The Presidency's Head of Communications Burhanettin Duran delivered remarks at the Public Diplomacy Coordination Board meeting held at the Seljuk Hall of the Presidential Complex.
Emphasising that public diplomacy efforts cannot be assessed independently of global developments, Head of Communications Duran noted that communication is increasingly becoming a strategic element of power in today’s world and that we are witnessing a period in which it is sometimes used as a weapon.
Head of Communications Duran highlighted that perception management, disinformation, and manipulation pose serious threats in the emerging communication environment.
Stating that the Presidency’s Directorate of Communications aims to establish secure, accurate, and effective communication channels within the communication ecosystem, Head of Communications Duran noted that, to this end, the fight against disinformation is being addressed as a priority area.
Noting that strategic communication tools are used effectively to ensure accurate public information, prevent information pollution, and strengthen social trust, Head of Communications Duran underscored that this process can succeed only through inter-institutional cooperation and coordination.
Stressing that they must establish a sound communication ecosystem and take precautions against risks and threats, Head of Communications Duran said, ''We can achieve this only if we work together. What I mean is that, to create this impact not only within Türkiye but also at the regional and global levels, we must channel public diplomacy opportunities into platforms we will develop collaboratively with people who share Türkiye’s perspective—starting with segments of society, athletes, artists, and diplomats. We must seek to strengthen solidarity through highly active and broad-based cooperation.''
"Our President’s leadership has been showcased across several key areas”
Addressing regional and global crises, Head of Communications Duran drew attention to the humanitarian catastrophe caused by Israel’s genocide in Gaza, which has persisted for more than two years.
He also stated that, thanks to Türkiye’s active diplomacy and initiatives, further escalation of the crises along the Lebanon–Syria–Yemen–Iran axis, as well as the Russia–Ukraine war and the tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, has been prevented.
Head of Communications Duran emphasised that the constructive and moderating role Türkiye has assumed in these processes is of vital significance for regional stability.
Head of Communications Duran affirmed that hosting the negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, the grain corridor initiative, and the mediation and facilitation efforts undertaken in various humanitarian crises exemplify Türkiye's efficacy and credibility in the international arena.
Pointing out that these initiatives are a testament to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s strong leadership and multidimensional diplomatic vision, Head of Communications Duran stated that the successful conclusion of the Ethiopia-Somalia mediation once again demonstrates Türkiye’s determination to contribute to peace and stability.
"President Erdoğan’s strong leadership maintains the optimal balance"
Noting the erosion of international norms and the gradual decline of the rules-based order, Head of Communications Duran emphasised that Türkiye’s approach aims to reform the existing system for greater fairness and inclusivity, rather than to undermine it.
Head of Communications Duran said that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's mottos, "The world is bigger than five" and "A fairer world is possible," embody a compelling vision for improving and reforming the international system.
Head of Communications Duran highlighted how this approach is not intended to create a "law of the jungle" dominated by lawlessness and the rule of the strong but rather to establish a balanced international order that prioritises global peace, stability, and justice.
Affirming that Türkiye plays a constructive, responsible, and solution-oriented role in the context of current global crises and uncertainties, Head of Communications Duran emphasised that this "optimal balance" is maintained through President Erdoğan's strong leadership.
Addressing the significance of public diplomacy within the international arena, Head of Communications Duran said:
"It is evident that Türkiye's influence in the defence industry has evolved into a pivotal component of public diplomacy. Alongside other related soft power instruments, Türkiye is now taking strategic steps to identify the public diplomacy activities to be implemented in various countries and is making substantial progress. Our humanitarian aid efforts in disaster and crisis zones, our television series industry with global distribution through visual and auditory storytelling, cinema, and gastronomy—all serve as significant contributions and inputs within the realm of public diplomacy.
"We need to tell Türkiye's story to the world"
Head of Communications Duran emphasised that conveying the norms and values Türkiye possesses to the international public is not a choice but a necessity.
Head of Communications Duran stated that this process transcends mere technical communication; it involves developing concepts and narratives and constructing a compelling story, and further emphasised that Türkiye possesses a profound and authentic story to share with the global community.
Stating that Türkiye's story is not the kind of narrative that can be artificially constructed, Head of Communications Duran said that this story already rests on history, civilisation, memory and values, and is being told with confidence today.
Head of Communications Duran highlighted that each person contributed to developing this story, stating that Türkiye could not remain passive on the global stage and would not accept being a mere supporting character in narratives written by other actors.
