27.03.2026 15:40
Ali Şahin, who represented the Turkish Grand National Assembly at the 39th General Assembly of the Latin American and Caribbean Parliament, emphasized the changes in global power balances. He pointed out that in an environment where international law is weakening, a structure where the powerful are deemed right is increasingly becoming dominant, stating, "The world is practically a royal forest for the powerful." Şahin expressed that the search for a fairer order is inevitable.
The 39th General Assembly of the Latin American and Caribbean Parliament, one of the most established parliamentary platforms in Latin America and the Caribbean, was held in Panama City with wide participation. Ali Şahin, representing the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, addressed the parliamentarians from 23 countries, calling for justice, multilateralism, and the strengthening of parliamentary diplomacy in the global system.
"WE SEE PARLATINO AS A DISTINGUISHED PARTNER"
Starting his speech by greeting the participants, Şahin reminded that Turkey has been a permanent observer in PARLATINO since 2021, emphasizing the importance given to this platform. Highlighting that Turkey views inter-parliamentary relations as a strategic tool, Şahin stated, “We consider PARLATINO not only as a ground for cooperation but also as a platform where we feel among our friends.”
CONDOLENCES FOR THE ACCIDENT IN COLOMBIA
At the beginning of his speech, Şahin expressed his condolences for those who lost their lives in the military plane crash in Colombia. Wishing condolences to the Colombian people and government, Şahin emphasized the importance of regional solidarity.
"THE GLOBAL SYSTEM IS GOING THROUGH A SERIOUS TEST"
Şahin stated that the increasing conflicts and humanitarian crises today reveal the inadequacies of the current international order, particularly mentioning that the global conscience is being tested through the examples of Gaza and Cuba. He noted that the existing international security and cooperation mechanisms struggle to meet today’s needs, emphasizing the necessity for a fairer and more inclusive order.
In this context, he referred to Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s statement at the United Nations General Assembly that “The world is bigger than five,” underscoring the need for reform in the international system.
EMPHASIS ON STRATEGIC ROLE OF LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN
Şahin stated that the Latin America and Caribbean region should have stronger representation in the global system, highlighting the region's natural resources, young population, and strategic location. He mentioned the importance of the “model laws” created by regional parliaments and expressed appreciation for PARLATINO’s role in this area.
Additionally, he pointed out the effects of climate change, emphasizing that many countries in the region are at high risk and that “just transition” policies have become an economic necessity.
CALL FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND GLOBAL COOPERATION
Şahin highlighted the importance of the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and its 17 goals, stating that achieving these goals requires more investment, innovation, and private sector participation. He noted that global issues cannot be solved alone, pointing to the necessity of solidarity and joint action.
"A NEW WORLD IS BEING ESTABLISHED"
In a striking part of his speech, Şahin emphasized the change in global power balances, arguing that the current system is entering a process of dissolution. He stated that in an environment where international law is weakening, the understanding that “the powerful are right” has become dominant, expressing this situation with the analogy of a “royal forest.”
Şahin drew attention to developments in countries like Venezuela and Iran, stating that the fragility in the global system has increased and that the search for a new, fairer order is inevitable.
"A CENTURY OF JUSTICE, MERCY, AND CONSCIENCE" WISH
Concluding his speech with strong messages, Şahin stated that the new century should be a period based on “justice, conscience, and mercy.” Emphasizing the brotherhood between the Latin America and Caribbean region and Turkey, Şahin called for the construction of a common future based on freedom, justice, and human values.
Şahin’s speech was closely followed by the participants, once again demonstrating Turkey’s will to strengthen its relations with the region and play a more active role in parliamentary diplomacy.
Ali Şahin, a member of parliament from Gaziantep, concluded his speech amidst the standing applause of the Parlatino parliamentarians from 23 countries.