15.01.2026 13:21
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hakan Fidan, was asked about the alleged military alliance discussions Turkey is having with Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Fidan said, "There needs to be a cooperation in security, the establishment of a platform. And after the emergence of this platform, I believe that the problems will largely be resolved across a wide range. So, at this moment, there are discussions and talks, but we have not yet signed any agreement."
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan made important statements regarding the appearance of the international system in 2025 and the main priorities of Turkish foreign policy during an evaluation meeting with media representatives.
Minister Fidan emphasized that the year 2025 is recorded as a period in which the stagnation in the international system deepened and this situation was almost "normalized." He stated that the rules framework that forms the basis of the global order has suffered significant damage, and noted that the current global governance model has "failed" in the Gaza test.
"THE GLOBAL ORDER HAS SUFFERED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE"
Noting that the capacity of the international system has undergone a serious test, Minister Fidan pointed out that crises that deeply wound humanity's common conscience have occurred one after another. Fidan stated, "Last year, the rules framework that forms the basis of the global order suffered significant damage. In the face of this situation, we saw that states are questioning their existing alliance relationships and seeking to establish new structures."
Fidan indicated that conflicts, economic fluctuations, and technological transformations have forced countries to reassess their strategies, emphasizing that for responsible countries, diplomacy has emerged as the only tool for peaceful resolution.
"THE GENOCIDE IN GAZA WAS A TEST FOR THE INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM"
Expressing that the year 2025 was extremely intense in terms of Turkish foreign policy, Fidan stated that the heaviest agenda item of the year was the events in Gaza. Fidan continued:
"The genocide occurring in Gaza constituted the heaviest and most prioritized agenda item of 2025 in terms of international law and humanitarian values. It also served as a test of the capacity of the international system. It must be stated clearly that today's global governance model has unfortunately failed in the face of this test. As Turkey, under the leadership of our President, we have made great efforts to stop the genocide and achieve a ceasefire together with friendly and brotherly countries. At this stage, we are facing a fragile but promising situation. In the upcoming period, we will continue to work towards turning the ceasefire into a lasting peace, rebuilding Gaza, and enabling Palestinians to live in peace and tranquility under their own state.
"WE STRIVED TO KEEP DIPLOMATIC CHANNELS OPEN"
On the other hand, the Russia-Ukraine war has brought discussions that question the conventional patterns of many issues, from transatlantic relations to Europe's identity and security architecture. As Turkey, we have made significant efforts, especially under the leadership of our President, to keep diplomatic channels open and ensure steps are taken towards establishing peace.
In 2026, efforts to end the war will focus on bridging the gap between the ideal solution and the realistic solution. It is already possible to foresee that the discussions that began in the context of the European security architecture will constitute one of our main agenda items for many years to come.
Moreover, the significant transformation and integration of Syria into the international community constituted one of the positive developments of 2025. We hope that the constructive will demonstrated by regional countries, European states, and the USA regarding Syria will continue with the same determination this year.
"THE SDG ISSUE CONTINUES TO BE A PROBLEM"
The SDG issue, as you are following, continues to be a problem for Syria, Turkey, and the rest of our region. Hopefully, this issue will also be resolved this year. As Turkey, we will continue our determined and clear policy on this matter in 2026. Last year, we witnessed an increase in Israel's attacks targeting countries like Syria, Iran, and Lebanon, and the intensification of divide, conquer, and rule activities across a wide geography extending from Somaliland to Iran. This policy is based on the illusion that Israel can ensure its security by destabilizing neighboring countries. We emphasize at every opportunity that this mentality is turning into a threat not only for regional countries but also on a global level.
It is evident that our foreign policy, under the leadership of our President, produced effective and practical results in 2025. In addition to the topics I have mentioned, establishing lasting peace in the Caucasus and strengthening our relations with Balkan countries and Turkic states were among the issues we devoted the most effort to in 2025. We also closely followed developments in Cyprus, the Aegean, and the Mediterranean. We sincerely expressed our determination and efforts to develop a common strategic perspective in our relations with the EU. We made special efforts in our relations with African countries. We conducted mediation activities between Russia-Ukraine, Ethiopia-Somalia, and Pakistan-Afghanistan.
