13.05.2025 14:33
The President of Communications, Fahrettin Altun, commented on the PKK's decision to disband, stating, "We are strongly demonstrating our will to permanently resolve the terrorism issue, and we are gradually building a 'Terror-free Turkey'." Altun noted that they are closely monitoring attempts to sabotage the process, adding, "We will not allow anyone to test our state's determination on this matter."
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President of Communications Fahrettin Altun attended the Turkey-Balkans Media Forum: Building a Common Future in the Age of Communication program held at the Directorate of Communications. Altun began his speech by referencing a historical development that touches on the common bond with the Balkans, recalling that in 1936, on the eve of World War II, a "Balkan Press Conference" was held in Bucharest with the participation of the Balkan States of the time and Turkey, and that the foundation of the "Balkan Press Union" was laid there.
"WE ARE TOGETHER TO OVERCOME CHALLENGES THROUGH COOPERATION" Fahrettin Altun later recalled that the "Balkan Press Union" was established and that a congress was held in Athens in 1937. He explained that the second congress of the Union was held in Istanbul, where it was decided to establish the "Balkan Press Union Turkish National Committee," thus the Committee began its activities in Ankara at the Himaye-i Etfal Apartment.
Altun stated, "Once upon a time, our ancestors sought answers to the question of 'how can we build a better future' under the roof of the 'Balkan Press Union' in a world preparing for extremely chaotic developments, where the winds of war were blowing. Today, we are together to seek answers to the same question in an age of uncertainty, to address the challenges and conflicts we face, the profound changes in the communication ecosystem, and to overcome all difficulties through cooperation."
"WE WILL MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO END THE WAR" Pointing out that we are going through a chaotic period where conflict zones are expanding and regional tensions are leading to deep global fractures, Altun stated that the Israeli government has ruthlessly continued its massacres against Palestinians since October 7, 2023, while also launching attacks on Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen. Reminding that the Russia-Ukraine war has been ongoing since 2022, Altun noted that a critical door for peace was opened with the midnight announcement made by Russian President Vladimir Putin over the weekend.
Altun mentioned that Putin proposed to restart unconditional direct talks in Istanbul and requested support from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on this matter. He recalled that President Erdoğan expressed on Sunday that "Turkey is ready to host negotiations that will lead to a lasting solution." He also reported that President Erdoğan had a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky regarding peace negotiations immediately after the Cabinet Meeting the previous evening.
Stating, "As Turkey, we are making every effort to end the war under the strong mediation of our esteemed President, and we will continue to do so," Altun also pointed out that the recent tensions between Pakistan and India have raised the risk of war. He noted that while the ceasefire decision taken by the parties is pleasing, the conflicts between two nuclear-armed countries have raised significant global concerns, and highlighted that the diplomatic initiative taken by President Erdoğan during this process has been recognized by all.
"THE PEACE OF THE BALKANS IS A PRIORITY ISSUE FOR US" Emphasizing that the situation between the US and China, which have entered into a trade war, further deepens the chaotic global environment, Altun stated that the waters surrounding the world from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean, and from the Pacific to the Indian Ocean are warming.
Communications Director Altun continued his remarks as follows: "In this environment where tensions are growing and uncertainties are expanding to engulf the world, the stability, peace, and prosperity of the Balkans are certainly among our priority issues. The region is a priority issue for world peace. Every contribution to the security and stability of the region through solution-oriented approaches and collaborations addressing economic fragility, intense migration, employment, and infrastructure issues in the Balkans is invaluable."
The Balkan geography should not be seen as a transition and struggle area for global power centers with the mentality of 'lands caught in between,' and should not be viewed in this way. As a country that reduces tensions rather than fueling conflicts and crises, and facilitates reconciliation, Turkey works for global justice. The calls of our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, that 'The World is Greater than Five' and 'A More Just World is Possible' are reflections of this quest for justice. This expression is one that respects the rights of 8 billion people."
