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"We want our region, which dates back to the history of humanity, to be a geography of peace"

"We want our region, which dates back to the history of humanity, to be a geography of peace"

In his speech at the opening of the 4th Antalya Diplomacy Forum, President Erdoğan said, "We want our region, which is ancient with the history of humanity, to be a geography of civilization, peace, security, and stability in accordance with this deep-rooted history. We want to see a region where reconciliation, not conflict; alliance, not division; prosperity and stability, not blood, tears, pain, and tension prevail. We want to live in such a world and leave such a world to our children."

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivered a speech at the opening of the 4th Antalya Diplomacy Forum held at the NEST Congress Center, with the main theme "Embracing Diplomacy in a Diverging World." President Erdoğan's wife, Emine Erdoğan, also attended the opening program.

President Erdoğan started his speech by greeting the participants. Stating that he was very pleased to come together with the heads of state and government at the 4th meeting of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, President Erdoğan said, "Again from here, on behalf of my country and nation, I greet all the oppressed people who carry the pain of wars, conflicts, and deaths in their hearts, and I send them our messages of solidarity."

President Erdoğan thanked each and every guest from all over the world who attended the forum and wished that the 3-day programs would be beneficial for the world and humanity, especially for the oppressed and victims in the geography.

"TOGETHER WE ONCE AGAIN DECLARE TO THE WORLD THAT WE PREFER GLOBAL CONSCIENCE TO THE COMPETITION FOR POWER"

President Erdoğan congratulated the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Hakan Fidan, and his colleagues for successfully organizing the 4th edition of the forum, which has become a global brand where the pulse of diplomacy beats. He also congratulated all the organizations that supported the event and congratulated Antalya MP Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, who pioneered the realization of the forum during his ministry.

Hoping that the panels and discussions to be held within the scope of the forum, organized under the theme "Embracing Diplomacy in a Diverging World," will provide the participants with a productive horizon tour, President Erdoğan said: "We are pleased with the intense interest in the forum, which is among the leading events in the field of foreign policy and international relations in the world. Today, we declare to the world once again that we prefer dialogue instead of conflicts, common sense instead of polarization, and global conscience instead of power competition. These messages of peace and friendship that we give to the whole world from Antalya position the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in a unique place compared to its counterparts. As every year, thousands of participants will exchange ideas and discuss solutions on critical regional and global issues for 3 days. The heart of global diplomacy will beat in Antalya again for 3 days."

"THE WORLD IS BIGGER THAN FIVE, BECAUSE HUMANITY IS BIGGER THAN FIVE"

Expressing his gratitude to the participants for their valuable contributions to the forum, President Erdoğan continued as follows: "While humanity is making new technological breakthroughs one after another, the international system is not able to achieve the same success in keeping up with the times. At a time when we are dealing with problems that concern all of humanity, such as terrorism, hunger, poverty, racism, Islamophobia, anti-immigration sentiments, and the climate crisis, we unfortunately witness that the international community is failing to develop fairer and more conscientious policies. We feel this deficiency every day in a wide range of areas, especially in the conflicts and tensions in our region. It is clear that we need to emphasize more the humanitarian, entrepreneurial, and future-oriented planning capability of diplomacy. The world is bigger than five because humanity is bigger than five. Our aim in making this determination is to make such an understanding dominant. Turkey is one of the countries that can give this message to the world most easily due to its experience, and historical, humanitarian, and cultural richness and depth. I would like to draw your attention to a fact: We are not a country located in a comfortable geography far away from problems. We are located in a country that is prone to crises, as well as having a high strategic importance. This has always been the case throughout history. Attempts to invade, the Crusades, imperialist games, and attempts to create confusion and instability have never been absent from our environment. From World War I to the Cold War, this was the geography that was most battered and negatively affected by the destructive rivalry between the great powers."

"WE ARE NOT ONLY THE INHABITANTS BUT ALSO THE OWNERS OF THIS GEOGRAPHY"

Emphasizing that many of the problems, wars, crises, and tensions that dominate the agenda of international politics today also take place in Turkey's immediate vicinity, President Erdoğan said: "I have to say with pride that we are not only the inhabitants of this geography, but we are also its owners. We have been here for a thousand years, we have been on these lands. God willing, we will be here again for many more centuries."

Stating that they want the region, which is as old as the history of mankind, to be a geography of civilization, peace, security, and stability in accordance with this deep-rooted history, President Erdoğan said, "We want to see a region where reconciliation prevails over conflict, alliance over division, prosperity and stability over blood, tears, pain, and tension. We want to live in such a world and leave such a world to our children. Of course, we know that this is not easy."

"ISRAEL IS COMMITTING A BLATANT GENOCIDE AGAINST THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE"

Stating that they are aware that peace requires more effort than war, President Erdoğan emphasized that they have always chosen the hard way, not the easy way, and that today they stand on the side of the hard way.
With this understanding, President Erdoğan said that just as they struggle for peace and stability in countries such as Ukraine, Sudan, Libya, and Somalia, with which they have close friendships, they also assume responsibility in Africa and Asia through initiatives such as mediation and facilitation: "We strive to create a belt of peace and security around our country by establishing good relations with our neighbors, expanding cooperation and trade opportunities, and building bridges of dialogue between conflicting parties. I would like to state once again today with all sincerity that we have no eyes on anyone's land, sovereignty, or resources. As Turkey, wherever we have a presence, we are not interested in what is under the ground, but in what is above the ground—in other words, in people, in lives. Let us not forget that we say, 'oppression does not make a prosperous future.' We say, 'a prosperous future cannot be built on exploitation and conflict.'"

