Fidan Stresses Türkiye’s Key Role in Global Diplomacy at Antalya Forum

Antalya, The Gulf Observer: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has underscored Türkiye’s pivotal role in global diplomacy, emphasizing the nation’s potential to mediate and resolve numerous international crises. Speaking at the 4th Antalya Diplomacy Forum on Friday, Fidan stated that Türkiye occupies a central position not only in the heart of regional crises but also as a critical player in devising solutions.

“Türkiye is a country at the very heart of crises and at the centre of tensions – but also at the core of solutions,” Fidan said during his address at the opening of the three-day forum, which is being held in the southern Turkish city of Antalya. The theme of this year’s forum is “Reclaiming Diplomacy in a Fragmented World,” with global leaders, policymakers, and experts gathering to discuss critical challenges facing the international community, including geopolitical tensions, inequality, violence, and climate change. The forum aims to explore how diplomacy can help restore stability and foster international cooperation.

Focus on Gaza’s Humanitarian Crisis and the Call for Ceasefire

A central issue discussed at the forum was the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Minister Fidan reiterated the urgent need for a permanent ceasefire in the region, rejecting any proposal that would force Palestinians to abandon their homeland.

“We reject any plan that forces Palestinians to abandon their homeland,” Fidan stated, after attending a meeting of the Gaza Contact Group in Antalya. The session, titled “Two-State Solution and Lasting Peace in the Middle East,” brought together foreign ministers from Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain, and Indonesia, as well as the secretaries-general of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab League. The discussions also involved representatives from the United Arab Emirates, China, Russia, Ireland, Spain, Norway, Slovenia, Nigeria, and the European Union.

The meeting focused on the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, the reestablishment of a ceasefire, and developments in the occupied territories. Fidan expressed concerns over Israel’s increasing aggression and emphasized the need for the international community to take decisive steps towards achieving a lasting peace and a two-state solution.

“A lasting ceasefire must be established as soon as possible. We support the ceasefire initiative led by Qatar, Egypt, and the US,” he added. Fidan also voiced Türkiye’s support for the reconstruction plan for Gaza endorsed by the Arab League and called for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

A Strong Call for International Solidarity and Peace

Fidan reiterated Türkiye’s firm stance on the Palestinian issue, asserting that the oppression faced by Palestinians undermines international law and universal values. “Israel’s aggressive stance leads to instability on a regional level and lawlessness on a global scale. However, the violence Israel has inflicted on Palestinians for the past 80 years has failed. Palestinians have not abandoned their homeland. They have not given up on their cause. We are confident that Palestinians will one day live in peace and security under the roof of their own state,” he said.

In addressing Israel, Fidan called for an immediate ceasefire declaration and urged Israel to pursue peace with the Palestinians. He further emphasized that Türkiye would continue to raise the plight of the Palestinian people at every international platform.

Criticism of the United Nations Security Council

Fidan also expressed disappointment with the United Nations, accusing its Security Council of failing to meet the international community’s expectations for peace and justice. He criticized the council’s inaction in the face of the ongoing violence in Gaza, calling it an example of the UN’s failure to address global crises effectively.

“The UN Security Council remained silent and ineffective. That silence grew, injustice deepened, and consciences were wounded,” Fidan stated. “What we are left with is a crisis of legitimacy.”

As the Antalya Diplomacy Forum continues, Türkiye’s commitment to fostering peace, stability, and dialogue remains evident, with Fidan reiterating his country’s role as a key player in solving global conflicts.