"WE ARE BUILDING A TERROR-FREE TURKEY STEP BY STEP" While fighting for global justice on one hand, Altun emphasized that efforts towards the goal of a "Terror-Free Turkey" are being carried out with determination, stating, "We are strongly demonstrating the will to permanently solve the terrorism issue, and we are building a 'Terror-Free Turkey' step by step. We have passed the most critical threshold in the process that started with the call of the Nationalist Movement Party Chairman Mr. Devlet Bahçeli, with the will of our esteemed President and the support of our noble nation."
Altun noted that the terrorist organization PKK announced its dissolution, and stated that tens of thousands of people have lost their lives in the terrorism issue to date, commemorating the martyrs with gratitude and respect, and paying tribute to the veterans. He also mentioned the material and moral losses experienced, pointing out that Turkey has been targeted to be designed, surrounded, destabilized through the terrorist organization, and thus made a dependent element of the imperialist world system and brought to its knees by the imperialists during this long process.
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SABOTAGE WARNING Fahrettin Altun continued his speech as follows: "For years, we have spent our capabilities and instruments in international diplomacy explaining the issue of terrorism. Internally, we have fought against the provocations of malicious groups that threaten our unity and solidarity, feeding on social unrest. Thank God, we have achieved results.
Of course, as our President has expressed, we are aware that we need to act with 'higher attention, care, patience, and responsibility than ever before' in the process of 'Turkey without terrorism.' 'We will continue to act with an understanding that nurtures hope until we reach our destination and reduces risks.' We are closely monitoring attempts to sabotage the process, and we will not allow anyone to test our state's determination in this regard. With the strong leadership of our President, the days when malicious elements could achieve results through terrorism in Turkey are over. Those who want to direct Turkey with provocations aimed at creating social chaos will not succeed. There is no longer a Turkey that can be destabilized through these elements; that Turkey is in the past. Those who try to create a culture of fear in politics and a sense of anxiety in society with artificial agendas and meaningless discussions have no chance of success. Such a Turkey is also in the past.
"THERE IS A TURKEY THAT IS CRUEL TO THE CRUEL AND A DOVE TO THE OPPRESSED" Today, there is a Turkey that continues its march towards the goal of the Century of Turkey with determination, with its defense industry capabilities, military and intelligence power, economic potential, and historical-cultural depth. There is a Turkey that solves the problems it addresses, brings stability, peace, and prosperity wherever it goes, and, as our President expresses, is 'cruel to the cruel and a dove to the oppressed.' It is no small feat for a Turkey to show the will to solve a nearly half-century-old terrorism problem, while also demonstrating the will to foster a climate of brotherhood.
"TURKEY IS ALWAYS BY THE SIDE OF BALKAN COUNTRIES" Highlighting that Turkey has shown its presence in the international arena as a stabilizing power and a global actor with a humanitarian perspective through its significant initiatives overcoming all difficulties, Altun noted that relations with the Balkans have continued to strengthen multidimensionally with proactive, diplomatic, and cultural tools centered on "stability and peace" since the early 2000s.
Recalling President Erdoğan's statement, "We continue our efforts with the belief that the Balkans should not be a field of competition but a field of cooperation and development," Altun stated that they have established "High-Level Cooperation Council" mechanisms with many countries in the region in this context.
Pointing out that Turkey plays an active role in the Southeast European Cooperation Process, one of the most important platforms for regional cooperation, Altun noted that Turkey-Bosnia and Herzegovina-Serbia and Turkey-Bosnia and Herzegovina-Croatia trilateral consultation mechanisms have been established to make peace and stability permanent in the Balkans.
Altun explained that free trade agreements have been put into effect with many Balkan countries and visa-free travel regimes have been implemented, thus ensuring the institutionalization of relations and increasing economic integration and interaction between peoples.
He stated that regular diplomatic contacts have paved the way for the signing of numerous agreements related to economy, security, social, and cultural fields, emphasizing that important meetings were held with the heads of state and ministers of the Balkans and neighboring countries at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum held in April.
