President Erdoğan addressed the Strategic Communication Summit (STRATCOM), organized for the 5th time this year in Istanbul by the Directorate of Communications, with a video message:

Welcome to Istanbul, the meeting point of continents, cultures and hearts, you have brought joy. As Turkey, we will continue to maintain our principled, determined and peace-oriented stance that centers on human values ​​and justice, and to mobilize all our means to rebuild peace and trust not only in our region but all over the world. It is more important than ever before to end the tragedies that hurt all of our hearts, as in Gaza, and to restore peace, tranquility and stability throughout the world, especially in our region. The international system established by the victors after the World War is experiencing a major crisis of legitimacy in almost every field.

Meanwhile, the International Strategic Communication Summit (STRATCOM Summit) 2026, organized for the 5th time this year by the Directorate of Communications, brings together policy makers, experts, communication professionals, academics, civil society representatives and think tanks in the world capital Istanbul, and discusses how communication can contribute to strengthening resilience in the international system, increasing coordination and building a more stable structure.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan answered questions regarding the agenda last night on A Haber. Fidan made important statements about the US/Israel-Iran war that started on February 28 and dragged the world into uncertainty, its impact on the countries in the region and Türkiye’s strategy in this process. Minister of Foreign Affairs Fidan briefly stated the following:

THE WAR IS FACED WITH THE DANGER OF REGIONAL SPREAD:

A seed of discord was sown that would make it difficult for Muslims in the region to come together again. What makes us sad is that, unfortunately, the region is being drawn, step by step, into a game scripted by Israel. We see civilian targets being hit from time to time. Nearly 8 thousand missiles have been fired at the Gulf countries so far. Islamic countries fighting each other is exactly what Israel wants. Gulf countries should not fall for Israel’s trick. Our position was that countries that did not intervene in any way should not be attacked. We have a vision to bring a solution for the region.

WHEN AND HOW WILL THE WAR END: If Israel maintains its influence on US politics, this war will continue. The problem is that the world cannot exert pressure on Israel.

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE WAR DOES NOT SPREAD: Our number one goal is for the war to stop. It is important for us that war does not become more widespread. I hope the war will end at one point or another, but regional instability, that is, as if a nuclear bomb was dropped, no plants grow in one place for 30 or 40 years. After the nuclear bomb, when there is a war in some places, serious hostilities between societies, between cultures, and between countries continue for years. We don’t want this to happen.

A STAGE HAS BEEN REACHED IN THE NEGOTIATIONS: Now it seems like a stage has been reached in the negotiations. So at least negotiations have started. There is message transfer through Pakistan. The current negotiating positions are different from the pre-war negotiating positions of both sides. My statement to both sides; So don’t take these opening positions too seriously, but if there is actually an intention on both sides, they can definitely be brought together somewhere. Iran rightfully has an incredible loss of trust in America. While there were negotiations twice before, there was a war situation. Now there is a situation of what could happen in the third one. We say that this was the war we were afraid of, but it is important to stop it now. Americans also show willingness at this point.

PRESIDENT ERDOĞAN’S INTENSIVE CONTACTS: (Could unforeseen problems arise regardless of the intentions of the parties) Maybe. We have some thoughts on that subject, but maybe there is no need to express it too much right now. Both our President and we have intense contact with the parties here. Hopefully, as I said, we are working hard to bring this to a point. Europeans are looking for a lot. The beautiful thing is this; Just like in the Gaza War, the whole world’s expectation is that this unjust war will stop as soon as possible and its negative effects will end.

OUR GOAL IS TO STOP THE WAR

As Türkiye, we had several main goals that we set for ourselves from the beginning. The first is to prevent the war from breaking out if possible, but to stop the war if it did. The second is to prevent the war from expanding and spreading further. The third is to keep Türkiye out of this war. Our President has presented a very clear vision on these issues. This accumulated energy, which dates back to previous years, especially due to the nuclear issue and other issues, emerged in the form of a war.

