ISTANBUL

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Wednesday that the country's economy grew 3.7% on an annual basis in the third quarter, maintaining its upward trend, and also ranking fourth among the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries.

"Our economy has continued its growth trend, which it has maintained for 21 quarters, in the third quarter of 2025," Erdogan said in the parliament in Ankara.

He emphasized that next year will be a "year of international summits" for Türkiye, announcing that the country will host COP31, the NATO summit, and the 13th summit of the Organization of Turkic States.

Erdogan recalled the Nov. 29 test of Türkiye's KIZIELMA, saying it became the first unmanned combat aircraft capable of striking a target beyond visual range from air to air.

"Türkiye gained strategic advantage in air defense," he added.