Turkish diplomacy enjoying 'most successful' period: Erdoğan
Turkish diplomacy is having its most successful period in recent centuries, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan highlighted on Saturday as Ankara is strengthening its axis by simultaneously maintaining diplomatic relations on the basis of national interests, Qazet.az reports.
"Türkiye does not have the luxury of closing in, isolating itself from the outside world and watching the events in its region by sitting on the fence," Erdoğan said at Parliament in the capital Ankara.
Erdoğan described Ankara's policy as "constructive and active," taking initiative in solving global and regional problems.
He underlined that Türkiye does not "seek escalation" with other countries, nor would it "yield to pressure no matter where it comes from."
"We strongly defend Türkiye's rights in all areas with an honorable, patient, determined and prudent attitude," he said, vowing not to harm the nation's dignity.
Erdoğan also said that a climate of diplomatic normalization had begun to make progress in Türkiye's vicinity, the Middle East.
"Our relations with the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Israel are developing on the basis of mutual interests, and a similar process is underway with Egypt," Erdoğan said.
He reiterated the importance of the Palestinian cause for Türkiye and that Ankara would always stand with the Palestinians.
Erdoğan also voiced support for Azerbaijan, underlining that Türkiye was doing its part to ensure lasting peace in that country's region.
"Through the special representatives we have appointed, we have demonstrated our will to take our relations with Armenia to a new level. Armenia should make good use of the peace opportunity we are extending," he stressed.
About the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, Erdoğan said Türkiye had opted for peace, dialogue and being a "fair referee."
"Given our close relations with both countries, we preferred to strive to end the war instead of fanning the fire and inciting sedition," he said.
“The U.N., whose prestige has been shaken due to its inadequacy in the face of global crises, saw one of its greatest achievements in recent years through this agreement resulting from the intensive efforts of our country," Erdoğan said.
Also, he said, a recent prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine under Ankara's initiative has moved Turkish diplomacy up to a "much higher league."
"In our contacts on the occasion of the 77th General Assembly of the U.N., we were pleased to see the level achieved by Turkish foreign policy.