As you know, one of the most painful issues for global conscience and justice is the persecution in Palestine, especially in Gaza. For 1.5 years, Israel has been committing a blatant genocide against the Palestinian people, disregarding the most basic human rights and trampling on international law. Raising our voices against this, objecting to this persecution, and giving the strongest possible reaction to this is not only our brotherhood but also our humanity—it is a requirement of our humanity. Because we all have a heart. To remain silent against Israel's massacres is to be a partner in this crime."

Reminding that a few days ago, the Israeli army bombed a tent where journalists were staying in Khan Yunis, in the south of Gaza, President Erdoğan said, "Three journalists lost their lives in this attack, and 10 people, nine of whom were members of the media, were seriously injured. One of those martyred was a journalist named Ahmet Mansour. The images of Ahmet Mansour, who was burned alive in the tent after the attack, horrified us all on the one hand, and on the other hand, once again revealed the crimes of war and humanity committed by Israel. The Israeli government has murdered 211 journalists so far. Just this morning, 10 people, including 7 children, from the same family were martyred in Khan Yunis. Now, if the name of this is not barbarism, what am I asking?"

Drawing attention to the war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by Israel, President Erdoğan stated that Israel executed medical personnel who went to help the wounded in an ambulance and mercilessly massacred innocent babies, children, and women trying to hold on to life among the ruins.
President Erdoğan said, "Let us put our hands on our conscience and ask ourselves this question: Would a legitimate state act like this, even in war? Isn't this called state terrorism? Therefore, Israel is a terrorist state. It cannot have any other name."

"NO ONE CAN DENIGRATE THE HEROIC STRUGGLE OF THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE BY LABELING IT 'TERRORISM'"

Stating that the Israeli government is trying to uproot the Palestinian people from their land and cause a second Nakba disaster, President Erdoğan said that Israel, whose every crime goes unanswered before the law, attempts more bloody and unscrupulous attacks each time.
President Erdoğan stated that by calling Palestinians who exercise their legitimate right of resistance against the Israeli occupation "terrorists," Israel seeks to legitimize their massacres, and he said, "No one can denigrate the heroic struggle of the Palestinian people against the occupation by labeling it as 'terrorism.'"

Stating that Palestinians have been defending their land since October 7, 2023, and have been the pride of humanity, President Erdoğan emphasized that the Turkish nation acts in full solidarity with the Palestinians today, as it has done throughout history.

"PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST IS ONLY POSSIBLE ON THE BASIS OF A TWO-STATE SOLUTION TO THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT"

President Erdoğan continued his speech as follows: "We welcomed all the people of Israel, the Jews, who were expelled from their lands 500 years ago, by opening our doors. What Turkey was then, Turkey is the same today. Since the beginning of the attacks, we have sent over 101 thousand tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza with the support of sister countries in the region. God willing, we will continue to extend our helping hand to the oppressed people of Gaza. As long as Israel's state terrorism in Gaza continues, as long as the ceasefire efforts are sabotaged, as long as bombs are dropped on the innocent, it is very difficult for lasting peace to come to our region. I emphasize again that peace in the Middle East is only possible on the basis of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This depends on the establishment of a free, sovereign, and territorially integral Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. I once again call on all members of the international community, especially the United Nations Security Council, to assume responsibility, stop the bloodshed, and stand by the Palestinian people."

"WE ARE IN AGREEMENT WITH ALL ACTORS IN THE REGION ON THE TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY OF SYRIA"

Stating that Israel is turning into a problematic country that directly threatens the stability of the region, especially with its attacks on Lebanon and Syria, President Erdoğan noted that Israel's attacks have also hampered efforts to fight the terrorist organization DAESH.

President Erdoğan continued his speech as follows: "In Syria, the Syrian government is trying to dynamite the December 8 revolution by inciting ethnic and religious affiliations and provoking the minorities in the country against the government. Look, Turkey's position on this issue is very clear. We are one of the countries that have borne the brunt and paid the price for 14 years of conflict and instability in neighboring Syria. We cannot allow the opportunity to establish lasting stability not only in Syria but also in our entire region to be wasted with the December 8 revolution. We will not allow Syria to be dragged into a new vortex of instability. I would like to emphasize here that we do not consider the territorial integrity, stability, and security of our neighbor Syria, with which we have a total border of 911 kilometers, as separate from our own. The Syrian people have had enough of suffering, oppression, and war. Those who intend to put our Syrian brothers and sisters through this again should make their calculations accordingly. No one should misunderstand or misinterpret our composure, our patience, our attitude of resolving issues through dialogue, and our calmness should not lead some people to very wrong ambitions."

