Deputy Head of Communications, Çağatay Özdemir, highlighted the significance of communications as a matter of national security, stating, "The field of communications is a direct national security concern. We place the security of the communications ecosystem at the centre of our national security. Therefore, taking action and establishing frameworks for it is highly valuable."
The Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF) 2025, hosted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hakan Fidan, under the auspices of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and joined by Anadolu Agency (AA) as the "Global Communication Partner" is currently taking place at the NEST Congress Centre in the Belek Tourism Area.
During the session moderated by Karen Freberg, Professor of Strategic Communication at the University of Louisville in the US, Deputy Head of Communications Özdemir provided insights into security and ecosystems of communication and disinformation within national and international areas.
Deputy Head of Communications Özdemir highlighted that the Presidency's Directorate of Communications engages in substantial efforts in the fields of public diplomacy and public relations, particularly through the Presidency's Communication Centre, CİMER, to ensure reliable information flows and a proper communication ecosystem in Türkiye.
Indicating that steps have been taken to rectify any information distortion, fake news, and disinformation while simultaneously ensuring the security of communications as the Directorate of Communications, "Under the leadership of the Presidency's Head of Communications, Fahrettin Altun, Centre for Combating Disinformation was formed to counter disinformation. This model has been exported internationally and is currently in use in several countries," added Deputy Head of Communications Özdemir.
Deputy Head of Communications Özdemir stated that public authorities convey accurate information in a coordinated manner during potential crises, adding that they have established effective response mechanisms and ensure rapid coordination. Özdemir noted that this system facilitated the flow of accurate information regarding the earthquake in Türkiye and the developments in Palestine and Ukraine.
"We must collaborate internationally to ensure accurate information"
Deputy Head of Communications Özdemir emphasised the crucial role of rapidly developing technological instruments in international information security, stating that the flow of information must be managed properly.
Deputy Head of Communications Özdemir stated that the Directorate is engaged in dialogue with its counterparts abroad, particularly concerning the processes conducted with the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT) and the AA at the national level. He noted that they communicate with public authorities, non-governmental organisations, representatives of media agencies, academics, and foundations—both government and private sector organisations—in the international arena to ensure that the flow of information is maintained within the proper framework.
Highlighting the necessity of ensuring an accurate flow of information during international crises for the secure operation of the global media ecosystem, Deputy Head of Communications Özdemir stated, "We must collaborate internationally to ensure accurate information flow."
Referring to information security, Özdemir said, "The field of communications is a direct national security concern. We place the security of the communications ecosystem at the centre of our national security. Therefore, taking action and establishing frameworks for it is highly valuable."
