President Erdoğan spoke at the opening of the Antalya Diplomatic Forum, which was held for the 5th time this year:

We see this organization as a platform of intelligence where in-depth consultations are held on where the world is heading, what values ​​humanity can meet around, and what new areas of interaction might be. We are all clearly aware of this fact: Today, diplomacy is no longer just an area where problems, disputes and interests are negotiated. Diplomacy also represents a basis for discussing the principles in which the common future of humanity will be shaped. I believe that the forum will contribute to Türkiye’s mission of being the key to peace with your stimulating ideas, and I would like to thank each of you in advance.

HOW SHOULD WE TRUST THE SYSTEM THAT CANNOT EVEN PROTECT BABIES?

Today, the world is experiencing a crisis of direction as well as a crisis of power. The genocide in Gaza clearly showed what the current order allows. If a system cannot protect innocent babies in incubators from bullets, if institutions and rules cannot prevent the oppression of oppressors, isn’t this a structural decay? How can we be expected to trust a system that failed to meet the most basic test of humanity in Syria and Gaza yesterday, and in the West Bank and Lebanon today? How can it be possible for us to remain helpless against this system?

JOINT ROOM OF GLOBAL CONSCIENCE

On the path we set out five years ago with the aim of a global platform that would keep the pulse of diplomacy, today we see that Antalya Diplomatic Forum has become the common platform of global mind, global conscience and especially hope for the future. I believe that the discussions to be held for three days under the theme of ‘Constructing tomorrow, managing uncertainties’ will make this unique and special aspect of the forum even more evident.

OUR ATTITUDE TOWARDS HÜRMÜZ IS CLEAR

Our stance on Hormuz is very clear. Gulf countries’ right to access the high seas should not be restricted. The main thing is to ensure freedom of navigation on the basis of established rules and to keep Hormuz open to commercial ships.

ISRAEL SHOULD NOT DYNAMITE THE PROCESS

We are satisfied with the 15-day ceasefire. We believe that the window of opportunity opened by the ceasefire should be used effectively to establish lasting peace. No matter how deep the disagreements, words should not be allowed to be replaced by bloody struggle in resolving disputes. We must be ready and vigilant against Israel disrupting the negotiation process.

WE ARE READY FOR RUSSIA AND UKRAINE

In the Russia-Ukraine war, Türkiye is ready to support the facilitating step in the continuation of direct negotiations, including the leaders’ summit, if the parties are willing. Peace and stability in our neighbor Syria are vital for the future of our region.

ERDOĞAN’S STAMP ON DIPLOMACY

President Erdoğan held strategic meetings with the leaders of the participating countries within the scope of ADF and carried out intense diplomacy traffic for peace. Erdoğan met separately with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Syrian President Ahmed Shara, Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamed Es Sani, Moldovan President Maya Sandu and Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, within the scope of the meetings where global crises were discussed.

‘ANTALYA HAS BECOME THE NEW DAVOS’ CONVERSATIONS IN THE CORRIDORS…

Antalya Diplomatic Forum (ADF), organized under the auspices of President Erdoğan and hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is held at the NEST Congress and Fair Center in Belek Tourism Center with the main theme of “Coping with Uncertainties While Designing Tomorrow”. The Antalya Diplomacy Forum, which was first held in 2021, is being held with intense participation this year as well. More than 20 heads of state and government from more than 150 countries, approximately 15 deputy heads of state and government, more than 40 ministers of foreign affairs, more than 50 ministers, more than 460 high-level dignitaries, including 75 representatives of international organizations, as well as many guests, including academicians and students, are present at the forum. While there was great interest in the panels and forums held on the first day of ADF, it was observed that participants made ‘new Davos’ comments for ADF in the corridors.

WITH THIS FORUM, THE BORDERS BETWEEN HEARTS ARE REMOVING

EMİNE ERDOĞAN: We were pleased to host the international guests of this meaningful forum. I hope that the forum, which builds bridges between countries and removes the borders between hearts, will bring goodwill, peace and solidarity to the world.

FİDAN HOSTED THE QUADRUPLE SUMMIT

Referring to President Erdoğan’s call for a “more just world”, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan said, “Today, we see that many countries come to this point when the crisis hits their doorstep.” Fidan also hosted the 3rd meeting of the foreign ministers of Türkiye, Egypt, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia yesterday.

WE ARE ALWAYS SUPPORTERS OF DIALOGUE

Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz: Türkiye is always a supporter of dialogue. As Türkiye, we are ready to cooperate with African, Asian and South American countries. We are determined to reach out wherever it is and strengthen these ties for the good of our people and the global environment.

