The article penned by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, calling for the world’s collective conscience from the two ends of Asia, was published in Japanese and English in one of Japan's leading newspapers, Nikkei Shimbun.
The two ends of Asia can act as the world’s collective conscience
The bridge of hearts that connects Türkiye and Japan is stronger than official documents for it is a bridge nourished by history and human conscience. The foundations of this bridge of friendship have been shaped by memories flowing through history and touching the hearts of our peoples. One of the symbols of this bond is the tragic accident of the Ertuğrul Frigate off the coast of Kushimoto in 1890. The compassion and generosity shown by the Japanese people that day left a deep imprint on our memory and laid a humanitarian foundation for the relations between our two nations.
Over the many years that have passed, this friendship has manifested itself across numerous fields, including infrastructure projects, technology, education, and culture. From Marmaray to the Osmangazi Bridge, from our second Bosphorus crossing - the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge - to the Golden Horn Bridge, countless works have been brought to life through the union of Turkish tenacity and Japanese engineering. These works are made not only of steel and concrete; each one stands as a symbol of the wisdom, alliance, and heartfelt bond between our two countries. The Çam and Sakura City Hospital in İstanbul stands as one of the most striking symbols of this cooperation in the field of healthcare. Moreover, this brotherhood and cooperation have not been confined to our countries alone; in the past, they have taken a tangible form in the Middle Eastern geography. When the determination of Turkish contractors meets the meticulous engineering of the Japanese, exemplary projects emerge that are admired by all. All of this demonstrates that our partnership has been built upon trust, sincerity, and dignity.
In the upcoming period, there lies a promising potential for our companies to jointly realise infrastructure, energy, transportation, and other development projects across Africa and Central Asia. Moreover, it goes without saying that in the reconstruction processes of Ukraine and Syria, a tangible partnership between Türkiye and Japan holds the power to create a profound impact and lasting value.
Today, we find ourselves at a point where the international system is shaken by significant crises. The global economy has been shaken time and again; energy and food security have grown increasingly fragile, and climate-driven disasters have begun to affect every corner of the world. The rapid advance of technology brings with it new opportunities, yet also ushers in serious risks. These developments have a direct bearing on both Türkiye and Japan. This is because neither geographic distance nor economic strength is sufficient to shield us from these global challenges. This picture reveals yet another truth: no state today can resolve global challenges on its own. Unilateral initiatives are increasingly leading to dead ends, while international institutions are proving inadequate. At this juncture, as nations rooted in ancient civilisations, Türkiye and Japan can pave the way for constructive solutions to global challenges through their joint efforts.
One of the most vital areas drawing Türkiye and Japan closer together is humanitarian diplomacy. The affection between our peoples, the cultural affinities we share, and the mutual respect we uphold offer us a strong and meaningful common ground. Both peoples have a mindset that does not remain silent in the face of suffering, extends a helping hand to those in need, and prioritises dignity and human honour. For this reason, it is much easier for us to act jointly in foreign policy. Because our peoples are united by an ancient bond of affection and shared sentiments beyond the bounds of state-level cooperation. For years, our civil societies, aid organisations, development agencies, and other relevant institutions have worked side by side. The projects conducted by TİKA and JICA in different geographies are the most concrete examples of this. So it is not only about cooperation between states but also about reflecting our peoples' conscience in politics.
We must view international crises from this humanitarian diplomacy perspective. The world is facing challenges that no single state can tackle alone. Pandemics, wars, invasions, migration waves, economic fluctuations, and natural disasters are all challenges that countries cannot handle alone, necessitating regional and global solidarity and cooperation. For decades, Türkiye and Japan have supported each other in natural disasters, particularly earthquakes. Our nation will never forget Japan's invaluable support following the 2023 earthquake disaster. Türkiye had also extended a friendly hand to the Japanese people following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami disasters. I have no doubt that we will continue to support each other in the event of such disasters in the future.
Each of these is a global test that knows no borders. If states turn their backs on one another, uncertainty will grow, unpredictability will deepen, and instability will spread everywhere. But if cooperation is based on trust, uncertainty can be controlled, and unpredictability can be reduced. This is precisely why joint action by Türkiye and Japan is essential. Our complementary experience, geographic reach, and humanitarian sensitivity could make a global difference. We have this will, and we believe that when we work together, we have tremendous power to create solutions.
Following this background, I would like to touch on Gaza. Because the situation in Gaza is currently subjecting humanity's conscience to one of its most severe tests. As a result of Israel's genocide and occupation, we are witnessing a picture in which children are starving to death, hospitals are rendered inoperable, cities are destroyed, and millions of people are deprived of their most basic needs. This tragedy is an issue for all humanity. As Türkiye, we have not been silent, and we will not be silent. We are working across all platforms to ensure a ceasefire, unhindered access to humanitarian aid, and the safety of innocent civilians. However, we know that our voice must be louder, and our influence must be wider.
Japan's wisdom, which prioritises peace, its adherence to international law and conscientious sensitivity are an invaluable asset in this period. When combined with Türkiye's regional influence and humanitarian aid capacity, this would be a dignified and robust partnership. What needs to be done today is to step up diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire, deliver humanitarian aid more regularly, allocate resources for children's education and health needs, and, most importantly, embrace a fair peace based on a two-state solution. In this way, we can not only heal the wounds in Gaza but also create hope that will reclaim the future.
Ultimately, the friendship between Türkiye and Japan is more than just a beautiful memory of the past; it is also a tremendous opportunity to overcome the crises of today. At a time when the international system is shaken and trust is undermined, it is imperative that we act together as two countries.
At this point, it is our historical responsibility and human dignity to stand in solidarity with the rest of the world against the oppression in Gaza. The transformation of solidarity into concrete actions will pave the way for the strengthening of peace, justice, and conscience. Because the world can only attain a fairer, safer, and more humane future through collective will and effort.