Presidency's Head of Communications Fahrettin Altun, speaking at the "Türkiye-Balkans Media Forum: Building a Shared Future in the Age of Communication," held at the Directorate of Communications, stated that since the early 2000s, Türkiye's relations with the Balkans have continued to strengthen in a multidimensional manner through proactive, diplomatic, economic, and cultural instruments, with a firm focus on "stability and peace."
Head of Communications Fahrettin Altun began his speech by referencing a historical development that highlights the shared bond with the Balkans. He recalled that on the eve of World War II in 1936, a "Balkan Press Conference" was held in Bucharest, with the participation of Türkiye and the Balkan states of that era, laying the foundation for the "Balkan Press Union."
Head of Communications Altun went on to recall that the "Balkan Press Union" was subsequently established, and a congress was held in Athens in 1937.
Head of Communications Fahrettin Altun noted that the union's second congress was held in Istanbul, where it was decided to establish the "Turkish National Committee of the Balkan Press Union." He added that the Committee subsequently began its activities at the Himaye-i Etfal (Child Protection) Building in Ankara.
Head of Communications Fahrettin Altun remarked, "At a time when our ancestors faced a world bracing for the winds of war and preparing for extremely chaotic developments, they sought answers to the question of 'how can we build a better future?' under the umbrella of the 'Balkan Press Union.' Today, we are gathered here to seek answers to the same question in this era of uncertainty—to address the challenges, conflicts, and profound transformations in the communication ecosystem, and to overcome all difficulties through cooperation."
"As Türkiye, we will make every possible effort to bring the war to an end."
Head of Communications Fahrettin Altun pointed out that we are going through a chaotic period marked by the expansion of conflict zones and regional tensions, triggering deep fractures on a global scale. He stated that since October 7, 2023, the Israeli government has been ruthlessly continuing its massacres against Palestinians while also launching attacks on Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen.
Head of Communications Fahrettin Altun recalled that the Russia-Ukraine war has been ongoing since 2022, noting that over the weekend, Russian President Vladimir Putin's midnight statement opened a critical door for peace.
Head of Communications Fahrettin Altun stated that Putin proposed the resumption of unconditional direct talks in İstanbul and requested support from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in this regard.
Head of Communications Fahrettin Altun recalled that President Erdoğan held a telephone conversation with Putin on Sunday, during which he expressed that "Türkiye is ready to host negotiations that will lead to a lasting solution." Altun also noted that President Erdoğan spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last evening, right after the Cabinet Meeting, to discuss peace negotiations.
Head of Communications Fahrettin Altun stated, "Under the strong mediation of our President, we, as Türkiye, are doing and will continue to do our utmost to end the war." He also pointed out that the recent tensions emerging along the Pakistan-India line have brought the risk of war back to the agenda.
Head of Communications Altun noted that although the ceasefire decision taken by the parties was welcome, the clashes between the two countries possessing nuclear weapons caused great concern globally and indicated that the diplomatic initiative adopted by President Erdoğan in this process was noted by everyone.
"The stability and peace of the Balkans should be among the top priorities"
Emphasising that the situation between the US and China, which entered into a trade war, further deepened the chaotic global environment already faced, Head of Communications Altun stated that the waters surrounding the world, from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean and from the Pacific to the Indian Ocean, were heating up.
Head of Communications Altun went on to say:
"In an environment of growing tensions and uncertainty engulfing the world, the stability, peace, and prosperity of the Balkans are, indeed, among our priority issues. The region is among the priority issues for world peace. Solution-oriented approaches and cooperation aimed at addressing economic fragility, intense migration, employment, and infrastructure and superstructure issues in the Balkans, as well as any contribution to the security and stability of the region, are highly valuable.
The Balkan region should not be treated with a mentality of a “grey zone" of influence for global powers or a “mere corridor and struggle zone between military-political alliances" and should not be perceived as such. Türkiye works for global justice as a country that reduces tension and enables reconciliation rather than fuelling conflict and crisis. The calls of our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan that “the world is bigger than five” and “a fairer world is possible” are a reflection of this quest for justice. This statement is one that upholds the rights of 8 billion people."
"The era of achieving results by creating a sense of anxiety in society is also over."
Head of Communications Altun emphasised that while fighting for global justice, they are also resolutely pursuing their efforts toward the goal of a 'Terror-Free Türkiye', stating, "We are demonstrating a strong and determined will to resolve the terrorism problem permanently, and we are building a 'Terror-Free Türkiye' step by step." "With the call of Devlet Bahçeli, the Chairman of the Nationalist Movement Party, the resolve of our President, as well as the support of our noble nation, we have passed the most critical threshold in this process," Head of Communications Altun noted.
