Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday that Turkey is conducting “intensive diplomatic efforts” to prevent what he described as an “Iranian-origin spiral of violence” from expanding in the region.
Speaking in Ankara at a ceremony awarding the Atatürk International Peace Prize to António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, Erdoğan said Ankara is working actively to contain regional tensions.
The Turkish president linked his country’s foreign policy to the principle of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk — “Peace at home, peace in the world” — saying Ankara continues to follow this approach with what he described as a proactive and bold diplomatic strategy.
Preventing 'wider catastrophe'
He said Turkey remains active in multiple crisis areas, adding that “wherever there is fire, we carry water to extinguish it”, and that the country is making efforts to alleviate the impact of wars, conflicts and humanitarian tragedies.
Erdoğan made particular reference to regional tensions involving Iran, stressing that Turkey is working to prevent what he called a wider catastrophe in the region.
“Despite those who seek to destroy hope and deter us from our efforts, we will continue to work with patience and determination,” he said.
Peace in Ukraine
He also highlighted cooperation between Ankara and the United Nations on a range of international issues, saying Turkey has strengthened its contribution under the UN umbrella in recent years and maintained close dialogue with Guterres on matters affecting peace both regionally and globally.
Referring to the war in Ukraine, Erdogan said cooperation with the UN continues with the aim of restoring peace and ending the conflict, adding that diplomacy and dialogue remain “the safest path to a just and lasting peace”.
Speaking about Guterres, the Turkish president said the UN chief had already distinguished himself as a political figure promoting peace, dialogue and prosperity even before taking office as secretary-general.
He also praised Guterres’ decade-long tenure as UN High Commissioner for Refugees, saying he had made significant efforts to protect displaced people while upholding human dignity.
World 'bigger than five'
Erdogan also commended Guterres’ stance on Gaza Strip, saying his position on what he described as one of the major tragedies of modern times would be remembered positively. He said the UN chief had demonstrated a strong initial position and continued to work within the framework of UN parameters.
During his remarks, Erdogan also reiterated his call for reform of the international system, saying every global crisis confirms the view that “the world is bigger than five” — a reference to the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council — and adding that Turkey will continue to support initiatives aimed at creating a more inclusive UN.
For his part, Guterres said the significance of the award could not be separated from the life and legacy of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
He said Atatürk had understood through hardship and leadership that peace does not emerge by chance, noting that the principle “Peace at home, peace in the world” reflects the spirit of the Charter of the United Nations.
The UN secretary-general also thanked Turkey for its role in mediation efforts regarding Gaza and said that de-escalation and dialogue represent the best way forward in tensions involving Iran. He called for attacks to stop and for a return to negotiations.
Guterres also referred to the Treaty of Kadesh, describing it as one of the oldest known peace agreements, noting that a copy offered by Turkey is displayed at the UN Security Council.