Türkiye expanding its diplomatic role as Antalya Diplomacy Forum serves as major draw for global leaders: Foreign minister

This weekend’s Antalya Diplomacy Forum brought together thousands of global leaders and served as a key platform for addressing major international crises, said Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Sunday, also stressing Türkiye’s expanding diplomatic and mediation role.

Speaking at the closing press conference of the three-day forum in the southern Turkish city of Antalya, Fidan said 23 heads of state and government, 13 deputy leaders, and 50 government ministers attended the event alongside representatives from 150 countries and 66 international organizations.

“Over three days, Antalya once again became a center where the pulse of global diplomacy was felt,” Fidan said, adding that 6,400 participants joined 52 sessions covering crises from the Asia-Pacific to Latin America, Europe, and Central Asia.

Fidan said President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, along with senior Turkish officials and their foreign counterparts, held numerous bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the forum, while several critical diplomatic gatherings were also hosted there.

He noted that Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Pakistan held a four-party meeting focused on regional stability, economic cooperation, and conflict resolution.

“Our goal is for these four countries to address regional issues with a realistic and implementable agenda,” Fidan said. “If the region continues waiting for external help, it will continue facing the same problems indefinitely.”

Fidan denied claims that the talks were aimed at forming a military alliance, saying Türkiye is focused on stability and economic development rather than confrontation.

“We are not forming alliances against others. We are seeking how to end conflicts, advance economic progress, and ensure stability in our region,” he said.

The foreign minister also said six Muslim-majority countries met to discuss developments on the Gaza peace plan and reaffirmed their commitment to achieving lasting peace.