Turkish President Erdoğan says regional actors key to peace, security

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated on Thursday that no framework excluding main regional actors can respond to the search for peace and security, stressing that Türkiye prioritizes resolving conflicts through peaceful means under its humanitarian-driven foreign policy.

Speaking at a dinner held in honor of the 152nd General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Erdoğan said: "No framework excluding main regional actors can deliver peace and security in the region."

He also said the international system established by the victors of World War II now faces a "major crisis of legitimacy."

"As people of reason and conscience, we all know that the international system established by the victors of World War II is now facing a major crisis of legitimacy," he said, warning that the principles and norms underpinning the system are losing their global relevance.

He said binding provisions of international law are increasingly losing their influence over actors committing war crimes and crimes against humanity, adding that "no one is safe" in an environment where diplomacy and dialogue are replaced by weapons, missiles and bombs.

Erdoğan said Türkiye's foreign policy, built on humanitarian values, prioritizes resolving conflicts through peaceful means "regardless of geography."

He also highlighted Türkiye's mediation and peace initiatives across multiple regions, including Gaza, Ukraine, Iran and Africa, describing them as based on "principled and realistic approaches," and stressed that parliaments carry critical responsibilities in reflecting the will of nations.

DEVELOPMENTS IN MIDDLE EAST

Turning to developments in the Middle East, Erdoğan said while the international community shows intent to stop ongoing tragedies, governments have lagged behind.

He said that while global attention has recently shifted to the war in Iran, thousands have been killed in Israeli attacks in Palestine and Lebanon, with more than 1 million people displaced in Lebanon.

"Israel's government, which is the biggest obstacle to peace and stability for its own people, Palestine and the wider region, continues its actions despite all efforts by the international community," he said.

Erdoğan called for the strongest possible response from world parliaments against measures adopted in Israel's parliament targeting Palestinians, including legislation that would apply exclusively to them.

He reiterated that a two-state solution is the only path to a just and lasting peace in Palestine and urged parliamentarians worldwide to unite efforts to advance it.

He said Israeli forces have killed 755 Palestinians and injured 2,100 others since a ceasefire signed on Oct. 10, 2025, adding that the death toll since Oct. 7, 2023, has reached 73,000, with more than 172,000 injured in Gaza.

Erdoğan also accused Israel of failing to uphold its commitments under the ceasefire and obstructing the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, while continuing aggressive policies in Jerusalem, Al-Aqsa Mosque, and the West Bank, along with illegal occupier violence.

He further criticized Israeli plans regarding the West Bank and legislation concerning Palestinian prisoners, saying such steps risk reviving "apartheid practices."

REGIONAL DIPLOMACY: SYRIA, UKRAINE, CAUCASUS, CYPRUS

Addressing other regional issues, Erdoğan said the ongoing conflicts are undermining stability in Syria, where he stressed the need for sustained international support for reconstruction based on territorial integrity and national unity.

He said Türkiye continues active efforts to ensure calm and security in Libya and underlined the importance of uninterrupted diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine, noting that Türkiye remains a trusted mediator for both sides.

Erdoğan also welcomed steps toward peace and prosperity in the South Caucasus, expressing hope they would serve as a global example.

On Cyprus, he said the time has long come for a fair, lasting and sustainable solution, reiterating a call for an end to the "unlawful isolation" of Turkish Cypriots.

AFRICA ENGAGEMENT, SUDAN INSTABILITY

Highlighting Türkiye's Africa policy, Erdoğan said it continues to strengthen with the support of African nations under a framework of equal partnership.

"However, the conflicts in Sudan deeply affect us as they do our African brothers and sisters," he said, adding that Türkiye supports all diplomatic efforts to end instability there.

He also expressed satisfaction with steps taken to resolve tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia, noting their contribution to easing tensions in the Horn of Africa, and reaffirmed Türkiye's support for Somalia's territorial integrity and development.

Erdoğan said ensuring prosperity, stability and security across Africa, including the Sahel region, remains a shared goal, adding that Türkiye will continue to provide all necessary support in cooperation with its African partners.