Türkiye PLAYS A KEY ROLE IN THE REGION

US Ambassador to Ankara Tom Barrack: Türkiye plays a key role in the region. The only functioning player in the region is a member of NATO. Relations between the USA and Türkiye are better than ever. Progress in the last 16 months is better than 50 years ago.

KAAN’S MODEL WAS ENOUGH

The stands of Türkiye’s leading defense industry companies such as TAI also attracted great attention at the forum. Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) exhibited the model of Türkiye’s fifth generation fighter plane KAAN, developed with domestic and national resources. The guests showed great interest in KAAN.

YOUNG DIPLOMACY WAS ALSO AT THE FORUM

President Erdoğan’s grandson Ömer Tayyip Erdoğan was among the panel audience. Erdoğan is the Vice President of the Young Diplomacy Association.

MHP brought together the mayors at the “Mayors Consultation and Evaluation Meeting” held in Antalya. The camp organized under the auspices of MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli will end on April 19. In the camp, studies on the 3 main themes, 9 principles and 100-article declaration in the “Productive Municipality” vision document prepared by the party for the March 31 Local Government Elections will be evaluated. MHP Deputy Chairman Sadir Durmaz will make the opening speech today.

ACADEMICS PARTICIPATED
At the camp, the work carried out by the municipalities to date, the commitments made during the election period and future plans will be discussed. Within the scope of the camp, feedback in the form of written documents and digital archives will be received from the mayors. Presentations under the titles “Strategic Communication and Management Model in Municipalities” and “Transformation of Areas at Disaster Risk – Risky Buildings and Urban Transformation” will be held with the participation of academics who are experts in their fields. On the other hand, MHP Deputy Chairman Semih Yalçın reported that Bilecik, Çanakkale and Muğla provincial organizations were terminated.

A commemoration program was held at the Mausoleum in Topkapı on the 33rd anniversary of the death of Turgut Özal, the 8th President of Turkey. Özal’s children Ahmet, Zeynep and Efe Özal, his daughter-in-law Sinem Özal and his grandchildren, as well as Deputy Secretary General of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey Ahmet Bozkurt, Governor of Istanbul Davut Gül, Deputy Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Nuri Aslan, Provincial Police Chief Selami Yıldız, Provincial Gendarmerie Commander Lieutenant General Yusuf Kenan Topcu, 52nd Motorized Infantry Division Commander Major General Hakan Tunç, Coast Guard Marmara and Straits Regional Commander were present at the ceremony. Rear Admiral Serkan Tezel, Zeytinburnu District Governor Adem Uslu, Zeytinburnu Mayor Ömer Arısoy, AK Party Istanbul Provincial Chairman Abdullah Özdemir and Özal’s loved ones attended. At the ceremony, which started with the reading of Özal’s CV, Minister of Internal Affairs Mustafa Çiftçi laid the Presidential wreath on the monument.

Following a moment of silence, a prayer was recited by Provincial Deputy Mufti Ahmet Aktürkoğlu, and protocol members expressed their condolences to the Özal family. Afterwards, Çiftçi and his entourage visited the Turgut Özal Memorial Site Museum, then visited the graves of the late Prime Minister Adnan Menderes and ministers Fatin Rüştü Zorlu and Hasan Polatkan, laid carnations and recited prayers.

Farmer also went to the graves of Menderes’ wife Berin and son Aydın and prayed. In his post on his social media account on the 33rd anniversary of Özal’s death, President Erdoğan said, “I remember with mercy and respect the 8th President Turgut Özal, who provided very important services to Türkiye and the Turkish nation and played a leading role in the development, progress and breakthroughs of our country, on the 33rd anniversary of his passing.”

President Erdoğan held intensive diplomatic contacts within the scope of Antalya Diplomatic Forum 2026.

AZERBAIJAN

In his meeting with Azerbaijani President İlham Aliyev, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that the regional countries, Turkey and Azerbaijan, are experiencing the negative effects of the war in Iran together, that they are managing the developments with common sense and coolness, and that Türkiye’s efforts are continuing to end the process in peace.

During the meeting, the two leaders discussed Türkiye-Azerbaijan bilateral relations, regional and global issues.

During the meeting, President Erdoğan stated that they are determined to deepen cooperation between Turkey and Azerbaijan in the fields of trade, energy and defense industry and to take relations to higher levels, and that they believe that they can achieve this with new steps to be taken.

