Celebrating 90 Years - Foreign Policy Association

Turkey’s Contributions to
Peace in the Middle East
Abdullah Gül
President of the Republic of Turkey
It is my conviction that the
ultimate resolution of the Palestinian
question would dramatically
change the political and
economic climate in the Middle
East and beyond.
The international community has
acknowledged and appreciated Turkey’s
contributions to the long-standing quest
for lasting peace and stability in the troubled
Middle East. In modern history, no other region
has been devastated by so many conflicts for
so long and by conflicts with such far-reaching
repercussions on a global scale. The longer these
conflicts persist and remain unresolved, the
greater the risks for the region and the world.
I believe that resolving existing conflicts
and preventing new problems have a
particular urgency in the Middle East. Turkey’s
geographical proximity and historical and
cultural ties with the Middle East make Turkey
particularly concerned with developments in the
region. As a country which stands for, and has
a strong interest in, maintenance of peace and
prosperity in the region, Turkey’s stance vis-à-vis
recent Middle Eastern developments has been
characterized as “constructive engagement.” The
de-escalation of tensions, elimination of their
root causes, and creation of conditions conducive
to the resolution of conflicts remain the primary
objectives of Turkish diplomacy.
On the other hand, supporting institutionbuilding
and reform efforts; upholding universal
values such as human rights, democracy, gender
equality, good governance, and the rule of law;
bolstering intercultural and interfaith dialogue;
and promoting dialogue and reconciliation form
the basic tenets of our policy. Turkey, thanks to
its historical and cultural background and also
to its contemporary credentials, maintains good
relations with all countries in the region.
I believe that the trust that Turkey enjoys
in the Middle East is an asset both for us and for
the international community.
FOREIGN POLICY ASSOCIATION | 103
MEETINGS: PRESENTATION BY ABDULLAH GÜL