Antalya, April 17, 2026 — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday warned that the world is facing a deepening crisis in global power and direction, saying the international system has reached a “serious and dangerous threshold”.
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Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2026, Erdogan said existing international mechanisms designed to protect human rights and global security have failed to respond effectively to major crises, describing the current situation as a “moral and existential crisis”.
He pointed to the ongoing humanitarian situation in Gaza as a clear example of the breakdown of the global order, arguing that events in the region cannot be viewed as a “simple humanitarian tragedy” alone.
Erdogan also criticized the international community’s response to conflicts in Syria, Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon, saying the global system has failed to meet even the most basic humanitarian standards.
Calling for restraint and dialogue, the Turkish president emphasized that disputes must be resolved through diplomacy rather than violence, warning against the replacement of negotiations with armed conflict.
Referring to tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, Erdogan said the opportunity created by recent ceasefire arrangements should be used to build lasting peace, while urging vigilance against attempts to undermine diplomatic progress.
He also stressed the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, stating that freedom of navigation for commercial shipping must be preserved and maintained under international rules.
On broader regional issues, Erdogan highlighted Türkiye’s role in promoting stability in Syria, supporting dialogue in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and advancing cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean through peaceful initiatives and regional development projects.
The Turkish leader reaffirmed Ankara’s commitment to diplomatic engagement across multiple regions, positioning Türkiye as an active supporter of stability, dialogue, and multilateral cooperation.