Stating that Türkiye aims to convey a narrative that preserves its uniqueness and draws on its own values and cultural heritage to the world in a universal language, Head of Communications Duran noted that this approach is one of the fundamental elements of public diplomacy and contributes to Türkiye becoming a stronger, more visible and effective actor on the global stage.
Emphasising the need for much better-targeted, well-selected public diplomacy strategies, policies and activities, Head of Communications Duran said, "We are working within the framework of the motto 'Türkiye is bigger than Türkiye' with the concept of a strong, reputable and reliable Türkiye."
Head of Communications Duran stated that the public diplomacy activities being carried out are not limited to defending Türkiye’s rights and interests but also aim to make discourses prioritising peace, stability and justice more strongly visible in the international arena.
He emphasised that Türkiye's role as a responsible, solution-oriented, and balancing actor in global issues depends on the effective communication of these discourses.
Expressing the need for better-designed public diplomacy strategies, policies, and activities that identify the right targets and focus on strategic goals, Head of Communications Duran stated that modernisation, digitalisation, and the effective use of strategic communication tools in public diplomacy are of great importance.
Head of Communications Duran noted that the 2024–2029 Türkiye Public Diplomacy Strategy Document, which outlines Türkiye's roadmap in this field, provides a comprehensive framework for the next five years, aiming to strengthen Türkiye's relations with the international public, enhance its soft power potential, and elevate the country's visibility and reputation to higher levels.
Head of Communications Duran also stated that the development of effective and sustainable strategic mechanisms against disinformation, black propaganda, and perception management operations is identified as a priority in the aforementioned strategy document and expressed that this struggle is one of the fundamental factors strengthening Türkiye's public diplomacy capacity.
"Activities are being implemented in 139 different countries with KADİZ"
Recalling that they have launched the Public Diplomacy Monitoring System (KADİZ) in line with the strategy document, Head of Communications Duran said, "This is a mechanism built on the concept of digitalising public services that monitors the efforts of all our public institutions and organisations. Thanks to this system, we possess the capacity to plan, monitor, analyse, and report on public diplomacy activities."
The meeting was attended by Safi Arpaguş, President of Religious Affairs; Serdar Karagöz, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director General of Anadolu Agency; Mehmet Zahid Sobacı, Director General of TRT; and approximately 130 representatives from 49 public institutions and organisations.
Furthermore, Head of Communications Duran posted a message on his NSosyal account, expressing his thoughts on the 6th meeting of the Public Diplomacy Coordination Board.
In his post, Head of Communications Duran noted:
"Today, we held the 6th meeting of the Public Diplomacy Coordination Board. I hope that our meeting will be auspicious, and I extend my gratitude to everyone who contributed.
In a period when communication is used as a weapon, public diplomacy has become far more essential. Under the leadership of our President, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Türkiye is building secure and effective communication ecosystems while actively countering disinformation.
We have to build a transparent ecosystem and put safeguards in place against potential risks. To ensure this has an impact both in our region and globally, we collaborate with every segment of society, ranging from athletes and artists to diplomats and civil actors.
Our geographic location and historical position presents us with both opportunities and challenges. During crises like Israel’s attacks on Gaza, the Russia-Ukraine war, and tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, Türkiye is actively engaged in efforts to support the preservation of peace and stability.
Each component, ranging from the defence industry to initiatives in culture and media, strengthens the overall force of public diplomacy. We must convey Türkiye’s story through our values in a universal language and play an active role on the global stage rather than remain a mere supporting character.
Through the 2024–2029 Türkiye Public Diplomacy Strategy Document, we have defined our roadmap for strategic communication, digitalisation, and combating disinformation.
Under the motto "Türkiye is bigger than Türkiye," we not only protect our rights and interests but also advance global discourses that prioritise peace, stability, and justice.
Our humanitarian aid efforts in disaster and crisis zones, our television series industry with global distribution through visual and auditory storytelling, cinema, and gastronomy—all serve as significant contributions and inputs within the realm of public diplomacy.
Aligned with the strategy document, we have established the Public Diplomacy Monitoring System (KADİZ). This mechanism, based on the concept of digitalising public services, monitors the efforts of all our public institutions and organisations. Through KADİZ, we actively carry out our initiatives across 139 countries and are able to monitor and analyse their outcomes."
