Officials highlight media bias, security concerns at Turkish-German Media Forum
Ambassador Akif Cagatay Kilic, Senior Advisor to the President on Foreign Policy and Security, delivered a speech at the “Turkish-German Media Forum” organized by the Presidential Communications Directorate at the Conference Hall of the Directorate on April 9, 2025. (AA Photo)
Senior Turkish officials used the Turkish-German Media Forum to address what they described as persistent double standards in Western media, while emphasizing regional security and calling for deeper cooperation between Türkiye and Germany.
Akif Cagatay Kilic, Chief Advisor to the President on Foreign Policy and Security, stated, “Those who constantly subject Türkiye to severe criticism regarding human rights, press freedom, and democratic development—media outlets claiming to uphold these principles—are, in many cases, exhibiting deeply hypocritical behavior.”
He continued by saying, “Investors and businesses should focus on their work and continue investing. You may have certain practices within your own company, and that is your internal matter—but interfering in international politics is not your job; that belongs to governments.”
Turkish-German relations and media dynamics
Kilic highlighted that Türkiye and Germany share a 300-year history of bilateral ties, with the 1960 labor agreement evolving state relations into people-to-people connections.
He stated that approximately 3.5 million people of Turkish origin have migrated to or reside in Germany, with the broader Turkish diaspora totaling around 5.5 million globally.
He criticized biased portrayals in the media and pointed to platforms given to individuals affiliated with the PKK and FETO terrorist organizations by saying, “Even today, there are individuals in Germany—sought by Türkiye with substantial negative evidence—who not only freely walk the streets but also appear in media outlets claiming to be experts, spreading commentary on Türkiye.”
“When we treat each other with prejudice and unfairness, we face problems. If private companies begin engaging in politics, it does not lead to a productive outcome,” Kilic added.
Altun: Media must not enable terror propaganda
Fahrettin Altun, Director of Communications, addressed the Gaza conflict and media ethics, by stating, “The entire world must support Türkiye’s 1.5-year-long efforts to stop the genocidal acts committed by the Israeli government in Palestine. This tragedy in our region must end, and the fire consuming humanity must be extinguished. This is the most urgent issue facing us today.”
Altun warned against media platforms hosting individuals affiliated with terrorist organizations by saying, “Giving a platform to individuals engaged in terrorist propaganda and labeling them as ‘experts’ is a betrayal of truth. Providing a platform for terrorism is a violation of human rights, an act of hostility against humanity, and a threat to public order.”
“To date, 211 journalists who were striving to reveal the truth have been killed in the line of duty,” he noted.
Türkiye’s role in global and regional security
Altun reiterated by saying, “A security architecture without Türkiye will not produce solutions for Europe… A European security framework excluding Türkiye is unimaginable.”
“As our President has said, ‘A Europe where Türkiye does not have the rightful place it deserves cannot sustain itself as a global actor.’,” he added.
Altun emphasized that Türkiye continues to serve as a stabilizing force in areas such as Libya, the Caucasus, and during the Russia-Ukraine war, actively engaging in mediation and peace efforts.
Strengthening bilateral media collaboration
Altun highlighted by saying, “I firmly believe that close cooperation and the will to act jointly between Türkiye and Germany will play a facilitating role in resolving both regional and global challenges.”
He said Türkiye encourages co-productions, journalist exchanges, and mutual efforts to counter disinformation, noting that, “Anadolu Agency, TRT Deutsch, TRT World, and TRT Turk contribute to media pluralism in every country where they operate, including Germany.”
“Allowing the spread of disinformation, black propaganda, and perception operations under the guise of press freedom must never be tolerated,” Altun added.
“Our duty today is to prevent press freedom from becoming a tool or mask for disinformation and to defend the truth with all our strength,” he concluded.
