Erdogan: We believe there is always a door for diplomacy, even in the most complex disputes
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasized the importance of diplomacy in resolving conflicts, criticized the dominance of five countries on the UN Security Council, and clarified Turkey's role in international mediation.
Translated by Qiyas from الراي — Original source
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said today that his country is striving to pave the way for peace, adding, “We believe there is always a door for diplomacy, even in the most complex disputes, and what matters is demonstrating the will, courage, and sincerity necessary to keep that door open.”
In a video message addressed to the Ninth Istanbul Mediation Conference, Erdoğan stated that “the Turkish city, which has united peoples and cultures over the centuries, has today become one of the world’s diplomacy hubs.”
He noted that the United Nations General Assembly is holding its sessions this year under the theme “Rebuilding Trust,” emphasizing that “a system in which the will of more than 190 countries is subject to the whims of five countries is neither fair nor capable of fostering full trust.”
For years, the Turkish president has called for reform of the UN Security Council, where five countries—the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China—hold permanent membership and veto power.
He said, “Today, millions of people in Palestine, Lebanon, Sudan, and other crisis areas, who had pinned their hopes on the United Nations, feel deep disappointment.” He added, “In Turkey, we have made it a principle not to abandon diplomacy, even in times when parties are not speaking to each other and hopes are fading.”
He further stated, “From prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine to the mediation efforts we are undertaking in Africa, we are today striving to pave the way for peace through the achievements we have made across a wide geographic area.”
In this context, he pointed out that the world is going through a phase marked by increasing conflicts and tensions, during which confidence in international law and institutions is eroding. He affirmed Turkey’s determination to continue bringing parties together to achieve peace, play a mediation role in reaching fair solutions, and shoulder responsibility.
