In an address to the nation on Tuesday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that Turkey intends to strengthen its relations with Russia and China across various sectors, including trade and tourism while maintaining a balanced approach between the East and the West.

"We have had a very busy schedule of meetings and visits in the foreign policy area. First, we visited Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, as the guest of honor at the 24th Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit. There we held crucial meetings that will yield extremely beneficial results. We are determined to bolster our cooperation with Russia and China in all areas, from trade and transport to investment," Erdogan said.

Ankara aims to achieve a more balanced and sustainable level of bilateral trade with its investment partners, President Erdogan stated after chairing a cabinet meeting.

"Our doors are wide open for all types of investment that will add value to our country's economy, provided that investment is not used for political leverage," he said.

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Turkey cannot be confined to a single bloc because of its geographical, human, economic, and historical ties with various countries, President Erdogan argued, responding to the West's attempts to exert political pressure on his country.

"As important as it is for us to improve relations with the Western world, it is equally important to strengthen cooperation with Asia, Africa and Latin America. We do not allow anyone to drive us into narrow boundaries. We do not turn away from the East for the sake of the West and do not neglect the West for the sake of the East," the president said.

He also noted that over the past 22 years, Ankara has taken "historic steps to extend its sphere of influence."

"Based on mutual respect and common interests, we have managed to strengthen our ties even with the countries that were initially prejudiced against us. We have achieved all this despite the axis debate fueled by certain people," Erdogan said.

The president commented on the rising geopolitical rivalry, expressing his desire for Turkey to have as many allies as possible.

"We attach great importance to increasing the number of our friends. As the struggle for the distribution of power among the great powers is accelerating, it is not just preferable but necessary for Turkey to establish new equations in foreign policy. We see the need for such initiatives among our neighbors as well as among other countries," Erdogan said.

Ankara has recently expressed aspirations to join BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, both of which include Russia and China as members.

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