Türkiye Calls for Regional Security Cooperation Based on Trust, Supports Ceasefire and Gaza Peace Efforts
Ankara, The Gulf Observer: Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized the need for regional security arrangements in the Middle East based on mutual trust rather than deterrence, underscoring that lasting stability can only be achieved through inclusive cooperation without domination by any single power.
In an interview with Al Jazeera aired on Thursday, Fidan said the main obstacle to security cooperation among Gulf countries is “the lack of trust between states”, adding that the priority should be building fundamental confidence rather than focusing primarily on deterrence. Drawing a parallel with the European Union, he stressed that regional countries could come together responsibly to ensure stability.
On the issue of regional defense pacts, including the Saudi Arabia–Pakistan agreement, Fidan said: “Any pact in the region should be more inclusive… No domination—no Turkish, Arab, or Farsi domination. The regional countries are coming together, acting responsibly.” He called for the establishment of a regional security architecture to combat terrorism and reduce reliance on external powers.
Syria Ceasefire and Security Concerns
Fidan highlighted Türkiye’s role in facilitating the ongoing ceasefire in Syria, noting that it enables the transfer of ISIS prisoners from Syria to Iraq. He stressed the importance of coordination among relevant parties to prevent the collapse of the truce and reiterated Türkiye’s support for agreements between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) that respect Turkish national security concerns.
The minister also pointed out that the SDF/YPG is an extension of the PKK in Syria, with armed elements operating across Syria, Iraq, Iran, and Türkiye. He emphasized that non-Syrian fighters deployed by the group pose a threat to Turkish security, and Ankara seeks to end their presence while supporting fair treatment of Syrian Kurds.
Gaza Peace Efforts
On Palestine, Fidan stressed Türkiye’s commitment to advancing the Gaza peace agenda through the Board of Peace and regional consultations. He reiterated Ankara’s stance against resuming trade with Israel while the conflict continues and humanitarian aid is blocked, clarifying that Türkiye’s objection is to Israeli policies in Gaza, not Israel itself.
Fidan added that Türkiye is prepared to contribute military units to any international stabilization force in Gaza, alongside Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, if requested.
Other Regional and Global Issues
Addressing broader regional dynamics, Fidan expressed caution over potential Israeli attacks on Iran and urged diplomatic resolutions to the nuclear issue. He also noted Türkiye’s ongoing mediation role in the Ukraine–Russia conflict, emphasizing that any peace agreement would involve Europe and the US.
Regarding NATO and European security, Fidan called for improved European defense capacity while advocating discussions on a new security architecture and the creation of regional centers of gravity to reduce overreliance on external powers.
