Erdoğan calls for "new moral direction" in global diplomacy

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on April 17 used the opening of the Antalya Diplomatic Forum to call for a rethinking of global diplomacy, warning that the international system faces a “crisis of direction and morality.”

Addressing representatives from multiple countries and international organizations, Erdoğan said the forum should go beyond traditional diplomacy and serve as “an intellectual platform for in-depth consultations on where the world is headed," Caliber.Az reports per Turkish media. 

“Diplomacy is no longer merely a space for negotiations on problems, conflicts, and interests,” he said. “It also serves as a platform for discussing the principles upon which the common future of humanity will be built.”

The Turkish leader pointed to the humanitarian situation in Gaza as evidence of a broader moral crisis, urging renewed efforts toward “just solutions” and emphasizing dialogue over confrontation.

Erdoğan welcomed a recently announced 15-day ceasefire initiative led by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, expressing hope it could pave the way for lasting peace. “The shortest path to peace is constructive dialogue and diplomacy,” he said, while cautioning against potential destabilizing actions in the region.

On energy security, Erdoğan stressed the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open to commercial shipping, describing it as vital for global markets. He added that ongoing conflicts have accelerated the search for alternative energy routes, with Türkiye ready to cooperate on regional connectivity projects.

The president also highlighted Ankara’s role in promoting stability across regions including the Balkans, Eurasia, and Africa, and reaffirmed support for normalisation efforts in the South Caucasus in coordination with Azerbaijan.

Turning to the war in Ukraine, Erdoğan said Türkiye remains committed to facilitating negotiations.

“We continue to believe that a fair and equitable negotiation process will lead to an end to the war,” he said, adding that Ankara is ready to support direct talks, including at the leadership level.

He also reiterated Türkiye’s strategic ties with Europe and NATO, maintaining Ankara’s long-standing goal of full membership in the European Union.

Erdoğan concluded with a call for unity, urging the international community to strengthen “the front of peace and humanity against war,” warning that global stability depends on collective action and shared responsibility.

By Sabina Mammadli