Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has reiterated Türkiye’s commitment to a regional order based on peace, stability, cooperation and respect for national sovereignty, emphasizing that the future of the Middle East should be shaped primarily by the countries of the region.

Presidential Communications Director Burhanettin Duran announced that Erdoğan’s interview with Ghassan Charbel, editor-in-chief of the London-based Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper, has been published in both English and Arabic.

According to Duran, Erdoğan used the interview to outline Türkiye’s approach to regional security and its vision for the future of the Middle East.

Erdoğan highlights regional ownership

Duran said Erdoğan had once again underlined Türkiye’s determination to pursue an inclusive approach to regional affairs, stressing that regional problems should be addressed by regional actors.

He pointed specifically to the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement involving Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, describing it as a strategic initiative centered on peace, stability, solidarity and collective deterrence rather than an alliance directed against any particular country.

Duran said the agreement reflects the principle that “the security of one is the security of all.”

According to the Turkish presidency, the initiative is intended to strengthen regional cooperation and security while avoiding the formation of blocs aimed at confronting other states.

‘Diplomacy instead of escalation’

Duran said Erdoğan’s vision places regional ownership over externally imposed formulas, diplomacy over escalation, dialogue over conflict and cooperation over division.

He added that Türkiye advocates a regional order in which sovereignty and territorial integrity are respected and security, economic development and prosperity advance together.

“This vision extends across a broad geography from the Gulf to the Strait of Hormuz and from Lebanon to Syria,” Duran said, emphasizing Türkiye’s call for greater regional responsibility in addressing security and political challenges.

Türkiye seeks active role in regional peace

Duran described Türkiye as an active regional actor rather than a passive observer, saying Ankara intends to take initiatives aimed at promoting peace, building trust and assuming greater responsibility for regional stability.

He said Erdoğan’s approach represents a call for the Middle East’s future to be shaped through peace, brotherhood, sovereignty and collective resolve, rather than conflict and instability.

“Guided by this understanding, our country will continue to pursue constructive diplomacy with determination for regional and global peace,” Duran said.

The remarks come as Türkiye continues to emphasize regional cooperation and diplomatic engagement as key components of its foreign policy, while seeking closer coordination with countries across the Middle East and beyond. (ILKHA)