Presidency's Head of Communications Burhanettin Duran underscored Türkiye’s unifying role in remarks to Anadolu Agency (AA) on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF).
Stating that the ADF continues to serve as a platform in search of a new global voice and for making a fairer world possible, Duran noted that Türkiye, under the leadership of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, pursues a discourse that resonates globally, supported by policies that give effect to it.
Drawing attention to a period in which the institutions of the international system are eroding, value crises are unfolding, legitimacy is being widely questioned, and the conflicts that lie ahead remain uncertain, Duran emphasised that it is Türkiye—and President Erdoğan—who have brought diplomacy back to the forefront. He stated, “We see here an organisation that gives voice to many countries from different continents, including Africa, and enables them to articulate their views on global affairs. Justice is a fundamental concept, and by stating that ‘a fairer world is possible,’ Türkiye is in fact demonstrating how vital diplomacy is, and that the world need not be driven by conflict.”
Pointing out that the international system is now described as moving towards a multipolar world, Head of Communications Duran continued: “However, what kind of alignment will emerge in this multipolar order, and what roles major powers and middle-sized countries will assume, remains unclear. When it comes to where hope for the future of the world will emerge, we attach great importance to the concepts articulated by Türkiye and to its call: ‘Let us rebuild the world together.’”
Emphasising that President Erdoğan first introduced the notion that “The world is bigger than five,” and subsequently paved the way forward by declaring that “A fairer world is possible,” Head of Communications Duran went on to say:
“Articulating such a concept and such a quest is, in itself, valuable. Peoples across the world have begun to respond to it. Indeed, leaders are increasingly moving towards a broad consensus that the United Nations system must be reformed. Yet, we still do not know how the new world will be constructed, upon which values and concepts it will be built, or how power will be distributed.” At a time like this, I believe it is valuable to be in a place that is founded on dialogue, peace and economic cooperation, and that prioritises stability. Türkiye wishes to see an order based on the concepts of ‘stability, security, coexistence, and economic cooperation’ established in its immediate vicinity and in neighbouring regions, and is prepared to contribute to this in the most active manner. It does this sometimes through mediation, and sometimes by sharing the capacity it has developed in the defence industry with other countries in combating terrorism and ensuring security. But most importantly, through leader-to-leader diplomacy. Our President has truly pioneered a new era in this regard, and it has grown into an ever-expanding movement."
Combating disinformation
Referring to the fact that disinformation has become one of the most significant issues in our increasingly digital world, Head of Communications Duran said, "Whether it is a matter of protecting our children or safeguarding public opinion against various campaigns, it is actually becoming increasingly prominent from a security perspective. Alongside the possibilities offered by artificial intelligence, the risks posed by this digital transformation are at the forefront of global attention. Every country is enacting new laws and taking new measures to combat disinformation."
Head of Communications Duran noted that Türkiye is making significant efforts in combating disinformation that obscures the truth, and went on to say:
"Türkiye is seeking to make this capacity even more effective through the use of AI-powered technologies. We attach great importance to prioritising the pooling of these capabilities and working together with our allies and friends, particularly those countries in our immediate region with which Türkiye cooperates. The issue of disinformation has now become a serious threat in a world where the line between reality and simulation is increasingly blurring. Wars are no longer fought solely on the front lines; they are also waged in the realm of communication, and disinformation constitutes one of the most significant aspects in this regard. It is not enough simply to try to prevent disinformation; in fact, we must also move into a phase of ‘re-information’ in order to convey the truth to people. This means creating an environment where we will work together and take great care to pass on the truth to future generations; and to this end, Türkiye is prepared both to make its own efforts and to collaborate with everyone."