ISTANBUL - Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Turkey had always prioritized peace in its region and the world.
"Ensuring peace and stability in the challenging geography we are situated, will undoubtedly contribute to global peace and security," Erdogan said during the opening ceremony of the International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF) in the Turkish city of Istanbul.
Erdogan said that a 57-year NATO member, Turkey had been an element of stability in its geography, and made significant contributions to peace and welfare in the world.
The Turkish prime minister said that Turkey had undertaken significant responsibilities in preventing threats against regional peace; and assumed roles in overcoming security problems in the Caucasus, maintaining negotiations between Pakistan and Afghanistan, solving Palestinian-Israeli dispute; and ensuring stability in Lebanon.
Erdogan said Turkey was also carrying out an active policy in solving its ongoing disagreements with its neighbors.
"However, we are aware that we have to keep our Armed Forces strong and equipped to protect our peace and security in this challenging geography," he said.
Erdogan said Turkey had faced terrorist attacks for almost 30 years.
"The terrorist organization, fed by the instability in the north of Iraq, has ensured secret or open support from some countries particularly some European countries, carried out many illegal acts from illicit drug to illicit arms trafficking, and indicated that it is a malignant tumour for not only Turkey but also the entire humanity," he said.
Erdogan said that Turkey had made great progress in its fight against terrorism, and assumed a determined stance.
The Turkish prime minister said that Turkey was offering its military capabilities to be used for regional peace, stability and security.
Erdogan said that Turkey also taken active role in peace-keeping operations in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Sudan and Lebanon.
The Turkish prime minister underlined the strategic importance and priority of Turkey's defense industry when the defense and security needs of Turkey were taken into consideration.
"Our aim is to share our experiences and capabilities in defense industry with representatives of our friend and ally countries, and also share those of yours," he said.
Erdogan said that boosting cooperation in defense industry would contribute to international peace and security and help solution of common problems.
Organized by the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation under the auspices of the Ministry of National Defence, the fair will stay open till April 30.