Erdoğan stated that the regional countries, Türkiye and Azerbaijan, are experiencing the negative effects of the war in Iran together, that they are managing the developments with common sense and coolness, and that Türkiye’s efforts are continuing to end the process in peace.

During the meeting, Erdogan said that Türkiye welcomed the steps taken towards permanent peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and that they, as Türkiye, would continue to support this process.

MOLDOVA

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Moldovan President Maya Sandu discussed Türkiye-Moldova bilateral relations and regional issues.

During the meeting, the two leaders discussed Türkiye-Moldova bilateral relations and regional issues.

President Erdoğan stated that they will continue to take steps to improve relations between Türkiye and Moldova in many issues, especially in trade, energy and defense industry.

Stating that Türkiye continues its efforts to revitalize the negotiation process to end the Ukraine-Russia war, Erdoğan noted that they have increased their contacts with the parties in order to achieve permanent peace.

Erdoğan emphasized that Gagauz Turks are an exceptional symbol of the cultural and human ties between the two countries.

QATAR AND PAKISTAN

In his meeting with Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamed Al Thani, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that the unlawful attacks against Iran increased the security risks in the region, that he was satisfied with the ceasefire, and that Türkiye continues to increase its efforts to preserve the ceasefire and ensure permanent peace.

At the meeting, leaders discussed hot developments in the region.

President Erdoğan stated that unlawful attacks against Iran increased security risks in the region, that he was satisfied with the ceasefire, and that Türkiye continued to increase its efforts to preserve the ceasefire and ensure permanent peace.

Erdoğan stated that the conflict process in the region reveals the necessity of creating a new and well-based regional security architecture, and that they will continue to discuss this issue in detail with the countries in the region.

During the meeting, the leaders also discussed the steps that can be taken together for permanent and sustainable peace on a regional scale.

SYRIA

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Syrian President Ahmed Shara discussed bilateral relations, the latest situation in Syria and regional issues.

During the meeting, the two leaders discussed bilateral relations, the latest situation in Syria and regional issues.

President Erdoğan stated that Syria has taken decisive steps in strengthening its unity and solidarity, reconstruction and development, and that Türkiye will continue to stand by Syria in this process.

Erdoğan noted that Syria should stay away from conflicts in the region, and that increasing cooperation between Turkey and Syria in all fields, especially defense, security, trade, energy and transportation, is important for Syria’s efforts to get back on its feet.

President Erdoğan also stated that it would be for the benefit of the entire region if the integration process in northeastern Syria was concluded peacefully without interruption.

In the post made from the Presidency’s NSosyal account, the following statements were included:

“Under the leadership of our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Turkey takes a strong stance advocating justice, equity and equal representation in the international system. Turkey, the Key to Peace, carries out a foreign policy that centers not only its own interests but also the common conscience of humanity. Turkey, which is the voice of the oppressed, produces solutions in crises and prioritizes peace, continues to work determinedly for a more just world.”

The post also included a video of President Erdogan’s previous statements about world peace and his bilateral meetings with leaders.

Under the leadership of our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Türkiye takes a strong stance defending justice, equity and equal representation in the international system.

Türkiye, the Key to Peace, is a foreign country that focuses not only on its own interests but also on the common conscience of humanity… pic.twitter.com/c0Bb0dzBvL

— TR Directorate of Communications (@iletisim) April 17, 2026

Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek stated that Türkiye continues to be a strong voice of peace, stability and justice in a period when crises deepen, in line with the vision of leadership and diplomacy put forward by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Emphasizing that in every period when tensions in the region and the world increase, Türkiye directs the course of history with an understanding that produces solutions rather than fueling conflict, and that gives confidence rather than magnifies uncertainty, Gürlek said:

“With the astute leadership of our esteemed President, Turkey stands out as a balancing power that defends justice and stands by the oppressed not only in its own geography but also on a global scale. We will continue to contribute to peace, strengthen stability and be hope with our human-centered foreign policy understanding, conscience-based stance and effective diplomacy power. Turkey is the Key to Peace.”

In line with the vision of leadership and diplomacy put forward by our President Mr. @RTErdogan, Türkiye continues to be the strong voice of peace, stability and equity in a period when crises deepen.

In every period when tensions increase in our region and the world, our country;… pic.twitter.com/xt5nRBhsRL

— Akın Gürlek (@abakingurlek) April 17, 2026

MINISTER GÖKTAŞ: Türkiye IS IN FAVOR OF DIALOGUE

Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş said, “With the unwavering will of our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Turkey continues its stance in favor of peace and dialogue with determination. Turkey is the Key to Peace on a regional and global scale.” shared his message.