"WE PLACED SPECIAL IMPORTANCE ON OUR GLOBAL AND BILATERAL TRADE RELATIONS"
We ensured that the sanctions imposed on our country regarding the defense industry were largely lifted. We placed special importance on economic issues and our global and bilateral trade relations. We produced comprehensive and inclusive projects in energy and connectivity issues together with our other institutions. It should be known that no country is now in a position to conduct its foreign policy according to predetermined templates. Because uncertainty has now become permanent. Today's international environment is evolving into a structure where rules are eroded, power balances are reshaped, and only visionary leaders can guide. We must establish alliances correctly, define interests accurately, and use tools skillfully.
Turkey, under the leadership of our President, has the capacity to play a decisive role during this period and will continue to do so. Indeed, if we have reached a position where we are sought for advice during crises and our mediation and contributions are requested, this is the result of both state wisdom and the accumulated experience of leadership over many years. As you can imagine, a busy schedule awaits us in 2026.
In the new year, we will continue to carefully follow our foreign policy priorities. We hope to host the NATO summit, the Turkish States Organization summit, and the UN Climate Change summit this year.
Turkey will continue on its path with a principled stance, determination, self-confidence, and an uninterrupted effort, while balancing its ideals with reality and its values with interests. Based on this understanding, we will continue to take initiatives and produce solutions in a wide geography extending from Latin America to Central Asia and from Central Asia to the Eastern Mediterranean in 2026. Producing peace, stability, and prosperity for our region will continue to be our priority.
"WE ARE CLOSELY FOLLOWING DEVELOPMENTS IN IRAN"
The issue we have prioritized from the beginning is regional stability and security. There are many problems in our region that we have inherited from the past and that have evolved over time. One of these is the sanctions that Iran has been subjected to for many years, and certain political inconsistencies in the region. As Iran's neighbor and friend, we have sincerely shared our views very clearly on multiple occasions. Our border neighbor has an unchanging border that has existed for centuries, and the two peoples are very similar, with intense commercial and social relations. Therefore, since everything that happens in Iran closely concerns us, we are closely following these developments.
It is also in our interest for Iran to resolve its issues with key international actors and to avoid scenarios of instability that would spread throughout the region. Therefore, our priority is to avoid any situation that would lead to the use of force, but unfortunately, we have seen events in the past months. We faced a limited attack first from Israel and then from the United States during the 12-day wars, and this attack stopped at a certain point. Now, the possibility of this happening again is not something we endorse. We definitely want the problems to be resolved through dialogue. I believe that the potential for widespread instability in Iran is far beyond the region's capacity to handle. Therefore, we will continue our diplomatic efforts. We hope that America and Iran will resolve this issue either through mediators or directly. We are also closely following the matter.
"WE ARE PLEASED WITH THE SLOW PROGRESS OF THE PROCESS"
(The second phase of the Gaza Plan) It was announced yesterday with the declaration of special representative Steve Witkoff that we have now entered the second phase. You may have followed this a day earlier; we also held a meeting online with four countries to discuss how and in what order we will implement the second phase. You know we held the first meeting in Miami a few weeks before the new year. The slow progress of the process is something we are pleased with. You know our President has an incredible sensitivity regarding humanitarian aid. The fact that Palestinians are left without shelter in the cold, without medicine, and without food deeply wounds all of our consciences.
We also know that Israel is implementing a systematic and purposeful policy in this regard. Israel is fundamentally not very supportive of the peace plan that the international community wants to implement together, as we know from the Netanyahu government. Their ultimate goal is for Palestinians to leave Gaza. However, with the push from the regional countries and the current weight of the United States, the international community has brought this peace phase to this point.
Now, in the second phase, the first priority is for the Palestinian technical committee, which we recently agreed upon as a group, to take over the administration of Gaza. After that, the establishment of the Peace Council and then the determination and commencement of the executive board that will carry out daily operations on behalf of the Peace Council. There is a procedural framework that will be followed during this time. We hope that within the next few weeks, at least the organs will be fully operational. There will certainly be some difficulties in implementation, but both we and our other institutions will continue to do our best to ensure that this process goes smoothly or that the existing problems do not interrupt the peace process by communicating with our partners with great sensitivity. We are moving towards a positive phase, but as I said, risks are present, and Israel's intentions are clear.
