President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan opened the fifth Antalya Diplomacy Forum on April 17, 2026, warning that humanity stands at a dangerous threshold while calling for a redefinition of diplomacy beyond traditional negotiation.
Speaking at the official opening ceremony in Antalya, Erdoğan welcomed international leaders, ministers, and youth delegates, expressing gratitude for their presence in what he described as the city of history, culture, and diplomacy. He began by addressing the recent tragedy in Kahramanmaraş, where a school attack left deep wounds, and thanked those who reached out in solidarity, saying, “May God spare any family from such pain.”
Erdoğan emphasized that the forum has evolved into a global brand, citing both its growing participation and substantive content as evidence of its transformation over five years. He thanked Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their organizational efforts, and specifically acknowledged Antalya MP Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu for his foundational role in launching the initiative.
Defending the forum’s expanded mission, Erdoğan argued that diplomacy must no longer be confined to resolving conflicts or negotiating interests, but must also serve as a platform for shaping humanity’s shared future. “We see the Antalya Diplomacy Forum as the common podium of global reason, global conscience, and especially hope for the future,” he stated, asserting that the event has fulfilled its original vision of becoming a platform for deep consultation on where the world is headed and what values humanity can rally around.
The forum’s three-day agenda includes discussions, evaluations, and idea exchanges, alongside side events and bilateral meetings, all aimed at enhancing its productivity. Erdoğan expressed confidence that the discussions would sharpen the forum’s unique character and contribute to Turkey’s mission of being a key to peace, thanking participants in advance for their enlightening contributions.
In a separate panel at the same event, Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz urged Europe to assume greater political leadership, arguing that while the continent possesses economic strength, it has not effectively translated it into geopolitical influence. He pointed to Syria’s renewed stability as a source of opportunity for Turkey and Europe in logistics, transportation, and energy, suggesting that a “win-win” partnership could emerge if Europe matched its economic power with strategic political will.
Yılmaz highlighted Turkey’s unique geographic position at the intersection of Asia, Europe, and Africa, asserting that the country is poised to play a significant role in shaping a more just international order. He noted that Europe’s foundations in peace, prosperity, and human well-being create a basis for deeper cooperation, especially if it develops the political capacity to act decisively on global challenges.
What does Erdoğan mean by saying diplomacy is no longer just about negotiation?
Erdoğan argues that modern diplomacy must also shape the principles that will guide humanity’s common future, moving beyond conflict resolution to include discussions on shared values and emerging areas of interaction.
Why did Erdoğan mention the school attack in Kahramanmaraş during his speech?
He expressed condolences for the tragic event and thanked those who reached out in solidarity, using the moment to call for divine protection against such suffering for any family or community.
What specific opportunity did Cevdet Yılmaz identify for Turkey and Europe in relation to Syria?
Yılmaz pointed to Syria’s renewed stability as creating significant opportunities for Turkey and Europe in logistics, transportation, and energy sectors, which could be leveraged through deeper cooperation.
