President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan declared Türkiye’s intent to claim a central role in the evolving global order during a press conference following a Presidential Cabinet Meeting at the Presidential Complex.

Emphasizing Türkiye’s growing influence, Erdoğan stated, “Türkiye is making its weight felt more and more as a main pole in a multipolar world. This time, Türkiye will definitely take its rightful place in the global system that is being restructured.”

Antalya Diplomacy Forum Highlights Türkiye’s Foreign Policy Strength

Erdoğan highlighted the success of the 4th Antalya Diplomacy Forum, held April 11-13, which drew over 6,000 participants from 155 countries, including 21 heads of state and government. Themed “Reclaiming Diplomacy in a Fragmented World,” the forum featured 50 sessions addressing global challenges such as climate change, education, protectionism, and multipolarity. “At a time when tensions are escalating and new crises are emerging, Türkiye will continue to prioritize justice, peace, and diplomacy,” Erdoğan affirmed.

Strengthening Ties with Indonesia

On April 10, Türkiye hosted Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, whose parliamentary address underscored the deep historical ties between the two nations. Erdoğan expressed optimism about boosting bilateral trade to $10 billion through partnerships in defense, construction, healthcare, and energy, building on centuries-old “brotherly ties.”

Middle East Developments a Direct Concern for Türkiye

Erdoğan stressed that crises in the Middle East directly impact Türkiye’s security, economy, and national interests. “We must analyze incidents with an enterprising, proactive, and courageous approach and update our policies accordingly,” he said, reaffirming Türkiye’s commitment to peace while warning against testing its resolve. “Türkiye is a country every neighbor, friend, and brother feels secure about, but we never bow to the oppressor,” he added.

Syria’s Stability Key to Regional Peace

Addressing the Syrian situation, Erdoğan warned against provocations and urged actors to value Türkiye’s friendship rather than testing its patience. “Whoever tries to prevent Syria from achieving lasting peace and stability will find themselves facing us along with the Syrian Government,” he said, vowing to prevent Syria’s division. He noted that the “8 December revolution” marked a new era, eliminating the possibility of returning to the pre-December status quo. “As Syria regains peace and stability, the winner will be the entire region,” Erdoğan said, pledging Türkiye’s support for Syria’s recovery and continued aid to Gaza for a free and peaceful future.

Call for Global Recognition of Türkiye’s Stance

Erdoğan concluded by emphasizing Türkiye’s unwavering commitment to independence and peace, urging the international community to recognize its role as a stabilizing force. “No one should consider our calm stance as weakness,” he cautioned, signaling Türkiye’s readiness to defend its interests and support regional stability. (ILKHA)