Turkish FM Fidan addresses global issues
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan made statements on foreign policy, Ankara, September 19, 2024 (AA Photo)
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, speaking at Anadolu Agency’s editorial board, addressed key international issues, including Palestine’s statehood, escalating regional conflicts, and Türkiye’s expanding diplomatic network, emphasizing the need for robust international and cybersecurity measures.
Israel’s offensive in Gaza
“We are one step away from a veto on Palestine’s statehood. Everyone at the U.N., except the U.S., supports its recognition,” Fidan stated.
Stating that the West supports Israel’s massacres, Fidan said, “Netanyahu‘s project to steal all Palestinian lands in the region with the support of the West continues.”
Emphasizing that Israel’s actions are irrational, Fidan said, “The fanatic mind that rules Israel is implementing a policy designed to destroy, far from common sense.”
Israel, which committed genocide with the support of the U.S. and European countries, is planning to attack other countries, Minister Fidan said, drawing attention to Jordan and Egypt.
Saying that Netanyahu is determined to spread the war to the region, Fidan said, “This Western-backed madness of Israel must be stopped.”
Fidan also warned that the ongoing conflicts in the region could escalate into a global-scale war if tensions are not contained.
Referring to the explosions in Lebanon, Fidan said, “We see that Israel has started to escalate the attacks step by step toward Lebanon,” drawing attention to the risk of regional war. Fidan also said the tensions could trigger a global war.
Emphasizing that Israel is trying to move the war to Lebanese territory after Palestine, Fidan emphasized that the explosions in Lebanon reveal the importance of cybersecurity. “The explosions have brought the establishment of a cybersecurity organization to the agenda of our government,” Fidan said.
Normalization process with Syria continues
Stating that the normalization process with Syria is ongoing and talks are continuing through indirect means, Fidan said, “I believe that Syria will solve other problems more easily if there is a solution in the way Türkiye wants.”
Fidan also stated that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is ready to meet with Syrian regime leader Bashar Assad.
Far-right views dominate EU’s Türkiye policy
Fidan hinted that the European Union has displayed a racist approach in its relations with Türkiye, and said about the impact of the rising far-right in Europe on Türkiye: “In their relations with Türkiye, European countries behaved as if the far-right was in power. Therefore, even if the far right comes to power, nothing would change for us.”
“Had our economic integration with the EU been crowned with membership, perhaps we wouldn’t be in such a quest on many issues.” He added that Türkiye is favorable to joining BRICS.
CAATSA sanctions, F-35s, and relations with US
Regarding the ongoing political complexities involving the F-35 aircraft, Fidan remarked “We are continuously working on resolving the political dimension of the issue. The fundamental problem with the F-35 is due to CAATSA, and both countries are frustrated with the F-35 disagreement affecting their relations.”
Somalia-Ethiopia relations
Fidan highlighted the situation between Somalia and Ethiopia: “Somalia seeks respect for its territorial integrity, while Ethiopia desires unhindered maritime access for trade. We have understood the concerns and reservations of both parties and have offered to act as a guarantor state if necessary.”
Fidan also expressed confidence in Türkiye’s diplomatic efforts: “We believe we have brought the parties to a point of agreement.”
Türkiye strengthens global diplomatic network
Additionally, Fidan discussed Türkiye’s global diplomatic presence, noting that the country is the third largest in the world with a diplomatic network of 260 missions. To protect these missions both physically and cybernetically, Türkiye has established the Directorate General of Diplomatic Security. “We needed an institutional structure like this to safeguard Foreign Ministry personnel and diplomatic information,” Fidan stated.
These statements underscore Türkiye’s proactive stance on international diplomacy and security, reflecting its commitment to both regional stability and global engagement.
