenizBank, led by Emirates NBD, to fund strategic investments enhancing efficiency and global competitiveness. General Manager Murat Yalçıntaş confirmed plans for IPOs of units with sustainable cash flows this year.
The six-year loan with a one-year grace period reflects international confidence in Turkey's economic potential.
Türkiye Stands Out in OECD with Low Public Debt and Strategic Gold Reserves
Türkiye's net debt-to-GDP ratio fell to 18.2%, positioning it as a resilient safe haven amid global debt crises, thanks to fiscal discipline since Law No. 4749. Central Bank gold reserves neared $134 billion by January 2026, with total gross reserves over $200 billion, making it the fastest gold-accumulating OECD country.
Household gold holdings are estimated at $600 billion, generating a $200 billion wealth effect.
OECD Forecasts Strong Growth for Turkish Economy in 2025-2026
According to OECD projections, Türkiye's economy will grow by 3.6% in 2025 and 3.4% in 2026, ranking it among the top four fastest-growing OECD economies. This outlook underscores Türkiye's positive differentiation with fiscal discipline and reserve strength.
Economists highlight its efficient growth path without heavy borrowing.
Türkiye Prepares for COP31 Hosting with Focus on Green Transformation
Türkiye will host COP31 in 2026 in Antalya and Istanbul, aiming to lead in green finance, carbon markets, and net-zero reforms as Paris Agreement signatory. Plans include boosting renewable energy share to 50% and addressing EU CBAM impacts on export sectors like metals and automotive.
The event positions Türkiye as a hub for sustainable investment flows to developing countries.
US Sanctions Expose Turkey's Role in Hezbollah Cash Pipeline and Sanctions Evasion
New US sanctions blacklist Turkish companies involved in Hezbollah's financial networks, using Turkey as a transit point for cash and trade evasion. This adds to evidence of lax enforcement under Erdogan, including prior Israeli complaints to UN about Turkey-linked flights carrying Hezbollah funds.
Ankara's commercial infrastructure facilitates Iranian networks' operations.
Former Israeli PM Bennett Labels Türkiye the 'New Iran' Over Regional Influence
Naftali Bennett accused Türkiye of forming a hostile regional axis against Israel, urging coordinated strategy against Ankara's expanding footprint. He highlighted Türkiye's actions amid broader foreign policy tensions.
This reflects ongoing Israel-Turkey frictions.
Turkey and Ethiopia Sign Economic and Energy Cooperation Agreements
Turkey and Ethiopia agreed on renewable energy projects, energy efficiency improvements, and production cooperation. The deals strengthen bilateral ties in energy and economics.
They aim to foster development in emerging markets.
Türkiye and Morocco Strengthen Ties with $5 Billion Trade and Defense Deals
Türkiye-Morocco trade reaches $5 billion, with nearly 250 Turkish firms operating there and new Akıncı drone supplies boosting the Ankara-Rabat axis. This partnership stabilizes the Western Mediterranean.
Cooperation spans economy and security.
Turkey Secures Major Offshore Oil Exploration Deal with Somalia
Turkey signed an offshore oil deal with Somalia targeting 30 billion barrels in ultra-deepwater zones. This energy partnership enhances economic ties in emerging markets.
It positions Turkey for resource exploration gains.