Russia Deems Türkiye Forum Superior to Western Venues for Global Dialogue

Moscow, The Gulf Observer: Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, lauded the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, highlighting it as a superior venue for global discourse compared to Western equivalents. Speaking at a press briefing in Moscow on Wednesday, Zakharova praised the forum’s adept organization, emphasizing its ability to attract a diverse array of international guests.

“In the current global landscape, this well-established international dialogue platform is better suited for addressing and aligning positions on pressing foreign policy matters compared to similar events hosted within Western forums such as the Munich Security Conference,” she stated. Zakharova criticized the Munich Security Conference, characterizing it as increasingly hostile towards Russia and espousing Russophobic sentiments, even veering into what she described as racially charged rhetoric.

Responding unfavorably to inquiries regarding Russia’s potential involvement in a proposed peace conference on Ukraine, purportedly arranged by Switzerland, Zakharova asserted Russia’s reluctance to participate. She dismissed the conference as likely to advocate for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s uncompromising stance, rather than genuinely seeking a consensus among various peace initiatives.

Moreover, Zakharova cast doubt on Switzerland’s suitability as a mediator, citing its perceived bias against Russia. She criticized Switzerland for adopting what she deemed a pro-Ukrainian stance, evidenced by its voting patterns in international forums, support for anti-Russian measures, and its alignment with Zelenskyy’s agenda.

“The Swiss foreign policy strategy, particularly its stance on European security, has demonstrated a clear preference for policies antagonistic to Russia, undermining its purported neutrality and mediation capabilities,” Zakharova emphasized.

The Antalya Diplomacy Forum, an annual conference initiated by Türkiye in 2021, serves as a crucial platform for policymakers and diplomats to exchange insights on diplomatic and political strategies addressing a spectrum of global challenges including warfare, terrorism, migration, xenophobia, Islamophobia, artificial intelligence, and climate change.

Regarding the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Zakharova noted the absence of diplomatic negotiations since the series of peace talks held in Istanbul in March 2022, signaling a stagnation in efforts towards a diplomatic resolution.