AGP Executive Report

Diplomacy: Erdoğan told Trump Türkiye is ready to support renewed Russia-Ukraine talks and is seeking diplomatic solutions to tensions around Hormuz and Yemen. The call came as Qatar-led efforts seek to revive Iran talks, amid reports of possible US-Israeli strikes if negotiations fail. PKK Disarmament: Parliament plans to form a committee to oversee the PKK’s disarmament and dissolution and monitor implementation of a new integration law. Eastern Mediterranean: Ankara renewed its offer of a maritime-boundaries deal with Egypt, arguing Cairo could gain more sea area than under a possible agreement with Greece. The proposal comes amid rising opposition to Türkiye and Libya’s maritime pact. Black Sea Security: Türkiye warned Russia and Ukraine against attacks on commercial vessels, saying it reserves legal rights over strikes on Turkish-owned or flagged ships. Regional Ties: Ankara hosts Turkic leaders for the Organization of Turkic States summit as Türkiye takes the group’s rotating chairmanship. Economy: Economists expect October inflation to ease to an annual 29.28%, with official figures due Nov. 3.

Black Sea Security: A Liberian-flagged container ship was damaged by naval drones off Bulgaria; all 18 crew were rescued. Türkiye, Bulgaria and Romania agreed to coordinate on maritime security, while Defence Minister Yaşar Güler warned Russia and Ukraine against attacks on civilian shipping. Regional Diplomacy: Erdoğan and Kazakhstan’s Tokayev held talks in Ankara ahead of the Organization of Turkic States summit. Turkish officials also joined Saudi and Pakistani counterparts in Tehran as Iran signaled openness to negotiations. Turkey–Iraq: Ankara welcomed Baghdad’s move to bring Sinjar security under federal control, a step linked to plans to hand over Türkiye’s Bashiqa base. Iraq was Türkiye’s fourth-largest export market in September, receiving about $1.2 billion in goods. Eastern Mediterranean: Türkiye says it is ready to sign a maritime agreement with Egypt, while Greece and several regional partners renewed opposition to the Turkey-Libya maritime deal. Media: RTÜK fined Sözcü TV and Koza TV over coverage of a jailed journalist and an investment-fund scandal.

Fund Scandal: Interim payouts of up to ₺1 million to investors in liquidated funds start Oct. 30, with money-market funds prioritized. The crisis has intensified scrutiny of alleged insider withdrawals and possible links to AKP figures; the claims remain unproven. Tragedy: A tornado at a construction site in Antalya killed four workers and injured another. Regional Security: Parliament’s foreign affairs panel approved ratification of Turkey’s defence pact with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, as officials from the three countries continued security talks with Iran in Tehran. Mediterranean Dispute: Greece, Cyprus, Egypt, Bahrain, the UAE and EU rejected Libya’s ratification of the Turkey-Libya maritime accord; Erdoğan said the objections had no legal basis. Politics and Sport: Thousands protested journalist arrests and media shutdowns. Galatasaray’s 2-1 derby win over Fenerbahçe was followed by Fenerbahçe parting ways with coach Ismail Kartal.

Regional Security: Türkiye’s parliamentary foreign affairs committee approved the mutual-defence pact with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, which treats an attack on one member as an attack on all. It now goes to a full parliamentary vote; Turkish, Saudi and Pakistani officials also held security talks with Iran in Tehran. Eastern Mediterranean: Greece, Cyprus, Egypt, Bahrain, the UAE and the EU rejected Libya’s ratification of its maritime accord with Türkiye as invalid. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said the objections had no legal basis, while Ankara reaffirmed its existing Aegean and Mediterranean policy. Antalya Tornado: A tornado at a construction site killed four workers and injured one. Authorities detained four people, including the site owner. Energy Plans: Türkiye expects Akkuyu’s first nuclear power to enter the grid in 2027, with fuel loading planned in the coming weeks. Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar also said Ankara may pursue new exploration deals or acquisitions by year’s end. Press Freedom: Thousands protested in Istanbul and Ankara over journalist arrests and media shutdowns.

Regional Diplomacy: Turkish intelligence chief İbrahim Kalın joined Saudi and Pakistani officials for talks with Iran in Tehran. The four countries agreed to continue dialogue on regional peace and security as fears of renewed conflict grow. Eastern Mediterranean: Greece, Cyprus, Egypt, Bahrain, the UAE and the EU rejected the Turkey-Libya maritime deal as invalid. President Erdoğan dismissed the criticism, saying it had no legitimate basis. Press Freedom: Thousands have protested in Istanbul and Ankara against journalist arrests and media closures, saying they will not be silenced. Markets: Türkiye’s financial regulator raised the asset threshold for qualified investors from 10 million to 50 million liras and extended funds’ compliance deadline to January 31. Football: Galatasaray beat Fenerbahçe 2-1, with Victor Osimhen scoring twice; a mass brawl between players after the final whistle overshadowed the derby win.