Emphasizing that Turkey is a country that acts with principles, not with hidden intentions and agendas in foreign policy, President Erdoğan stated that they want peace, stability, prosperity, and security for all the peoples of the region.

President Erdoğan said, "We are in a unity of understanding and in very close dialogue with all actors who have influence in the region, especially Mr. Trump and Mr. Putin, in order to preserve the territorial integrity and stability of Syria. We will resolutely continue to take all necessary steps within the framework of this unity of understanding, the security plans of our country, and the agreements between us and the Syrian government."

Stating that they are increasing political contacts and consultations with Asian countries every day through the Asia Re-opening, President Erdoğan noted that with the Africa partnership policy, cooperation is developing with a win-win approach.

President Erdoğan said, "We continue our efforts to ensure lasting stability in the South Caucasus. We aim to maintain peace and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean, and work to preserve positive atmospheres with our neighbor Greece. We closely follow the developments in the Balkans and continue our cooperation with the countries in the region. The brotherly republics in Central Asia are strengthening their special place in our foreign policy day by day."

"IT HAS ONCE AGAIN BECOME CLEAR THAT EUROPEAN SECURITY IS UNTHINKABLE WITHOUT TURKEY"

President Erdoğan said: "The Organization of Turkic States, which has taken important steps towards integration in recent years with the intensive efforts of our country, contributes significantly to strengthening our cooperation. We have recently increased our efforts for the recognition of the sovereign equality and equal international status of the Turkish Cypriot people. We will continue to do so patiently until justice is served on the island. NATO, as the foundation of Euro-Atlantic security, is one of the building blocks of Turkish foreign policy and the security of our country. In these days when the future of NATO and the European security architecture are on the agenda, it has once again become clear that European security cannot be imagined without Turkey. Turkey, which commands NATO's second-largest land army, is ready to take responsibility for European security in the future, especially with its defense industry, which has made great strides in recent years."

"FULL MEMBERSHIP OF THE EUROPEAN UNION IS OUR COUNTRY'S STRATEGIC GOAL"

President Erdoğan also stated that there is no validity to the claims and criticisms that Turkey is moving away from the European Union (EU) and pointed out that full EU membership is still Turkey's strategic goal.

President Erdoğan stated the following: "However, sometimes due to fears, sometimes due to prejudices, sometimes due to actors who have captured the Union from within, the European Union is unable to show the necessary will to advance our membership process. To put it more accurately, some European countries today unfortunately lack the horizon, courage, and strategic perspective that gave life to the European Union three and a quarter centuries ago. We say that if the European Union wants to overcome the current challenges and be duly represented in the restructured global system, it must act accordingly, get rid of its baggage, and Turkey must regain its seat in the Union as a full member as soon as possible. We are ready and determined to advance our membership process. We expect the European Union to take concrete steps."

Stating that a strong foreign policy cannot be implemented without a strong defense industry, President Erdoğan noted that Turkey owes its current self-confidence to its breakthroughs in the field of defense industry along with other steps.

"Today, we have reached a localization rate of 80 percent in this field. Thus, we have become self-sufficient," said President Erdoğan, adding that Turkey has gone far beyond meeting its own needs with armed and unarmed unmanned aerial vehicles, ships, helicopters, tanks, rockets, and missiles, as well as many other capabilities.

"WE ATTACH GREAT IMPORTANCE TO OUR 100 BILLION DOLLAR TRADE TARGET WITH THE USA"

Stating that the annual export target of 10 billion dollars in the defense industry is being approached with firm steps every year, President Erdoğan continued as follows: "We are gradually strengthening our defense cooperation with friendly and brotherly countries. We attach great importance to our $100 billion trade target with our ally and strategic partner, the United States of America. I believe that in President Trump's second term, our relations with the United States will flourish in every field with the contribution of our close friendship with him. Our relations with the Russian Federation, with which we have a deep-rooted history, are developing day by day on a multidimensional ground. We are determined to advance our cooperation with Russia, with which we share a common geography, on the basis of mutual interest and respect. Ending the Russian-Ukrainian War, now in its fourth year, with a just and sustainable peace agreement remains our priority. We have taken many steps, including the Black Sea initiative, prisoner swaps, and the Istanbul Process. We will hopefully maintain our balanced and proactive stance that we have maintained since day one."

President Erdoğan stated that they will endeavor to improve relations with Asian, African, and Latin American countries and said, "We are doing our best to prevent the escalating trade competition over customs tariffs from becoming destructive. Turkey, with its economy that is resistant to shocks, will not only overcome this process without any problems but will also be one of the winners of the new era, God willing."

Pointing out that Turkey will gain a different momentum in the economy when it gets rid of terrorism, President Erdoğan said: "When we get rid of the scourge of terrorism, which has cost our country 40 years, the lives of thousands of its citizens, and billions of dollars in resources, we will hopefully achieve a very different momentum in the economy. We have no doubt that we will reach our ideal, which finds its meaning in the phrase 'Century of Turkey,' hopefully with your support. I believe that the Antalya Diplomacy Forum will be instrumental in explaining this vision to future generations and all friendly countries."