Stating that the terrorist organisation PKK announced its dissolution and expressing that tens of thousands of people had been lost in the terrorism issue to date, Head of Communications Altun commemorated the martyrs with gratitude and mercy and paid respects to the veterans.
Head of Communications Altun, who also mentioned that material and moral losses were experienced, pointed out that in this long process, Türkiye was targeted in an attempt to be designed, surrounded, and destabilised through the terrorist organisation in order to turn the country into a dependent element of the imperialist world system and bring it to its knees by the imperialists.
Head of Communications Altun continued his speech with the following remarks:
"For years, we have spent our capabilities and instruments, especially in diplomacy, explaining the issue of terrorism on the international stage." Domestically, we fought against the provocations of malevolent groups that seek to undermine our unity and solidarity and feed on social unrest. Thank goodness, we have attained results.
As our esteemed President has stated, we are aware that in the process of a Terror-Free Türkiye, we must act with "greater attention, care, patience, and responsibility" than ever before. 'We will continue to act with an understanding that “keeps hope alive and reduces risks until we reach our goal.' We are closely monitoring attempts to sabotage the process, and we will not allow anyone to test the determination of our state in this regard. Owing to the strong leadership of our President, the days when malicious forces could achieve their goals through terrorism in Türkiye are left behind. Those seeking to instigate social chaos through terrorism and steer Türkiye with such provocations will not be able to succeed. Türkiye is no longer a country that can be destabilised through such attempts; that chapter is now behind us. Those who seek to cultivate a culture of fear in politics and a sense of anxiety in society through artificial agendas and baseless debates no longer have the chance to achieve their objectives. The era of such a Türkiye is now over.
Today, there is a Türkiye that resolutely continues its march toward the Century of Türkiye, equipped with its defence industry capabilities, military and intelligence power, economic potential, and historical and cultural background. There is a Türkiye that solves the problems it tackles, brings stability, peace, and prosperity wherever it goes, and, in the words of our President, “firmly stands against the oppressor and stands by the oppressed. Although it is easier said than done, there is a Türkiye that has demonstrated the will to solve the terrorism problem that has persisted for almost half a century, successfully eliminating evil while promoting an atmosphere of brotherhood."
"Türkiye stands by the Balkan countries at all times and in all circumstances"
Head of Communications, Altun, highlighted that by overcoming all challenges and achieving great strides, Türkiye is emerging as a stabilising force and a global actor with a humanitarian perspective on the international stage. He also stated that since the early 2000s, Türkiye's relations with the Balkans have continued to strengthen in a multidimensional manner through proactive, diplomatic, economic, and cultural instruments, with a firm focus on "stability and peace."
Head of Communications Altun referred to President Erdoğan's statement, "Today, we continue our work with the belief that the Balkans should be an area of cooperation and development, as opposed to an area of competition," and said that they have established "High-Level Cooperation Council" mechanisms with numerous countries in the region in this framework.
Head of Communications Altun drew attention to Türkiye's active role in the South-East European Cooperation Process, one of the most important platforms for regional cooperation, and noted that Türkiye-Bosnia and Herzegovina-Serbia and Türkiye-Bosnia and Herzegovina-Croatia trilateral consultation mechanisms have been established to make peace and stability in the Balkans permanent.
Head of Communications Altun noted that free trade agreements have been put into effect with several Balkan countries, and visa-free travel regimes have been introduced, ensuring both the institutionalisation of relations and the increase of economic integration and interactions among peoples.
Head of Communications Altun stated that, as a result of regular diplomatic contacts, the groundwork has been laid for the signing of numerous agreements in the fields of economy, security, social issues, and culture. He emphasised that important discussions were held with the heads of state and ministers from the Balkans and neighbouring countries at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in April.
"Türkiye stands by the Balkan countries at all times and in all circumstances," stated Head of Communications Altun, recalling how Türkiye took over command of the NATO Kosovo Peace Force (KFOR) for one year.
"Türkiye's efforts are greatly appreciated by the people of the Balkans"
Head of Communications Altun pointed out that Türkiye contributes to ensuring maritime security through its active participation in the Black Sea Mine Countermeasures (MCM Black Sea) Task Group, which includes Bulgaria and Romania and provides support to enhance social welfare in areas ranging from health to education and from technology to infrastructure development.
Noting how Türkiye was among the first countries to reach the region during crises such as disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic, Head of Communications Altun stated that the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), the Yunus Emre Institute (YEE), the Directorate General of Foundations, the Presidency of Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB), the Türkiye Maarif Foundation, and the Türkiye Diyanet Foundation continue their activities to provide social and cultural support to the Balkans.