Regional Diplomacy: Türkiye’s intelligence chief İbrahim Kalın joined Saudi and Pakistani officials in Tehran for talks with Iran aimed at preventing renewed conflict. The four sides agreed to continue discussions on regional peace and security as Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia intensify. Mediterranean Dispute: Erdoğan defended Libya’s ratification of the Turkey-Libya maritime deal, saying objections have no legitimate basis. Greece, the EU, Egypt, Cyprus, Bahrain and the UAE challenged the agreement at the UN, calling it contrary to international law. Democracy and Rights: The EU’s Turkey rapporteur expects its next report to describe a further decline in democracy and fundamental freedoms. Separately, a 73-year-old prisoner convicted over alleged Gülen links died after months of appeals for medical release. Energy Investment: Türkiye plans about $100 billion in electricity-grid investment under a strategy due to be unveiled next month, as rising demand and renewable power require network upgrades.

Regional Security: Türkiye’s intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalın is due in Tehran with Saudi and Pakistani officials for talks with Iran, as Houthi attacks on Saudi targets intensify. Libya: Ankara hosted rival Libyan military representatives to discuss a unified command in Sirte. The talks come amid rising tensions over Libya’s approval of a maritime deal with Türkiye, which Washington called provocative and Greece disputes. Press Freedom: Thousands protested journalist arrests and media restrictions in Istanbul and Ankara; a Turkish court is also investigating alleged abuse of Gaza flotilla activists. Trade: Türkiye and Canada have launched a strategic partnership, with free-trade negotiations set to begin in Ankara in November and a long-term goal of $10 billion in bilateral trade. Mine Disaster: A gas explosion at a coal mine in northwestern Türkiye killed three workers and injured five.

Press Freedom: Thousands protested in Istanbul and Ankara against journalist arrests and media shutdowns, as DEM Party co-chair Tuncer Bakırhan urged an end to censorship and repression. Mine Disaster: A blast at a coal mine in northern Türkiye killed three workers and injured five, according to reports; authorities are investigating. Eastern Mediterranean: Libya’s eastern parliament approved a maritime deal with Türkiye, drawing criticism from Greece and the US, which called the move provocative and urged negotiations. Foreign Relations: Canada and Türkiye launched a strategic partnership covering trade and defence, with free-trade talks also on the agenda. Gaza Flotilla: An Istanbul court opened a probe into Turkish nationals accused of involvement in the alleged abuse of activists intercepted aboard a Gaza-bound flotilla.

Regional Security: Ankara ruled out joining combat against Yemen’s Houthis under its defence pact with Saudi Arabia, as Yemen’s foreign minister told reporters in Istanbul that years of talks had failed to end the conflict. Gaza Flotilla: A Turkish court opened proceedings against Benjamin Netanyahu and 34 other Israelis over the interception of a Gaza-bound flotilla. Press Freedom: Thousands protested journalist arrests and media shutdowns, as authorities face growing criticism over a crackdown on independent media. Mediterranean Tensions: Libya’s eastern parliament approved a maritime agreement with Türkiye, drawing objections from Greece, Egypt, Israel and the EU; Ankara says the deal is legitimate. Defence and Trade: Türkiye signed a strategic partnership with Canada and began free-trade talks, while also agreeing a defence-industry cooperation pact with Pakistan, Qatar and Indonesia. Economy: S&P says Türkiye’s policy shift remains on track despite slower disinflation, but the election will test its commitment. Mine Disaster: A gas explosion at a northern Turkish coal mine killed three workers and injured five.

Press Freedom: Thousands protested in Istanbul and Ankara against arrests, media shutdowns and state takeovers. The Turkish Journalists’ Union says 11 journalists have been jailed in two months. Eastern Mediterranean: Libya’s eastern parliament approved a maritime accord with Türkiye, drawing objections from Greece, Egypt and Cyprus. Libya’s Tripoli-based government says it is ready to address Cairo’s concerns. Economy: The central bank cut its key rate to 36% as annual inflation stayed just below 30%; S&P warned that slower disinflation and the approaching election period could test policy discipline. Türkiye also set a $450 billion export target for 2029. Regional Security: Ankara says Houthi attacks on civilians are unacceptable and urges dialogue, while Türkiye and Romania named Black Sea security a shared priority. Mine Disaster: A gas explosion at a coal mine killed three workers and injured five. Canada Ties: Ottawa and Ankara launched a strategic partnership and began free-trade talks, with defence and energy cooperation also on the agenda.

Regional Diplomacy: At talks in Istanbul with counterparts from Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Egypt, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan warned that renewed strikes on Iran could widen the war. The ministers urged diplomacy and called on Yemen’s Houthis to stop attacks on Saudi Arabia and shipping. Mining Disaster: Three workers died and five were injured in a gas explosion at a coal mine in northern Türkiye. Canada Ties: Prime Minister Mark Carney and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan launched a strategic partnership covering trade, defence and energy, alongside talks on a free-trade deal. Mediterranean Dispute: Eastern Libya’s parliament approved a maritime agreement with Türkiye, drawing objections from Greece and the EU; Ankara says the deal is legitimate. Brain Drain: Türkiye’s graduate emigration rate reached 2.2% in 2025, its highest since records began in 2015. Germany was the top destination.

