For a long time, the world has been facing a relentless wave of growing uncertainties and challenges. Conflicts, lack of rule of law, terrorist attacks, pandemics, climate disasters, as well as worsening injustice and inequality, are putting extraordinary pressure on the current international order. In response, Turkey acts with the vision of addressing comprehensive, complex, and often painful crises while upholding its foreign policy principles of justice, peace, and solidarity, safeguarding both its national security and humanity’s shared future. Our longstanding call, based on the principle that “The World is Greater than Five,” is not merely a critique of the existing global order but represents a vision for humanity’s shared future.
The United Nations, founded after World War II to maintain peace and security, unfortunately, is no longer able to fulfill its core function in the face of today’s crises and conflicts. The Security Council, the UN’s principal organ established on claims of justice and equality, is limited by the will and interests of just five countries in decision-making on regional and global crises. This unjust structure, which is one of the main sources of today’s gridlocks, urgently needs reform so that the UN can function as a true center of effective multilateralism, in line with its founding principles, and enable the creation of fair solutions to global challenges.
Despite the void created by the UN’s declining effectiveness and multiple geopolitical challenges, Turkey places diplomacy, dialogue, and mediation at the heart of its foreign policy. The Black Sea Grain Initiative, which we recently implemented, is the clearest example of this approach, making concrete contributions to regional and global security and stability. In a vast region stretching from the Caucasus to Africa and from the Middle East to the Balkans, Turkey has not hesitated to take responsibility for ending conflicts through fair diplomatic solutions and for bringing sustainable and just peace.
Turkey’s diplomatic vision is reflected not only in resolving crises but also in addressing humanitarian issues. Turkey’s position as one of the world’s leading providers of humanitarian aid demonstrates the responsibility rooted in our history and deep-seated values. In this context, Turkey will continue to play a decisive leadership role in strengthening global solidarity.
The ongoing occupation and atrocities committed by Israel in Gaza represent one of the heaviest tests of human conscience. This test ends in shame for all humanity, starting with the actors of the international system itself. Children and women are losing their lives, while millions are deprived of their most basic needs. Turkey continues its efforts to secure a ceasefire, enable uninterrupted humanitarian aid distribution, and revive the two-state solution. The over 100,000 tons of aid we have sent to Gaza represent just one of the steps we have taken to heal the wounds of brothers and sisters facing hunger under Israel’s inhumane blockade. In the face of atrocities where dozens of innocent Palestinians lose their lives every day—whether from hunger, lack of medicine, or the bullets and bombs of Israeli occupying forces—we believe the international community must demonstrate a firmer and more sincere stance.
The truth, which we have spoken of with perseverance and courage, is once again evident: Just peace is only possible through the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with territorial integrity and East Jerusalem [Al-Quds] as its capital. This is essential for lasting peace and stability in the Middle East. Our call to the world’s nations is clear: “Recognize the State of Palestine.” Indeed, recognizing Palestine is the most powerful response to occupation, blockade, and oppression. We commend the countries that have recently announced their decisions in support of this effort and expect them to remain steadfast in their stance, translating commitment into concrete steps.
Syria is another country of great importance for regional stability. Since 2011, the conflict in Syria has caused the deaths of hundreds of thousands, displaced millions, and led to widespread destruction. Today, Syria’s reconstruction and recovery are essential for the stability of the entire Middle East. The interests of the Syrian people must be prioritized in every decision concerning Syria’s future. It must also be emphasized that long-term peace and stability in Syria can only be achieved by considering the collective will of all Syrians, without favoring any particular sector or group. We will continue to uphold the principle of respecting Syria’s territorial integrity and political unity, as we have reaffirmed in all spheres. Turkey opposes any initiative that disregards the will of the Syrian people and creates space for separatist ambitions or terrorist organizations. The only way to correct the mistakes made in Syria over the past 14 years is to support the creation of a sustainable state and social order based on a common security approach.
In light of the painful experiences we have endured, we are convinced that a future built on truth, justice, and solidarity can only be achieved through our collective will. Conscious of this responsibility, Turkey will continue to lead humanity’s march toward a dignified and just future.
