18.05.2026 21:01
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said regarding Israel's attack on the Global Sumud Fleet: "We strongly condemn this act of piracy, which clearly violates international law. There were participants from approximately 40 countries on the ships. We are in contact with these countries. We are also resolutely continuing necessary initiatives for the release of our citizens as soon as possible."
Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan evaluated Israel's attack on the Global Sumud Fleet, which was carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, in international waters during a joint press conference held after his meeting with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in Berlin.
“WE WANT TO BELIEVE THAT BOTH IRAN AND THE US HAVE THE NECESSARY WILL TO REACH A PERMANENT AGREEMENT”
Referring to the war that began with the attacks by the US and Israel on Iran, Fidan said, “Resolving this major crisis through diplomatic means as soon as possible is in the interest of the entire world. As Turkey, we continue to contribute to Pakistan's mediation efforts.”
Fidan emphasized that the priority is maintaining the ceasefire, stating, “A resurgence of the war would have very serious economic and political consequences on a global scale. We want to believe that both Iran and the US are aware of this risk and have the necessary will to reach a permanent agreement.”
Noting that overcoming crises is only possible with a comprehensive security and prosperity vision centered on regional ownership, Fidan assessed, “The stability emerging in Syria today serves as the most current and concrete example of how peace can be built through regional ownership and common sense.”
ISRAELI ATTACK ON THE GLOBAL SUMUD FLEET: WE STRONGLY CONDEMN IT
Fidan stated that the full realization of this peace and prosperity vision depends on resolving the Palestinian issue, which is the main source of nearly all chronic crises in the region, on the basis of a two-state solution, and noted: “Unfortunately, the biggest obstacle to this peace vision is again Israel's extremist and expansionist policies. This aggression, which targets innocents in Gaza and the West Bank and extends to Lebanon and Syria, has unfortunately turned into a global threat. The repercussions of this threat directly affect Europe as well, from migration movements to energy security.”
Fidan noted that, as the latest example of Israel's aggressive policies, it intervened in the Global Sumud Fleet sailing in international waters to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, and said, “We strongly condemn this act of piracy, which clearly violates international law. The ships carried participants from approximately 40 countries. We are in contact with these countries. We are also resolutely continuing necessary initiatives for the immediate release of our citizens.”
“TURKEY IS WELL AWARE OF THE VALUE OF PEACE AND STABILITY”
Stating that cooperation between Turkey and Germany needs to deepen further during this critical period, Fidan assessed: “We want to resolutely advance our bilateral relations. We will continue to work in close coordination and cooperation in the face of regional challenges. The strategic dialogue mechanism we conducted today has been extremely beneficial in implementing our goals.”
Responding to journalists' questions, Minister Fidan drew attention to the fact that Turkey faces ongoing wars, occupations, internal conflicts, counter-terrorism efforts, and the resulting destruction in its geography for many years, and assessed: “As a democratic, developed country in its region that is in the integration process with the European Union, Turkey is well aware of the value of peace and stability.”
Fidan stated that Turkey's first reflex in all conflicts around it is to end wars as soon as possible, indicating that this shows Ankara's importance given to peace and stability.
“OUR GOAL IS TO RESOLVE ISSUES THROUGH DIALOGUE, NOT WAR”
Reminding that they have taken the same stance in conflicts in Africa, Ukraine, Gaza, and the dispute between Iran and the US, Fidan said, “Our goal is to resolve issues through dialogue, not war. We know this may seem like a naive wish, but these are things that can be implemented when powerful countries come together, find a way out, and employ the necessary 'carrot-and-stick' tactic.”