According to the statement made by the Directorate of Communications, within the scope of the 5th STRATCOM Summit organized by the Directorate in Istanbul this year, “A Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of Joint Working Commissions and Committees within the Scope of the Turkey-Azerbaijan Joint Media Platform” was signed between the Directorate of Communications of the Presidency of the Republic of Turkey and the Media Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The memorandum of understanding was signed by Presidential Communications Director Prof. Dr. It was signed by Burhanettin Duran and President of the Media Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ahmed İsmayilov. The memorandum of understanding envisages the development of existing cooperation between Turkey and Azerbaijan in the fields of digital and social media, audiovisual media, strategic communication and crisis management. With the memorandum of understanding, the parties agreed to establish a joint working commission and standing committees within the Türkiye-Azerbaijan Joint Media Platform.

Turkey-Azerbaijan Joint Media Platform was established within the scope of the “Memorandum of Understanding on Strategic Cooperation Between Turkey and Azerbaijan in the Field of Media” signed on December 10, 2020, during President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s visit to Azerbaijan. The platform aims to strengthen the integration between the media of the two countries, ensure accurate information to the public and carry out a joint fight against disinformation.

Minister Kurum spoke at the high-level event held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York to celebrate International Zero Waste Day.

Stating that the meeting in question was organized to protect the future of humanity and to remember respect for nature and its resources, Kurum said:

“We all know that the steps Türkiye takes today in the fight against zero waste and the climate crisis will shape the world of tomorrow. This is very clear; it is not possible to protect our future without changing our consumption habits. The amount of waste we produce today has exceeded the rate of nature’s renewal. As Turkey, in the words of our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, we have considered this understanding not as a policy, but as a mobilization.

We initiated a social transformation that touched the lives of millions of people and changed habits in a short time. Because our nature is tired, our resources are diminished, our balance is disrupted. Look, even in 2022 alone, we have wasted approximately 1 billion tons of food, that is, approximately 1/5 of the total food. Just reducing food waste; “It stands before us as a climate solution that can have a very high impact.”

“ZERO WASTE IS NOT A CHOICE, IT IS AN OBLIGATION”

Explaining the importance of zero waste with examples, Kurum said, “Zero waste is not a choice, it is an obligation. As Turkey, we supported this idea not only with individual efforts, but also with corporate and social mobilizations.” he said.

The institution stated that today 205 thousand points in Türkiye are equipped with the Zero Waste Management System, the recovery rate has increased to 36 percent, and that they have made a change in mentality in every segment of the society, thus, 74.5 million tons of waste was recycled, 553 million trees were saved and 150 million tons of carbon emissions were prevented.

“We will strive to ensure that the steps we take as Turkey during the COP31 process are not limited to our own country, but spread from neighboring countries to Africa, from Asia to Latin America,” said Kurum, adding that this “will not remain just words, but they will look for a way to take action.”

Emphasizing that they now have “zero tolerance” against climate change and stating that they will “give the strongest message” to the whole world at COP31 in Antalya, Minister Kurum invited everyone in the hall to Antalya.

Stating that they will fully support the development of all innovative systems and concrete commitments regarding the prevention of food waste during COP31, with a zero waste approach, the Authority said, “Every step we take today will determine the future of not only Türkiye but also the world. We are the voice of humanity and the pioneers of action.” he said.

The institution underlined that President Erdoğan’s wife, Emine Erdoğan, gifted the zero waste movement to humanity as an initiative of conscience and heart, and said:

“The following warning of First Lady Erdoğan is very valuable: ‘Türkiye, with its high sense of responsibility towards our common home, should be a guide to all nations who want to switch to zero waste.” We must be a guide because if a school in Pakistan separates waste, a village in Africa will have clean water. If an island in Indonesia carries out a sea cleanup, coral reefs in the Caribbean will revive. If a business in Germany implemented a zero waste system, air and water quality would improve in cities across Asia. “Now we are taking our understanding of the global, of humanity, to a new phase.”

At the high-level event, video messages of Emine Erdoğan, the intellectual architect and supporter of the Zero Waste Project, and Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who has supported this project since its establishment as the highest official of the UN, were published.

