21.12.2025 11:50
The leader of the DEVA Party, Ali Babacan, visited TÜBAF. During the visit, he emphasized the importance of reputation in foreign policy, a value-oriented approach, and the principle of "putting people first." Babacan also referred to the speeches made by CHP leader Özel during his foreign visits, stating, "It is not right to criticize Turkey abroad; values and reputation should be a priority in foreign policy."
DEVA Party Chairman Ali Babacan met with TÜBAF board members. In a sincere environment, Babacan made evaluations regarding Turkey's foreign policy, the importance of reputation in international relations, a value-oriented understanding of foreign policy, and the opposition's foreign contacts.
Starting his speech by expressing gratitude, Ali Babacan noted that both Turkey and the world are going through a very intense and critical period, stating that a significant change is occurring on a global scale. Highlighting Turkey's geopolitical position, Babacan emphasized that the country is located at the intersection of three continents, three seas, and various civilization basins.
"A LANGUAGE THAT WEAKENS TURKEY SHOULD NOT BE USED ABROAD"
There was a principle that applied to many politicians, even those from different political views: not to criticize Turkey on national issues while abroad. It was considered natural for everyone to express their opinions openly within Turkey. However, we have recently seen examples of this in different ways. Mr. Ekrem İmamoğlu's statement in America that Turkey is distancing itself from the West and approaching Russia in foreign policy, and Mr. Özgür Özel's remarks in England that support should not be given to the Erdoğan administration in Turkey have brought this debate back to the agenda. Is it correct in principle to criticize Turkey from abroad, or should criticisms be made domestically? What are your thoughts on this, and what is your approach as the DEVA Party?
In response to TÜBAF President Sinan Burhan's question, Babacan highlighted the importance of the opposition parties' foreign contacts. He stated that Turkey's interests and fundamental values should be taken into account in these contacts. Emphasizing that criticizing Turkey abroad should be done in a balanced manner, Babacan remarked, "One should not say every truth everywhere. We cannot deny the country's problems, but a language that weakens Turkey should not be used." Babacan mentioned that in his foreign contacts, they explain Turkey's strengths, its potential, and the importance of long-term relationships with its people.
EUROPE HAS FAILED IN GAZA
Babacan pointed out that there are value-oriented and interest-oriented approaches in foreign policy, stating that the Western world often adopts an interest-oriented attitude. Expressing that they advocate a value-oriented foreign policy as the DEVA Party, Babacan stated that silence cannot be maintained in places where civilians, women, and children are harmed. Referring to the events in Gaza, Babacan noted that tens of thousands of civilians have lost their lives in the long-standing conflicts, stating that Western countries apply a double standard in this regard. Babacan said, "There is a serious contradiction between the attitude displayed in the Russia-Ukraine War and the approach in Gaza."
Babacan drew attention to the humanitarian crises in Gaza over the past two years, emphasizing that approximately 70,000 women and children have lost their lives and that serious crimes against humanity have been committed. He expressed that the stance of Western countries regarding Gaza is wrong due to their interests with Israel. Additionally, he pointed out that Western countries, which support Ukraine in line with their interests in the Russia-Ukraine War, do not provide the same humanitarian support in Gaza, stating that the priority in foreign policy should be humanity, and thus Europe has failed.
"TURKEY'S GREATNESS MUST BE EXPLAINED TO THE WORLD"
Babacan stated that Turkey has great potential with its young population, strong lands, and extensive diplomatic network, saying, "It is extremely important for a country with such great potential to be strong both internally and to have an effective role in surrounding geographies."
Continuing his remarks, Babacan said that Turkey is a country with a young, dynamic population, fertile lands, and a wide diplomatic network. "The proper evaluation of this potential is extremely important for increasing the country's internal strength and ensuring it plays an effective role in surrounding geographies. When Turkey's opportunities are combined with the right strategies, it presents a significant opportunity to become a country that has a say not only in its region but also in the world. The country's reputation is a very important factor of power. When the reputation is high, we call it 'the power of words.' The power and influence created by reputation can sometimes surpass even economic or military power. Therefore, the more effectively Turkey can utilize this reputation and its ability to be a reliable interlocutor, the more benefits it will gain both internally and in the geography it is in; this will also contribute to peace and economic development. When it comes to foreign policy, there are two different perspectives."
The program concluded with a photo session after mutual conversations and evaluations.