Multipolar world requires dialogue and inclusive diplomacy: Turkish VP

Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz called for enhanced dialogue and inclusive diplomacy in the face of rising global uncertainty during the “Pursuing Partnership in a Multipolar Era” panel held Friday at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Antalya, Türkiye.

Yilmaz addressed the forum hosted at the NEST Congress and Exhibition Center, emphasizing Ankara’s capacity to engage with Europe, Asia and Africa due to its geographical position and historical experience managing regional challenges.

Türkiye sees opportunity in constructive dialogue with Europe

Saying the continent’s current economic and security struggles, Yilmaz stated that Türkiye believes these issues can be addressed through increased cooperation and positive agenda-setting between Europe and Türkiye.

“Europe is experiencing security and economic challenges,” he stated. “But we believe Türkiye and Europe can overcome these difficulties with more dialogue and constructive engagement.”

Yilmaz also pointed to the global shift in competition from military to technological and economic spheres, noting the growing influence of China and the perceived decline of the United States’ strategic dominance in certain areas.

He described these dynamics as contributing to new global tensions, citing trade wars as an example.

Türkiye positioned to tackle regional and global crises

Yilmaz said Türkiye is well-positioned to navigate modern uncertainties and is committed to playing a stabilizing role in regional affairs, including Syria, Gaza, and the Horn of Africa.

“We support inclusive governance in Syria, which could bring stability both to the country and the broader region,” he added, underlining Ankara’s diplomatic initiatives in conflict zones like Somalia and Ethiopia.

He also reiterated Türkiye’s efforts to promote peace between Russia and Ukraine through diplomatic channels and emphasized that all nations—not just governments but also civil society, academia, and business—must contribute to global diplomacy.

Multipolarity as an opportunity for shared leadership

Yilmaz stressed the importance of open communication in a multipolar world, stating that polarization, hate speech, and isolationist behavior would only exacerbate global instability.

“Multipolarity is not inherently good or bad. It depends on how we approach it,” he said. “Without leadership, inclusive dialogue, and cooperative spirit, we cannot build a better future for humanity.”

The vice president argued for a redefinition of diplomacy, encouraging the next generation of diplomats to blend cultural and historical understanding with technological awareness, including artificial intelligence.

“We need diplomats who understand both history and the digital age,” he said, adding that meaningful diplomacy requires nations with differing views to engage directly rather than isolate themselves.

Antalya Diplomacy Forum features regional leaders

The panel was moderated by Mevlut Cavusoglu, head of the Turkish delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly and MP for Antalya.

Speakers included Montenegro’s President Jakov Milatović, Moldova’s Prime Minister Dorin Recean, Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, and former Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic.

The Antalya Diplomacy Forum, now in its fourth edition, brings together global leaders and experts to discuss diplomacy, cooperation, and solutions to international challenges.