Minister Kurum addressed the permanent representatives present at the meeting at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York, where he came within the scope of “March 30 International Zero Waste Day”.

Stating that the world is the “common home of humanity”, Kurum said, “The world is changing, global realities are being reshaped. The period we are going through is a period in which geopolitical fractures increase, uncertainties deepen, and risks increase, and we are all affected by this.” he said.

The institution emphasized that tensions in the Middle East and risks in the Strait of Hormuz threaten energy and water security, and pointed out that the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues, regional security and energy flows are under pressure, and the codes of regional and global political balances have changed radically.

Noting that drought, water stress and extreme weather events are increasing globally, in addition to all these, the Authority evaluated that the negative effects of the climate crisis have triggered a political, economic and cultural transformation.

Minister Kurum continued as follows:

“We know that we also have responsibilities towards our world. Now, every morning, we wake up to the painful consequences and devastating effects of a natural disaster in any corner of the world. If humanity is to reach a sustainable future, there is only one way to achieve this. That is to reach a world order in which all countries have equal rights. As our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated, it is a change of understanding that leaves no one behind, establishing a more just world. The basis of our COP31 vision is “This is turning commitments into practice, building trust and producing concrete results for a more just world.”

“WE CONSIDER COP31 AS A GLOBAL TURNING POINT”

Kurum, who is also the President of COP31, stated that half of the world’s population experiences water scarcity for at least one month of the year and that electricity needs are expected to increase by over 40 to 50 percent by 2035.

The institution said, “Perhaps the most striking data is this; the global climate financing need is at the level of 7.5 to 9 trillion dollars annually. The financing reached today is only at the level of 1.9 trillion dollars. You know what this difference tells us; if this struggle does not accelerate, the cost will grow exponentially.” he said.

For this reason, Kurum underlined that they do not see COP31 only as a platform where new commitments are expressed, and said, “We consider COP31 as a global turning point; we are preparing for the process with strong experience and a clear vision.” he said.

“SAY NO MORE WORDS, PRODUCE MORE RESULTS”

Pointing out the importance of producing solutions rather than talking, the institution said, “Our COP31 Presidency approach is based on 3 basic principles; dialogue, consensus and action. With dialogue, we will re-establish humanity’s trust in us. With consensus, we will find common solutions to our common problem. Let’s sit down and talk correctly, the world expects and says this; do not say more words, produce more results. We have to respond to this expectation of our people. We must re-establish trust in the multilateral system.” he said.

Emphasizing that they will work for concrete steps on this issue as the COP31 Presidency, the Institution stated that they will put critical topics such as financing, technology transfer and capacity development “at the heart of” COP31, and that transformation without finance, acceleration without technology, and sustainability without capacity are not possible.

Minister Kurum said:

“Our COP31 agenda will be to take concrete and measurable steps. We will reduce emissions in the field of waste management and strengthen the circular economy. We will share the zero waste movement and our achievements, which started under the auspices of the esteemed Emine Erdoğan and today turned into a global environmental campaign, with the whole world. We will contribute to creating solutions for 730 million people who do not have access to clean energy. We will align the industrial sector with net zero targets. We will expand climate resilient cities. In the areas of water, agriculture and food security. “We will strengthen adaptation policies, take steps that protect biodiversity and increase carbon sink areas, and bring our youth to the center of the fight against the climate crisis.”

The institution states, “Commitment is a statement of intent; implementation is trust.” He underlined that the COP31 Presidency aspires to build this trust and that Türkiye is determined to carry this process to a ground that produces results.

“THIS CALL IS A GLOBAL CALL FOR A RETURN TO THE SELF”

In the last part of its speech, the institution said, “Today, in your presence, I will make a call to all humanity; this call is a global call to return to the essence. As all humanity, we must return to our innate nature, to the essence that makes us who we are. We must unite our intentions, hearts and hands against the climate crisis, which has become a human problem.” he said.

Stating that humanity has to make a choice, Kurum said, “We will either return to our essence, which regards nature as a trust to be protected, or we will disappear along with the world we have destroyed. We will either continue to follow the current course, or we will direct the course with a common will.” he said.