"THE MARCH 10 AGREEMENT MUST BE IMPLEMENTED"
The issue of the SDG's connection with Kandil being treated as newly discovered information, especially by Western counterparts, is something we are surprised by. This is information as clear as 2+2 equals four. We have stated from the beginning that our biggest problem with the SDG is this. The Syrian Kurds coming together authentically to address issues specific to the Kurds in Syria is, of course, related to Syria. We are a civilized, developed country; we know what the limits are for certain countries in solving their internal problems. But everyone knows that this is not the case. The fact that the name of an organization with claims, organization, and actions in four countries is SDG or YPG is a well-known reality. Therefore, everyone is aware that whoever goes to negotiate on behalf of the SDG will not be able to implement it without approval from Kandil. This is a matter that complicates things a bit, but our hope is that the March 10 Agreement will be implemented as soon as possible to ensure stability in the country.
"WE ALWAYS SEE THE SAME GAME IN ALEPPO"
Regarding Aleppo, we have warned in the past, we have gone back and forth. We said that these problems need to be resolved, and the situation should not come to the use of force. Now, especially after the occupation of areas west of the Euphrates after December 8, 2024, the issue of vacating these areas as a goodwill gesture and withdrawing elements to the east is on the agenda. This film keeps repeating. We always see the same game in Aleppo, from Afrin, Ras al-Ayn, and Tel Rifaat. We go and say: "Look, your stance here is illegal; these structures and elements should not be like this." No, they resist; then force is used, and they step back. Then force is used again, and they step back. This pattern needs to be broken. If they really want to show goodwill, they need to enter into a diplomacy-based, dialogue-based problem-solving technique.
It seems like we are in dialogue, giving the world such an image, looking around to see if a crisis can arise from which we can benefit more in the region, while continuing relationships with certain actors. You neither have the mindset to manage this many parameters nor does reality allow it. You need to put forth some goodwill. We want stability in Syria, we want the welfare of Syrian Kurds, we want them to be assured. Leave Iraq and other issues aside. But we know that this is not the case. Hopefully, it will happen; it is a matter we are closely following. Hopefully, it will be resolved through peaceful means.
Since no steps have been taken regarding the implementation of the March 10 Agreement, this is currently related to its implementation in that article. But let me tell you this: The Syrian administration does not need the provisions in this March 10 Agreement to implement these. I mean, this issue is both our request as a regional country and is also in their program. You cannot go anywhere by excluding the other minorities and faith groups in the country from your administration. But here is the golden ratio: The inclusion of faith groups and ethnic minorities in the administration within the framework of constitutional citizenship, as opposed to defining them as a separate cluster and transforming them into a political entity; these two are different things. These two are different things. This is where the problem arises.
What we want is a constitutional citizenship formula that has evolved with modern times, which will be in favor of all people; where individuals can live their identities, cultures, and beliefs while also benefiting from the interests, power, and welfare of the country they are citizens of under one flag, and where participation will be made in that way. It has been repeatedly proven that such a structure is more suitable for stability, peace, and welfare. Now, while this is the case, dividing the country into political entities, creating islands based on faith and ethnicity invites division. I am trying to present division here not as an ideological tool but as a problem for the common good of humanity. We need to pay close attention to this.
WILL TURKEY ALLY WITH SAUDI ARABIA OR EGYPT? FIDAN ANNOUNCED DISCUSSIONS
Fidan stated, "News has also been reflected in the foreign press. Turkey wants to be part of an alliance, just like the alliance formed by Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Will we see such a security alliance with Saudi Arabia or Egypt in the upcoming period?" He responded as follows:
"Dear friends, this is an important issue. If you follow the statements made by our President and us, we always say that the stability and peace in the region depend on the coming together of regional countries and establishing qualified cooperation.
When you examine the chronic problems of the region, at the forefront is the lack of trust among regional countries, which creates cracks and problems, and either an external hegemon comes in, causing problems, or internal terrorist organizations emerge, leading to civil wars, and other instability parameters are always on the agenda. We have been living these for years, fighting, and analyzing them. And at the end of all this, we have a proposition. We say that all regional countries should come together; it used to be said, let's move from the economy to security. In fact, we have been cooperating economically for many years.
A cooperation platform for security needs to be established. Why is this? It is not for the outside. Regional countries need to make a commitment to each other's security. Once all regional countries are assured of each other, 80% of the problem is already solved. The countries in the Gulf must be assured of each other.
Other countries must be assured of each other. And after the emergence of this platform on a broad scale, I believe that the problem will largely be resolved. Other issues can be easily resolved. As of now, there are discussions and talks, but we have not yet signed any agreement. The vision of our President is a more inclusive, broader platform that produces solidarity and stability."