Head of Communications Altun indicated that universities in Sarajevo, Skopje, and Tirana are enhancing academic collaboration between Türkiye and the countries of the region, noting that municipalities are persisting in their efforts to provide immediate support to local administrations and the region's development.
Stating that the efforts of Turkish civil society organisations and the investments of Turkish companies in the region are contributing to the socio-economic well-being of the Balkans, Head of Communications Altun highlighted how Türkiye's policies and initiatives based on humanity, conscience, and justice are, in turn, greatly appreciated by the people of the Balkans.
Head of Communications Altun emphasised that President Erdoğan's ranking as the most beloved leader in public opinion polls within the region reflects mutual trust and affection between him and the public.
"Anadolu Agency contributes to the establishment of a strong and independent media ecosystem in the region"
Head of Communications Altun stated that, as a country of the region in historical and geographical terms, Türkiye continues its efforts to make a positive contribution to the Balkans through public institutions and civil initiatives, as well as its works in the field of media. In this context, he emphasised that the TRT Balkan digital news platform, which began broadcasting in 2022, has filled a significant gap and, with its broadcasts from the perspective of truth and justice, provides a strong alternative for the region, citizens of Balkan origin in Türkiye, and the Balkan diaspora around the world.
Head of Communications Altun indicated that TRT Balkan and Anadolu Agency, broadcasting in Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian, and Montenegrin, serve as a global platform that informs the world about the region's agenda as well as real and current issues, and he emphasised the importance of supporting the Balkan public and private media in terms of content, human resources, and institutional capacity for sharing our country's experience with the Balkan countries.
Pointing out how TRT Balkan has revitalised the Balkan media landscape through its internship programmes, Head of Communications Altun stated that, with its innovative approach to journalism, the organisation is equipping young journalists with both technical and editorial skills in digital journalism, thereby preparing them to become the strong media professionals of the future.
Head of Communications Altun went on to state, "Anadolu Agency is a member of the Association of the Balkan News Agencies – Southeast Europe (ABNA-SE) and has held the presidency since 2023, contributing to the establishment of a strong and independent media ecosystem in the region. These efforts in the field of media are extremely strategic both in terms of informing the public accurately and combating disinformation."
"We occasionally observe that these malicious perception management operations are orchestrated by the same circles"
Stating that Türkiye is among the top countries subjected to disinformation, Head of Communications Altun emphasised that there is also a considerable amount of disinformative content and black propaganda activities directed at Türkiye in the Balkans.
Altun continued, "We occasionally observe that the same circles orchestrate these malicious perception management operations. Both the broadcasts conducted in line with the interests of global power centres in the region and the smear campaigns fuelled by FETÖ, which has become an apparatus for these circles, intensify the slander and disinformation campaigns. As peoples that have known each other for centuries, we must remain vigilant against such destructive campaigns."
Highlighting that the Directorate of Communications is working around the clock to counter lies and perception management operations and that more than 2,200 false news stories have been exposed not only in Türkiye but also across the region and the world, Altun expressed the importance of institutionalising the fight against disinformation and sharing experiences in this field.
Head of Communications Altun underlined the need for the media to adopt a more sensitive approach towards avoiding divisive and marginalising language, emphasising that especially during fragile periods and in sensitive regions, contributing to a consensus, understanding, and unity that flourish on the grounds of truth is not only a journalistic responsibility but also a humanitarian duty.
"It is truly valuable to come together with journalists from lands dear to our hearts"
Recalling the words of Bosnia and Herzegovina's first President, Alija Izetbegović, who said, "To rebuild bridges over rivers, we must first make them flourish in people's hearts," Altun stated that within the framework of the Türkiye Communication Model, communication is perceived as a process that establishes heartfelt bonds, and today's forum is a clear testament to that.
Head of Communications Altun expressed that it is of great significance to come together with journalists from lands dear to our hearts to assess the state of the world and to jointly examine the opportunities and challenges in the media sector. Altun also reminded the audience of the four international panels titled "Stratcom Public Forum: A Fairer World is Possible", which were held in the Balkan capitals of Sarajevo, Tirana, Athens, and Sofia.
Head of Communications Altun further noted that two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed with Albania and Serbia last year, which are considered important for deepening cooperation in the field of communication. Altun also expressed his desire to extend these protocols, which enable joint media projects, training programmes, and coordination mechanisms in the fight against disinformation, across the Balkans.
Head of Communications Altun concluded his remarks by wishing that the "Türkiye-Balkans Media Forum: Building a Shared Future in the Age of Communication" would be auspicious.
TRT Director General Zahid Sobacı and AA Deputy Director General and Editor-in-Chief Yusuf Özhan also attended the forum.
