Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasized that Israel persists in its aggressive stance toward Palestine, Syria, and Lebanon, undermining the stability of the region and provoking discord. He asserted that Turkey’s position on this issue is unequivocal: Turkey will not allow anyone to destabilize Syria.
In a speech delivered during the opening of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2025, held under the slogan “Sticking to Diplomacy in a Divided World,” Erdogan noted, “Syria has faced instability for the past 15 years, impacting Turkey significantly. Today presents a critical opportunity to achieve lasting stability in the region, and we will not allow anyone to waste this chance. We cannot look the other way while attempts to sow discord and division occur.”
Erdogan acknowledged the terrible toll the war has taken on the Syrian people, stating that Turkey will not allow such suffering to continue. He emphasized the importance of addressing issues through diplomatic means, warning against misinterpreting Turkey’s approach.
He expressed Turkey’s desire for peace, prosperity, and security for all peoples in the region, highlighting the critical nature of Syria’s territorial integrity and stability.
Erdogan mentioned Turkey’s ongoing communications with U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin to work towards these goals. He also noted Turkey’s commitment to fulfilling agreements made with the current Syrian administration to enhance stability in the area.
Addressing the Palestinian issue, Erdogan condemned Israel as a terrorist state, accusing it of committing genocide against the Palestinian people for over a year and a half, ignoring human rights and international law.
He stressed the humanitarian imperative to prevent Israeli attacks on Gaza and warned that silence in the face of these atrocities is equivalent to complicity in such crimes.
Erdogan reiterated Turkey’s aspiration for a region marked by peace rather than conflict and prosperity rather than suffering.
He called once again on the United Nations Security Council and the international community to intervene, halt the bloodshed in Gaza, and stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people.