MINISTER IŞIKHAN: Türkiye CONTINUES TO BE AN EXAMPLE FOR ALL COUNTRIES

Minister of Labor and Social Security, Vedat Işıkhan, said in his post: “Turkey is the Key to Peace. We see more and more the correctness of the steps we have taken in diplomacy under the effective leadership of our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The role we have taken in ending regional crises and strengthening global peace and stability continues to be an example for all countries. Our struggle by saying ‘The world is bigger than five’ will continue to be a hope for the global system.” made his assessment.

MINISTER INSTITUTION: THERE IS A Türkiye AT THE CENTER OF PEACE

Murat Kurum, Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, said: “There is a Türkiye on the side of the oppressed, on the side of the right, at the center of peace. Turkey is the Key to Peace with dialogue and diplomacy.” He shared.

MINISTER ÇİFTÇİ: WE ARE A STATE THAT TAKES RESPONSIBILITY IN THE FACE OF CRISIS

Minister of Internal Affairs Mustafa Çiftçi also shared in his post: “Compassion is our heritage. In line with this strong vision put forward by our esteemed President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, we act with an understanding that bases human dignity in migration management and prioritizes public order and security. While we continue our fight against irregular migration with determination, we do not close our doors to those escaping from persecution, we meticulously maintain the balance of conscience and law. Turkey is a state that takes responsibility in the face of crises and displays a humanitarian stance. Türkiye is the Key to Peace.” He included his statements.

MINISTER ERSOY: Türkiye CONTINUES ITS WORKS FOR PEACE IN THE WORLD

Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy stated that under the leadership of President Erdoğan, they act with an understanding of diplomacy that prioritizes peace, tranquility and prosperity in the region, and added:

“We resolutely defend on every platform that there are no winners in war and that permanent peace is only possible with dialogue and diplomacy. As Turkey, we continue our work to ensure peace and tranquility prevail all over the world, starting from our region. Peace is not a dream, it is determination. The Key to Peace is Türkiye.”

MINISTER MEMİŞOĞLU: Türkiye IS AN UNSHAKEABLE FORTEST AGAINST OPPRESSION

Minister of Health Kemal Memişoğlu said, “The world is bigger than five, humanity is bigger than oppression. Under the leadership of our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, we are the flagbearers of global conscience by saying ‘a more just world is possible’. Turkey is the voice of justice wherever there is injustice, and the name of healing wherever there is a tear. Turkey is an unshakable fortress against oppression, and the Key to Peace at the door of trust that humanity awaits.” shared.

MINISTER BAYRAKTAR: WE ARE WORKING TO GUARANTEE STABILITY

Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar, in his post on his NSosyal account, stated that they are on the side of negotiation instead of conflict and peace instead of war, and said, “We are taking the initiative in resolving crises with the intense and predictive diplomacy traffic we carry out under the leadership of our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and working to be the guarantee of stability not only in our region but all over the world. Türkiye is the Key to Peace.” made his evaluations.

MINISTER YUMAKLI: WE CONTINUE TO RISE

Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı, in his post on his NSosyal account, said, “This strong will, which takes initiative in solving global crises, strengthens the ground for dialogue and is the loud voice of peace and justice all over the world, continues to rise with the vision of our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Türkiye is the Key to Peace.” he said.

MINISTER BOLAT: CONSCIENCE-CENTERED DIPLOMACY IS BEING CONDUCTED

In his post on his NSosyal account, Minister of Commerce Ömer Bolat stated that in a period when conflicts, crises and uncertainties are increasing in the world, Türkiye continues to be the voice of the oppressed and the “key to peace” with its “fair stance”, “conscience-centered” diplomacy and determined will, and said: “In line with the vision put forward by our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, our country aims to achieve peace in every field, from trade to diplomacy, from humanitarian aid to regional cooperation.” “Turkey, with the strength it draws from its history, the courage it draws from its nation and the leadership of our President, will continue to be the key that opens the door to peace, raises hopes and builds the future.” He included his words.

MINISTER URALOĞLU: A Türkiye THAT PRODUCES DIALOGUE AGAINST CONFLICTS

Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu noted the following in his post on his NSosyal account:

“A Turkey that produces solutions against crises and dialogue against conflicts under the leadership of our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan… Strong will, effective diplomacy, lasting peace. Türkiye is the Key to Peace.”