The institution said, “With our strong leadership at COP31, we will make trust, cooperation, brotherhood and action dominant in global climate diplomacy.” He invited the country representatives in the hall to “be part of this common will, contribute to the solution and produce results together.”

The meeting, held at the Presidential Dolmabahçe Office, brought together senior executives of the world’s leading companies with Türkiye’s economic management and economic bureaucracy. In his speech here, President Erdoğan said that the participants came together on the occasion of the meeting to both listen to their evaluations of the Turkish economy and understand how companies will position Türkiye in their future vision.

Stating that in recent years, the global economy has been dragged into an agenda shaped by the post-pandemic recovery process, green and digital transformation, increasing trade tensions and geopolitical developments, Erdoğan said:

“The whole world feels the negative effects of the war in a wide range of areas, from energy markets to the functioning of production, informatics, transportation and trade networks. As I have stated before on different occasions, all humanity, as well as the parties to the conflicts, are paying the price of this meaningless, unlawful and unnecessary war that has deeply shaken our region for a month. While there is an opportunity to find a common ground through diplomacy and dialogue, we all, as the human family, bear the burden of sabotaging these roads. It is a fact that if the conflicts do not end, the price to be paid will also increase. Geographically “Distance will not have any meaning in this process, and even countries located on different continents will apparently be more affected by the energy dimension.”

Emphasizing that global risk analyzes reveal that the international system has entered a more competitive and more fragile period, Erdoğan said, “In this new period, the global economic order is exposed to threats from many fronts. The erosion of energy security and supply chains, the erosion of the international trade regime and protectionist policies increase vulnerabilities, and all these developments reduce the number of stable economies.” he said.

AT THE MEETING, Türkiye’S POSITION IN THE GLOBAL ECONOMY AND COOPERATION OPPORTUNITIES WERE DISCUSSED

At the meeting held with the theme “Growth in a Global Center: Strengthening Competitiveness and Resilience”, Türkiye’s position in the global economy and cooperation opportunities were discussed.

Within the scope of the meeting, the strategic dialogue session, attended by 23 international investors from 16 countries with a total value of 1.2 trillion dollars from different sectors such as manufacturing, technology, energy, finance, infrastructure, asset management, health, food and aviation, witnessed comprehensive evaluations on Türkiye’s role in the global economic system, investment potential and long-term growth perspective.

The strategic dialogue session was attended by Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan, Minister of Treasury and Finance Mehmet Şimşek, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar, Presidential Communications Director Burhanettin Duran, Presidential Investment and Finance Office President Ahmet Burak Dağlıoğlu, President of the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Fatih Karahan and AK Party’s Deputy Chairman in charge of the economy Nihat Zeybekci, as well as BlackRock President and Chairman of the Board of Directors. and World Economic Forum Co-President Laurence Fink and World Economic Forum President and Chief Executive Officer Alois Zwinggi.

In the sessions held within the framework of the meeting, Minister of Treasury and Finance Mehmet Şimşek made a comprehensive presentation on economic stability and macroeconomic policy and evaluated Türkiye’s reform agenda, fiscal discipline approach and policies to strengthen the investment environment.

Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar discussed Türkiye’s energy supply security, diversification strategies and goals of becoming an energy center in the session titled energy security and resource management.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan moderated the session, which included Türkiye’s role in regional stability and security, its position in the geoeconomic transformation process and perspectives on strengthening international cooperation.

The meeting, held at a time when increasing uncertainties in the global economy, geopolitical developments and value chains are being reshaped, aims to strengthen dialogue and cooperation between the public and private sectors, support investment-oriented growth and further consolidate Türkiye’s position as a “connection point” in the global economy.

Concrete areas of cooperation for increasing Türkiye’s competitiveness, strengthening economic resilience, supporting sustainable growth and accelerating international direct investments were also discussed at the meeting.

The World Economic Forum Turkey Country Strategy Meeting stands out as an important platform that reinforces Türkiye’s strategic role in the global economy, encourages multilateral cooperation and contributes to strengthening the common vision for the future.