Author: Daily Sabah With Agencies

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani discussed bilateral relations and regional and global developments in Türkiye’s capital Ankara on Tuesday, the Presidential Communications Directorate said. “President Erdoğan stated that Türkiye stands by the Syrian people and government to protect Syria’s territorial integrity, unity, and unitary structure and that the international community should cooperate in the country’s reconstruction process,” the directorate said in a statement. The president also said Ankara is waging a fight against all terrorist organizations to protect its national security. Erdoğan welcomed the Qatari emir with an official ceremony at the…

Turkish Süper Lig giants Galatasaray have set their sights on Argentine star Paulo Dybala as Mauro Icardi’s injury leaves a void in their attacking lineup. The reigning champions wasted no time initiating talks for the 31-year-old forward, who has an illustrious resume with stints at Instituto, Palermo, Juventus and Roma. With Icardi sidelined, the club sees Dybala as the perfect fit to bolster their squad. According to Sports Digitale, Dybala’s agent, Carlos Novel, traveled to Istanbul ahead of Galatasaray’s derby clash with Trabzonspor to discuss terms. The agent not only held meetings with the club but also attended the high-stakes…

Chelsea’s Ukrainian midfielder Mykhaylo Mudryk has tested positive for a banned substance. The 23-year-old star, acquired for a hefty 100 million pound ($127 million) transfer fee, including bonuses, now faces a potential four-year suspension. Both Chelsea and Mudryk confirmed the reports, with the young star expressing disbelief over the results. “I can confirm I have been informed that the sample I provided contained a banned substance,” Mudryk said in a statement. “I never took anything intentionally” “This news came as a complete shock to me,” he continued. “I have never intentionally used any prohibited substance or violated any rules. My…

Cristiano Ronaldo, already one of the world’s highest-earning athletes, has made headlines once again – this time for his lavish new ride in the sky. The Portuguese superstar, currently playing for Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr, shelled out a staggering $73 million for a state-of-the-art private jet. The purchase further cements Ronaldo’s penchant for luxury and his status as a global icon. Ronaldo upgraded from his previous Gulfstream G200, which he recently listed for sale at $21 million, to this cutting-edge carbon-fiber jet. Designed for both speed and comfort, the aircraft boasts a sprawling 19-seat living space and can reach an impressive…

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Tuesday in the capital Ankara, her second stopover in the region. The two discussed the latest situation in Syria after the fall of the Assad regime. The top EU official was in Jordan on Monday where she met Jordan’s King Abdullah. Erdoğan and von der Leyen held a joint news conference after their meeting. President Erdoğan said at the news conference that Syria should not be allowed to be a bastion for terrorism in the post-Assad era. “We discussed the fight against Daesh and PKK and its…

The Turkish Wrestling Federation is set for a decisive general assembly on Wednesday in Ankara, where the spotlight will turn to the election of its new president. The event, hosted at Anadolu Hotels Esenboğa Thermal, kicks off at 10 a.m. and will see former Olympic champions Taha Akgül and Selçuk Çebi contend for the top position. Selçuk Çebi stands on the podium after winning the Greco-Roman style 80 kg. World Wrestling Championships match against Viktar Sasunouski, Minsk, Belarus, Sept. 10, 2015. (AA Photo) Akgül’s presidential blessings Top contender Taha Akgül, a revered Olympic champion and presidential candidate, recently met with President Recep Tayyip…

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump hailed Türkiye’s regional role as a major power and his personal ties with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, as he said Ankara would play a key role in the future of Syria following the ouster of Assad regime. “Turkey is a major force, by the way, and Erdoğan is somebody I got along with great but he has a major military force. And he has not been worn out with war,” Trump told reporters at his Mar-a-Lago estate. “He’s built a very strong, powerful army.” Trump demurred when asked if he would withdraw American troops from northeastern…

The Zero Waste Project, initiated under the patronage of first lady Emine Erdoğan in 2017, has completed its seventh year. Over these seven years, the movement has contributed to both Türkiye’s economy and its environment. The Zero Waste Advisory Board, led by Erdoğan and established on April 12, 2023, includes notable figures such as Guy Bernard Ryder, U.N. assistant secretary-general for policy, and 13 members from countries including the U.S., Sierra Leone, Chile, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, the Netherlands, Morocco, Belgium and India. After the meeting with the advisory board members, they toured the Painting Museum at Dolmabahçe Palace and answered…

Formula One’s reigning world champion Max Verstappen has seemingly completed his community service for swearing at a press conference after the FIA required him to perform a “work of public interest” following his foul language at the Singapore Grand Prix in September. The 27-year-old Dutch driver, fresh off securing his fourth Formula One title, was photographed in Rwanda over the weekend, engaging with local youngsters at a program organized by the Rwanda Automobile Club (RAC). The FIA shared the images on X, captioning them, “Giving back to the community. Thank you, Max.” Verstappen was in Kigali for the FIA awards…

Travis Kelce’s Ohio homecoming was memorable for more than just the Kansas City Chiefs’ 21-7 win over the Cleveland Browns. While the nine-time Pro Bowler shone on the field, it was a post-game gesture that captured the hearts of fans and set social media ablaze. After helping the Chiefs clinch their 13th victory of the season, Kelce tossed his game-worn gloves into the stands, a heartfelt thank you to the loyal Kansas City supporters braving the cold Ohio weather. One glove landed in the hands of a young fan, while the other found its way into the hands of a…