Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan affirmed that the world is witnessing a growing lack of trust, as peoples in many regions face armed conflicts, emphasizing the necessity of resolving disputes through peaceful means and dialogue, and enhancing the role of mediation in achieving peace and stability.
Anadolu Agency reported that Fidan, during the opening of the 9th Istanbul Mediation Conference on Friday, said there are three fundamental principles to guide change toward peace and prosperity: sincere dialogue, sustainable mediation, and regional ownership, which means that countries in the region play a key role in resolving their crises without relying on external actors.
Fidan pointed out that today's crises reveal a deeper problem consisting of the "loss of legitimacy of the international system," explaining that the incorrect application of rules leads to a decline in the credibility of institutions and a loss of trust by parties.
Mediation as a Strategic Approach
He added that Turkey is working to transform mediation into a strategic approach that goes beyond being merely a diplomatic tool, noting that the past few years have seen the continuation of multiple conflicts in different parts of the world, which affected vital trade and maritime routes, while violations of ceasefire agreements have become routine.
He stressed the necessity of keeping communication channels open even when progress is slow and fragile, pointing out that this approach was embodied in several Turkish initiatives, including talks between Russia and Ukraine to end the war that has been ongoing since 2022, the Black Sea grain export agreement, and Turkish mediation between Somalia and Ethiopia in 2024.
Regional Ownership
Fidan affirmed that stability "is not a concept that can be imported," and that permanent solutions cannot be imposed from outside, highlighting the necessity for parties involved in conflicts to play a fundamental role in their settlement.
He explained that regional ownership forms a crucial cornerstone, noting that the "Mecca Defense Alliance" and the "Balkans Peace Platform" provide examples of the practical application of this principle.
Escalating Humanitarian Impacts of Conflicts
The Turkish Foreign Minister drew attention to the rising human cost of conflicts, explaining that UN estimates indicate that about a quarter of the world's population lives in conflict zones, and that a civilian loses their life every 12 minutes, while the number of forcibly displaced people has exceeded 100 million, with about 40 percent of them being children.
He added: "A civilian loses their life every 12 minutes as a result of these conflicts, and more than 100 million people have been forcibly displaced, and unfortunately, about 40 percent of them are children," pointing out that the repercussions of this humanitarian tragedy are more evident in Palestine due to Israeli occupation practices.
The 9th Istanbul Mediation Conference, held under the theme "Partnerships for Peace and New Visions: Mediation in a Changing World," concludes tomorrow on Saturday.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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