ANTALYA, Türkiye, April 17. The concept of
regional responsibility must be implemented in the Middle East,
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said at the opening ceremony
of the Antalya Diplomatic Forum, Trend’s special correspondent reports.
Fidan noted that the region can no longer afford wars,
occupation, terrorism, and internal conflicts.
“As countries of the region, we are obliged to implement the
concept of regional responsibility and strengthen regional peace
and stability,” he emphasized.
According to him, this concept must be based on constant and
productive dialogue among the countries of the region, respect for
the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of states,
as well as the recognition of ethnic, cultural, and social
diversity as a unifying factor.
Furthermore, Fidan noted the necessity of strengthening the
defense capabilities of the region’s countries, not against one
another but for the sake of mutual security, as well as a complete
rejection of the use of non-state actors in interstate
conflicts.
“We are moving toward an architecture in which regional issues
will be resolved within the framework of the principles of good
neighborliness and collective responsibility,” he said.
The minister emphasized that such a regional architecture is an
essential foundation for long-term peace and prosperity.
Fidan added that history shows that lasting peace and stability
are achieved through bold steps taken during the most critical
periods.
“That is precisely why we continue to take steps to implement
solutions based on common sense. The Antalya Diplomatic Forum is
one of the most significant platforms for this endeavor,” he
noted.
In conclusion, he expressed hope that the forum would benefit
both the region and all of humanity, and expressed his gratitude to
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for his support.
