During a speech at a meeting with international media representatives, the Presidency's Head of Communications, Burhanettin Duran, stated that they provide, and will continue to provide, all kinds of support to international media outlets and representatives who cover Türkiye and monitor regional developments.
In his speech, Head of Communications Duran noted that Türkiye accommodates the key issues that have become central to many global crises, stating that a multidimensional uncertainty dominates the international arena, with critical developments arising every day, and that journalists have an important role to play in informing the public.
Head of Communications Duran conveyed that Türkiye has long voiced its criticism regarding the weakening of international institutions, saying, "The issue repeatedly expressed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, especially at the United Nations and other international organisations, was the need to resolve capacity problems on a global scale. At this point, President Erdoğan's call for a 'fairer world' has certainly resonated in different parts of the world. Unfortunately, we have neither a compass nor a North Star to guide us in addressing the injustices, security risks, and humanitarian crises we face."
Head of Communications Duran stated that countries, as actors, each left isolated in their respective regions, are striving to cope with their crises independently. He added, "Today, climate issues, food security matters, and the risks as well as opportunities brought by technological transformation have been added on top of traditional global problems. We see that there is a lack of strong, multilateral solidarity in the world for solving these problems."
Emphasising that the work, reports, and contributions of journalists are the strongest evidence in capturing the global picture, Head of Communications Duran thanked journalists who contribute to documenting the truth and upholding universal human values.
Head of Communications Duran noted the following regarding Türkiye's stance and policies on regional and global issues:
"I must state that Türkiye has taken an active role in building a fairer future under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. It is no coincidence that Türkiye stands out as a reliable mediator in crises and conflict zones today. On the contrary, it is the result of a solution-oriented, principled, and consistent foreign policy approach based on both our past experiences and our vision for the future. The motto of President Erdoğan, 'A fairer world is possible,' should not be interpreted merely as an objection. It is also a proposal for a solution, a call to seek a more inclusive and fairer global order collectively. On the one hand, Türkiye advocates the importance of keeping diplomatic dialogue channels open during conflicts and crises, and on the other, it closely monitors the realities on the ground and offers fair and realistic solutions. With this approach, Türkiye highlights its dialogue-based stance and initiatives aimed at the permanent resolution of conflicts in regional and global crises. In this regard, it has emerged as a highly sought-after and appreciated actor.
Highlighting that regional and global crises affect the entire world in a domino effect, Head of Communications Duran said, "Türkiye demonstrates a holistic statecraft that integrates its diplomatic capacity with military deterrence and its normative stance with its experience on the ground. This vision is an approach that is based on human values and the establishment of justice, aiming to enhance the resilience of the international system. Türkiye attaches utmost importance to maintaining stability at the regional and global level."
Head of Communications Duran also mentioned Türkiye's recent efforts in conflict resolution, mediation, and facilitation, noting that Türkiye is one of the few countries able to engage with both sides in the Russia-Ukraine War. He also noted that Türkiye contributed to the implementation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, thereby playing a significant role in ensuring global food security through United Nations-led efforts.
Emphasising that the resolution of the Palestinian issue is of vital importance to them, Head of Communications Duran continued his remarks:
"Türkiye has provided significant support to this initiative with intensive diplomacy and international calls aimed at achieving a ceasefire, ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid, and establishing lasting peace in Gaza, which has suffered from Israel's genocide. "We will maintain our result-oriented initiatives through our representation on the Board of Peace established after the ceasefire. For us, the most critical issue at this point is undoubtedly the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, the continuation of the peace process, and the commencement of reconstruction efforts.
Head of Communications Duran also mentioned Syria, stating, "I would like to reiterate our support for the Syrian government's efforts over the past few weeks to combat terrorism with an inclusive and integrative approach, its reconstruction efforts, and its initiatives to ensure stability throughout Syria. It is crucial that the principle of “one state, one army”, which is an indispensable condition for lasting stability, is reinforced both at the institutional level and on the ground. We will continue to provide every possible support to ensure that the neighbouring brotherly Syrian people attain peace, prosperity, and stability.”
Recalling that Türkiye played an active role in the efforts to resolve the dispute between Ethiopia and Somalia and in ending the long-standing issue of the Karabakh occupation in the Caucasus, Head of Communications Duran said, "All areas of crisis, and our approach to them, further reinforce Türkiye’s role as a mediator. As we have done thus far, we will continue to pursue a constructive and human-centred foreign policy based on international law, aiming for peace and stability."
Head of Communications Duran stated that Türkiye's active role on the global stage creates a rich environment for international media to monitor, interpret, and frame crises. He noted that, as the Directorate of Communications, they provide and will continue to provide all kinds of support to international media outlets and their representatives following Türkiye and witnessing regional developments.
Head of Communications Burhanettin Duran also addressed the fight against disinformation and went on to say:
"In an era in which truth is distorted and disinformation is employed as a systemic instrument, responsible and ethical journalism is of greater importance than ever before. In this regard, we attach utmost importance to ensuring healthy and effective communication between the national and international media. We approach this within the framework of the ideal of the “Century of Communication,” which constitutes an integral component of the Century of Türkiye vision. We evaluate our engagement with the international media not merely as an exchange of information, but through the lens of mutual understanding, interaction, and trust. We pursue a communication model with media outlets and members of the press that is symmetrical, transparent, and open to dialogue. Our objective is not only to provide information to international journalists but also to listen to you and further refine our policies through your contributions. The foremost principle we uphold in our relations with the international media is the preservation of trust through a sustainable communication approach grounded in verified information. Within this model, direct communication channels are kept open at all times. Türkiye’s messages regarding national and international issues are conveyed accurately, swiftly, and effectively."
Stating that members of the media are regularly briefed and that effective on-the-ground communication is maintained through press conferences and press tours whenever necessary, Head of Communications Duran emphasised that the aim of this approach is continuous, reliable, and direct communication.
Head of Communications, Duran, further noted that another priority in communicating with international media is ensuring messages are understood correctly and strengthening trust-based relationships. For this reason, we communicate sincerely through multilingual content that takes cultural sensitivities into account. He also emphasised that during crises, the Directorate of Communications adopts a proactive rather than reactive approach, combating disinformation effectively through foresighted, real-time, and transparent communication.
Emphasising that through transparent communication practices they contribute to the circulation of truth and serve as a reliable reference, Head of Communications Duran stated, "This coordination-based structure enables international media professionals to follow developments in an objective and balanced manner. It thereby reinforces the delivery of accurate and sound information to the global public. Türkiye embraces a communication approach that not only articulates its own policies but also listens to the global media ecosystem and strengthens its stance through their feedback.”
Head of Communications Duran also added that efforts are made to facilitate the professional activities of international media representatives, that press centres are established to ensure they can operate comfortably on the ground during crises, and that press tours, media forums, panels, and workshops are organised to strengthen media diplomacy and to exchange views on international developments.