Stating that "Turkey is always by the side of Balkan countries," Altun recalled that Turkey commanded the NATO Kosovo Force (KFOR) for one year last year.
"TURKEY'S EFFORTS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED BY THE BALKAN PEOPLES" Fahrettin Altun mentioned that Turkey contributes to ensuring maritime security through its active participation in the Black Sea Mine Countermeasures Task Group, which includes Bulgaria and Romania, and that support is provided to increase social welfare from health to education, technology to infrastructure development.
Recalling that Turkey was among the first countries to reach the region during crises such as disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic, Altun stated that TIKA, the Yunus Emre Institute, the General Directorate of Foundations, YTB, the Turkey Maarif Foundation, and the Turkey Diyanet Foundation continue their activities to provide social and cultural support to the Balkans.
Altun noted that universities in Sarajevo, Skopje, and Tirana have deepened academic cooperation between the countries of the region and Turkey, and that local governments continue to support the capacities of local administrations and the development of the region without slowing down.
Stating that the activities of Turkish-origin non-governmental organizations and the investments of companies in the region contribute to the socioeconomic welfare of the Balkans, Altun conveyed that Turkey's policies and efforts carried out on humanitarian, moral, and justice grounds have also received great appreciation from the Balkan peoples.
Altun stated that the fact that President Erdoğan ranks first among the most beloved leaders in public opinion polls conducted in the region is an expression of this trust and love, and that this love is mutual.
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"WE MUST BE CAUTIOUS AGAINST DESTRUCTIVE CAMPAIGNS" Altun, stating that Turkey ranks among the top countries exposed to disinformation, emphasized that there are considerable disinformative content and black propaganda activities targeting Turkey in the Balkans as well.
Altun noted, "We sometimes observe that these dirty perception operations are produced by the same centers. Both the publications made by global power centers in line with their interests in the region and the FETÖ, which has turned into an apparatus for these centers, intensify the campaigns of slander and lies against Turkey. As peoples who have known each other for centuries, we must be cautious against such destructive campaigns."
"THE COMMUNICATION DIRECTORATE IS ON ALERT AGAINST LIES AND PERCEPTION OPERATIONS" Altun stated that the Communication Directorate is working 24/7 on alert against lies and perception operations, revealing that over 2,200 false news items have been exposed not only in Turkey but also in the region and worldwide. In this context, he emphasized the importance of institutionalizing the fight against disinformation and sharing experiences in this field.
Altun drew attention to the need for the media to show more sensitivity in terms of eliminating divisive and othering language, stating that especially in fragile periods and geographies, facilitating a consensus, understanding, and unity that blossoms on the soil of truth is not only a journalistic responsibility but also a humanitarian duty.
"MEETING WITH MEDIA MEMBERS FROM OUR HEARTLAND IS VERY VALUABLE" Recalling the words of Bosnia and Herzegovina's first President Aliya Izetbegović, "To rebuild bridges over the river, we must first revive them in the hearts of people," Altun stated that communication is regarded as a process that establishes bonds at the heart of the Turkey Communication Model, and that the forum held today is a clear indication of this.
Altun expressed that meeting with media members from the heartland, evaluating the state of the world, and looking at the opportunities and challenges in the media field together is very valuable, and reminded that they organized international panels titled "Stratcom Public Forum: A Fairer World is Possible" in four Balkan capitals: Sarajevo, Tirana, Athens, and Sofia.
Stating that they signed two important memorandums of understanding with Albania and Serbia last year to deepen cooperation in the field of communication, Altun noted that they aim to expand these protocols, which provide coordination mechanisms for joint media projects, training, and the fight against disinformation in the Balkan geography.
Communication Director Altun wished that the "Turkey-Balkans Media Forum: Building a Common Future in the Age of Communication" program would be beneficial.
TRT General Manager Zahid Sobacı and AA Deputy General Manager and Editor-in-Chief Yusuf Özhan also attended the forum.
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