Erdoğan says Turkish diplomacy experiencing "most successful" period in recent centuries

Turkish diplomacy is having its most successful period in recent centuries, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan highlighted on October 1 as Ankara is strengthening its axis by simultaneously maintaining diplomatic relations on the basis of national interests.

"Türkiye does not have the luxury of closing in, isolating itself from the outside world and watching the events in its region by sitting on the fence," Erdoğan said at Parliament in the capital Ankara, per Daily Sabah.

Erdoğan described Ankara's policy as "constructive and active," taking initiative in solving global and regional problems.

He underlined that Türkiye does not "seek escalation" with other countries, nor would it "yield to pressure no matter where it comes from."

"We strongly defend Türkiye's rights in all areas with an honorable, patient, determined and prudent attitude," he said, vowing not to harm the nation's dignity.

Erdoğan also said that a climate of diplomatic normalization had begun to make progress in Türkiye's vicinity, the Middle East.

"Our relations with the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Israel are developing on the basis of mutual interests, and a similar process is underway with Egypt," Erdoğan said.

He reiterated the importance of the Palestinian cause for Türkiye and that Ankara would always stand with the Palestinians.

Erdoğan also voiced support for Azerbaijan, underlining that Türkiye was doing its part to ensure lasting peace in that country's region.

"Through the special representatives we have appointed, we have demonstrated our will to take our relations with Armenia to a new level. Armenia should make good use of the peace opportunity we are extending," he stressed.

About the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, Erdoğan said Türkiye had opted for peace, dialogue and being a "fair referee."

"Given our close relations with both countries, we preferred to strive to end the war instead of fanning the fire and inciting sedition," he said.

“The UN, whose prestige has been shaken due to its inadequacy in the face of global crises, saw one of its greatest achievements in recent years through this agreement resulting from the intensive efforts of our country," Erdoğan said.

Also, he said, a recent prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine under Ankara's initiative has moved Turkish diplomacy up to a "much higher league."

"In our contacts on the occasion of the 77th General Assembly of the U.N., we were pleased to see the level achieved by Turkish foreign policy.

Most recently, Türkiye enabled a prisoner swap between the warring countries.

One of the most important outcomes of Turkish mediation was when Türkiye, the United Nations, Russia and Ukraine signed a deal in Istanbul to reopen certain Ukrainian ports to release grain that had been stuck for months because of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war – a development that has been crucial in responding to a growing global food crisis.

Türkiye is one of the most active countries working to ensure a permanent cease-fire between Ukraine and Russia. Its delicately balanced act of assuming a role as a mediator by keeping communication channels with both warring sides open provides a glimmer of hope in diplomatic efforts to find a solution and achieve peace in the Ukraine crisis.

With its unique position of having friendly relations with both Russia and Ukraine, Türkiye has won widespread praise for its push to end the war.

Since the beginning of the conflict, Ankara has offered to mediate between the two sides and host peace talks, underlining its support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. While Ankara has opposed international sanctions designed to isolate Moscow, it also closed its straits to prevent some Russian vessels from crossing through them.

In a breakthrough, Russian and Ukrainian delegations met for peace talks in Istanbul on March 29 as the war entered its second month, with casualties piling up on both sides.

Türkiye also hosted the foreign ministers of Russia and Ukraine in Antalya in March.

"We have personally witnessed that the steps taken by our country in the Russia-Ukraine crisis, the migration issue, humanitarian aid, the fight against terrorism and peacekeeping have won the appreciation of the whole world," Erdoğan added.