Kurtulmus Warns of Dysfunctional Global Institutions, Outlines Türkiye’s Principled Foreign Policy
Ankara, The Gulf Observer: Turkish Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus said on Tuesday that global institutions are becoming “increasingly dysfunctional” as the international system enters a period of heightened uncertainty marked by shifting power balances.
Addressing ambassadors in Ankara, Kurtulmus said rapid global changes are reshaping international relations, with the rise of multipolarity alongside simultaneous trends of globalization and regionalization. As a country aspiring to be a regional power and a global actor, he said Türkiye must shape its policies in line with the demands of this new era.
Kurtulmus noted that rapid advances in high technology, along with challenges related to climate change, food security, energy, and transportation connectivity, are creating new tensions while also opening up fresh opportunities. Describing the current phase as the “threshold of a new era,” he said Türkiye closely monitors global developments and seeks to act proactively.
Outlining the principles of Turkish foreign policy, Kurtulmus said it is “principled, determined, and rejects indifference in the face of global crises.” He emphasized that Türkiye aims to contribute to building a world based on peace, stability, and security, an approach that guides Ankara’s stance on regional and international conflicts.
Referring to Ukraine, the Caucasus, and Gaza, he said Türkiye remains committed to principled negotiations, humanitarian diplomacy, and consistent positions. He reiterated Türkiye’s strong support for Palestinians and African nations, highlighting leader-level diplomacy, embodied by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as a key strength of Turkish foreign policy.
Kurtulmus further stated that Türkiye pursues an independent and multidimensional foreign policy based on what he described as the “Türkiye axis,” rather than aligning exclusively with either the East or the West. Conscience, he added, is a central compass of Turkish diplomacy, arguing that foreign policy should not be driven solely by calculations.
In this context, he said Türkiye has taken a leading role in advocating for Gaza and mobilizing global awareness against injustice and crimes against humanity.
The parliament speaker also stressed the growing importance of cultural and parliamentary diplomacy, noting that Türkiye actively employs these tools worldwide to strengthen relations, articulate its positions, and build lasting partnerships. Another guiding principle, he added, is the “spirit of the times,” underlining Ankara’s aim to balance calm decision-making with speed and adaptability in a rapidly changing global environment.
