By our reporter
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during the just concluded Antalya Diplomacy Forum reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to regional peace and global dialogue, while issuing a strong condemnation of Israel’s actions in Palestine and calling for a more inclusive international governance system.
Addressing a high-profile gathering of world leaders, diplomats and academics, President Erdogan declared, “We once again declare that we prefer dialogue over conflict, common sense and global conscience over polarization.”
He further emphasized the need for reforms in the international system, reiterating his longstanding criticism of the United Nations Security Council. “The world is bigger than five, because humanity is bigger than five,” Erdogan stated, in a reference to the Council’s five permanent members.
Solidarity with Palestine
In one of the most impassioned segments of his address, Erdogan accused Israel of carrying out a “genocide” against the Palestinian people over the past 18 months, branding the country a “terrorist state.”
“For the past 1.5 years, Israel has been openly committing genocide against the Palestinian people, disregarding basic human rights and trampling on international law,” he declared.
The Turkish leader decried the silence of the international community, saying, “Remaining silent in the face of Israel’s massacres is to be complicit in this crime.”
Drawing on historical ties, Erdogan reminded the world of Türkiye’s tradition of tolerance and inclusion: “500 years ago, we welcomed the Jews expelled from their lands. What Türkiye was back then, it remains today.”
He called on the United Nations and other international institutions to act decisively and “stand with the Palestinian people.”
Peace Initiatives in Syria and Cyprus
Turning to regional affairs, President Erdogan reiterated Türkiye’s desire to foster peace in Syria and Cyprus through constructive dialogue.
He warned against misinterpreting Türkiye’s measured approach in Syria as weakness. “No one should misunderstand our calmness. Our composure should not lead anyone to false ambitions,” he said.
Reaffirming Türkiye’s position on Cyprus, Erdogan stressed, “We have intensified our efforts to recognize the sovereign equality and equal international status of the Turkish Cypriot people. We will continue this patiently until justice is served.”
Balanced Ties with Russia
On Türkiye’s relations with Russia, the president highlighted the importance of continued cooperation grounded in mutual interest. He emphasized Türkiye’s efforts to help mediate in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, now in its fourth year.
“We are determined to advance our cooperation with Russia… Bringing the Russia-Ukraine War to an end through a just and sustainable peace agreement remains our priority,” Erdogan said, citing initiatives such as the Black Sea Grain Initiative and the Istanbul Process.
Türkiye and the European Union
President Erdogan made a renewed case for Türkiye’s long-sought membership in the European Union, asserting that Türkiye plays an indispensable role in Europe’s security architecture.
“Türkiye should immediately regain its seat as a full member. We are ready and determined to advance our process, and we expect concrete steps from the EU,” he said.
NATO’s Strategic Role
In his remarks, Erdogan also affirmed Türkiye’s unwavering commitment to NATO, noting that the alliance remains a cornerstone of both Türkiye’s foreign policy and national security.
“Commanding NATO’s second-largest land army, Türkiye is ready to continue taking responsibility for European security, particularly through the major advancements it has made in its defense industry in recent years,” he noted.
The Antalya Diplomacy Forum, now in its fourth year, continues to serve as a key global platform for dialogue on diplomacy, peace, and strategic partnerships. Erdogan’s address marked a significant moment in Türkiye’s ongoing efforts to shape regional diplomacy and assert its role on the global stage.
