Turkey Ready to Strengthen Muslim Nations, Asserts Role as Global Mediator

It is hard to deny that Turkey has increasingly taken on a greater role in international affairs. The country’s negotiating power is being reckoned with, from helping to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East to securing the release of Global Sumud Flotilla activists who were abducted by Israel. The primary aim of the humanitarian voyage was to voice the suffering of the Palestinian people, particularly in Gaza, which has been continuously bombarded by Israel for nearly two years. More than 50,000 people have lost their lives, and the blockade has left the population lacking food, medicine, and clean water. The main goal of the Global Sumud Flotilla participants was to bring this issue to the world’s attention while attempting to break the deadlock. Regarding the release of the participants detained by Israel, Turkey played a crucial role as a country located in the region. Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, government officials, and intelligence agency undertook various communication and negotiation efforts with the Israeli side through multiple channels. Although Turkey currently has no diplomatic or trade relations with Israel, it still had to find a way to protect the flotilla participants and fight for the interests of the Palestinian people. Turkey has extensive experience in repatriation operations. During the Arab Spring, for instance, Turkey helped thousands of people from various countries return to their homelands. From Libya alone, more than 20,000 people were successfully repatriated thanks to Turkey’s efforts. A few years ago, Turkey also played a role in a prisoner exchange process involving Russia and several European countries. Because the world is currently filled with conflict and tension, Turkey strives to play a mediating role. It invests heavily in diplomacy and mediation, making it a country trusted by many parties. One of the main factors for this effectiveness is Turkey’s position as a bridge—not just a geographical bridge, but also a political and cultural one. Turkey sits at the crossroads of various civilisations and regions, being part of the Middle East, Europe, and North Africa. A mediating country must also have influence, which is born from leadership vision. Since President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has led Turkey, this capacity has been strengthened. President Erdoğan has led for nearly a quarter of a century and is known as a leader who keeps his commitments. This trust is what enables Turkey to play an important role in mediation and conflict resolution, both regionally and globally.