Deputy FM stresses importance of security, stability in Mediterranean region

Deputy Foreign Minister Ahmet Yildiz emphasizes the significance of security and stability in the Mediterranean amid discussions on youth involvement in addressing regional challenges

Deputy Foreign Minister Ambassador Ahmet Yildiz stressed the importance of security and stability in the Mediterranean region speaking at a role of Young Individuals in Addressing Security Challenges in the Mediterranean” held at the United Nations Security Council Thursday.

Pointing out that the Mediterranean region, the cradle of many civilizations, is a convergence point for historical and cultural diversities, Yildiz emphasized the significant contribution of young people to combat security challenges.

“The energy, creativity and determination of young people contribute significantly to our region’s quest for peace and security,” he said.

Yildiz highlighted the Mediterranean challenges’ comprehensive and multifaceted nature, including political instability, conflict, terrorism, climate change, irregular migration, and socio-economic inequalities.

Mediterranean warming 20% faster than average

Regarding climate change, Yildiz appreciated the leading role of young people in addressing one of the era’s most pressing challenges. He warned that the Mediterranean region is warming 20% faster than the global average, posing additional pressures on the region’s already fragile ecosystems, economies, and societies.

Yildiz stressed the need to strengthen existing regional mechanisms for combating climate change and highlighted the role of the Union for the Mediterranean and the Barcelona Convention in facilitating coordination and collaboration among member countries on climate issues.

Türkiye committed to peaceful solutions

Referring to ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises in the Mediterranean, Yildiz underscored Türkiye’s commitment to supporting fair, equitable, and peaceful solutions to regional problems.

He mentioned Türkiye’s proposal, in collaboration with Finland, to initiate the “Peace for Mediation Initiative” at the United Nations in 2010, leading to the establishment of the rapidly expanding “Friends of Mediation Group” in 2011.

“Young people are natural mediators,” Yildiz said, highlighting that harnessing their potential could contribute to building trust and respect among communities in the Mediterranean.

Emphasis on fair distribution of resources

Yildiz reiterated Türkiye’s readiness to fully support fair, equitable limitation of maritime jurisdiction areas and the fair distribution of hydrocarbon resources under the principle of equity.

He highlighted President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s proposal for an Eastern Mediterranean Conference as a significant step towards long-term solutions and emphasized that this proposal is still on the table.

Additionally, Yildiz emphasized that resolving the Cyprus issue would contribute to the security and prosperity of the entire Eastern Mediterranean region. He stressed the need for bottom-up approaches based on both sides’ equal sovereignty and equal international status.

Source: Newsroom