Regional Diplomacy: Türkiye hosted ministers from seven other countries in Istanbul, where Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan warned that renewed strikes on Iran could widen the war. The group backed restraint and diplomacy, and discussed security in the Strait of Hormuz and the Russia-Ukraine war. Fidan also said Israel’s Gaza ceasefire violations are eroding trust in the international system. Mine Disaster: A firedamp explosion at a private coal mine in Zonguldak killed three workers and injured five, according to later updates; rescue teams were sent to the site. Eastern Mediterranean: Libya’s parliament approved a maritime agreement with Türkiye, drawing objections from Greece, Cyprus and Egypt. Fidan said Türkiye was open to talks with Libya and Egypt to address concerns. Canada Ties: Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit launched a strategic partnership with Türkiye, with free-trade talks and closer cooperation on trade, defence and energy. Economy: The central bank cut its benchmark rate to 36%, while analysts warned that reserve losses and the risk of looser policy could complicate the inflation fight.

Canada-Türkiye Partnership: Mark Carney and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan launched a three-year strategic plan covering trade, energy and defence. Free-trade talks begin next month, with both sides aiming to grow bilateral trade. Istanbul Talks: Foreign ministers from Türkiye, Britain, France, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Egypt meet today to discuss Ukraine, the Black Sea and regional conflicts. Mediterranean Tensions: Eastern Libya’s parliament approved a maritime deal with Türkiye, drawing condemnation from the EU, Greece and Egypt. Ankara says the agreement is legitimate. Economy: Türkiye’s central bank cut its key rate by one percentage point to 36%, its first reduction since January. Parliament also approved interim payments of up to 1 million liras for eligible investors in liquidated funds. Defence Cooperation: Türkiye, Pakistan, Qatar and Indonesia signed an agreement to expand defence-industry cooperation. Media Rights: Reporter İsmail Arı was arrested again on suspicion of spreading disinformation, amid wider concerns over pressure on independent media.

Canada Partnership: Türkiye and Canada upgraded ties to a strategic partnership during Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to Ankara, signing cooperation agreements on energy, defence and air transport. Free-trade talks are set to begin before year-end, with Erdoğan targeting $10 billion in bilateral trade. Investment Scandal: Parliament passed a law allowing interim payments of up to TL1 million to investors caught up in the fund turmoil and enabling authorities to recover losses from those responsible. Economy: The central bank cut its policy rate by 100 basis points to 36%, its first reduction since January. Mediterranean Tensions: Eastern Libya’s parliament approved a maritime deal with Türkiye, drawing condemnation from the EU, Greece, Egypt and Cyprus. Greece and Egypt are discussing extending their maritime zone eastward. Regional Diplomacy: Türkiye is hosting European and Middle Eastern foreign ministers in Istanbul for talks on Gaza, Yemen, the Strait of Hormuz and the Russia-Ukraine war.

Defense Ties: Türkiye, Qatar, Pakistan and Indonesia signed a pact for joint exercises, training and defense production. Ankara is also seeking parliamentary approval for a mutual-defense agreement with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan that could allow Turkish troops to deploy to Saudi Arabia. Mediterranean Dispute: Eastern Libya’s parliament approved a maritime deal with Türkiye, drawing condemnation from the EU, Greece, Cyprus, Egypt and Israel. Ankara says the agreement is legitimate. Diplomacy & Trade: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is visiting Türkiye to deepen trade, defense and energy ties. President Erdoğan also spoke with Azerbaijan’s Ilham Aliyev ahead of a planned Ankara summit. Domestic Watch: Prosecutors ordered 31 detentions in an expanding investment-fund probe, while press groups condemned censorship and legal pressure on journalists. Industry: Türkiye plans a domestic ultrasound factory with at least 71% local content and a 229% increase in its proposed 2027 defense procurement budget.

Eastern Mediterranean: Libya’s eastern parliament ratified its maritime deal with Türkiye, prompting the EU’s 27 members, Egypt, Greece, Cyprus and Israel to condemn it. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan called the vote a diplomatic success and defended the pact as legitimate. Defence Ties: Türkiye, Qatar, Pakistan and Indonesia signed the Badr accord to expand defence manufacturing, research and training. Separately, Ankara sent its mutual-defence pact with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan to parliament and is considering a mandate for defensive personnel in Saudi Arabia. Domestic Affairs: A widening investment-fund scandal has led to dozens of detentions, a market regulator’s resignation and court-ordered blocks on news reports. Press groups also condemned a broader media crackdown. Foreign Relations: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is visiting Türkiye, with officials expected to pursue closer defence and energy ties. Security: Defence Minister Yaşar Güler said Turkish forces will remain in Syria and Iraq until Ankara’s border-security conditions are met.