Our world is roiled by political and economic transformations, amid escalating conflicts that shake the Middle East.
The region is already experiencing a complex reality marked by a year of genocidal warfare in the Gaza Strip with no clear prospects for its end, extending even to southern Lebanon with reverberations reaching Yemen, Iraq, and then Iran.
“The Future of the Middle East” series presents the trajectories of our region through interviews with a select group of current and former politicians, analysts, thinkers, and diplomats from various regional and international sides.
They offer their insights based on past experiences and the lessons of the present, as we collectively envision the path toward the future.
Starting from the roots of the Arab-Israeli conflict, through regional interventions and the rise of new forces such as non-state actors and the ever-complicated Arab scene, we jointly open the doors for an enlightened discussion on the lessons learned from history and their impact on the future of our region.
These interviews seek to put forward ideas to foresee the future and what decisive role that Arab states can play if they revive historical bonds in their vicinity and push toward sustainable stability and the realization of their interests.
The discussion topics are divided into two parts.
The first consists of seven fixed questions, adopted based on the requests of many readers, focusing on the future of the region.
The second includes questions that align with the background of the interviewee – former Turkish Foreign Minister Molud Chawish Oghlu, and his vision for how the region can adopt its own independent plans free of foreign influence.
Oghlu discussed his viewpoints on how to deal with the tensions in Gaza and Iran in light of the political changes that may occur in the Middle East following Trump’s return to the White House, as Washington’s handling of these two issues will contribute to delineating the region’s future.
He also repeatedly stressed that the Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands and the unconditional American support for Israel’s violations are the “root cause” of ongoing tensions there.
In his interview with “Al-Masry Al-Youm,” the former Turkish Foreign Minister stated that Israel’s interventions in Gaza, Iran, Yemen, and Lebanon have demonstrated its expansionist intentions in the region at the expense of its neighbors.
Deterring its illegitimate ambitions requires a unified regional effort and a more collective response to the risks, he stressed.
He called on building bridges for dialogue among the countries of the region to avoid further divisions and external interventions.
Oghlu, a prominent politician and diplomat who played vital roles in shaping his country’s foreign policy amid the intertwined dynamics in our region, emphasized the need to strengthen relations among the various major powers in the Middle East.
Doing so will prioritize long-term shared strategic interests and to overlook short-term individual ones, in order to bring the region—with its complex intersections and conflicting interests—out of the current bottleneck.
He affirmed that the phase the region is undergoing requires a strong regional strategy based on cooperation, effective participation among states, a coordinated response, and alternative regional solutions that transcend traditional divisions.
It also requires engaging in economic and strategic integration among its countries, thereby enhancing its stability and fortifying its resilience in the face of external risks and threats.
Oghlu also responded to accusations that his country considers Syria a “trophy,” and clarified Ankara’s stance on the “Syrian Democratic Forces”.
The Turkish official called for a more cautious handling of the current “fragile ceasefire”, completing all stages of the truce agreement, readying the immediate reconstruction of the Gaza Strip and finding a sustainable solution to the issue.
He further touched upon the nature of his country’s intervention in Libya.
The term “Middle East” is a colonial geographic expression, yet it has become the dominant term to refer to the region that includes Arab countries along with Iran, Turkey, and others. The region has historically suffered from conflicts rooted in colonial schemes, making it a hotspot on the global map to this day. In your opinion, how do you perceive the current reality of the region in light of these ambitions, and what is the impact of history on the present and future of our region?
Current conflicts in the Middle East certainly have their roots in history.
When we look at the tensions in the Middle East, we observe the consequences of the order imposed on the region after World War I. It will not be wrong to say that the post-war arrangements sowed the seeds of future conflicts in the region. Those who made these arrangements benefited from the post-war order while peoples of the region suffered in the decades to come up until today.
Its strategic location and rich natural resources have always made this region an area of attraction for the world. The political and security dynamics of the region have been shaped by the conflicting interests of local and international actors. The dominant powers of the global order have always wanted to be present in the region through their regional allies.
Local and foreign actors, state and non-state groups and armed forces have played an important role in influencing politics.
The region has at all times been on a shaky ground of shifting alliances.
Today we continue to see reflections of this fact. Historical baggage shape in one way or another certain reflexes, habits and patterns of behaviors. History may play an important role in shaping our region but it also sheds light on our future in terms of what lessons it teaches us.
The people and the governments of the Middle East should use these lessons to build a peaceful future.
If the regional countries are divided and fail to act together, they pave the way for foreign influence. This vicious cycle will continue unless the people of the region break it at one point. It is only natural that not all our interests will converge, but we should be able to resolve our differences peacefully among ourselves.
It is important to be vigilant against attempts to fuel divisions and the destabilizing actions of foreign elements.
I believe in the importance of local ownership against unresolved conflicts of our region. Wiping out terrorist organizations and illegal armed groups will also be critical in ensuring regional stability and security.
In light of the Israeli war on Gaza and the extension of its echoes to Lebanon, Yemen, and then Iran, does Israel plan to annex territories at the expense of the region’s security? What are your expectations after Trump’s return to the White House? How will he address the hot issues in the Middle East, starting with Gaza and encompassing the Iranian nuclear issue? Will he assist Israel in expanding at the expense of the region’s security and stability?
Israel is playing a dangerous game in the region by constantly escalating the tensions.
Regional actors and the international community fall short of deterring Israel from its irresponsible aggression against its neighbors. Israel’s maximalist ambitions and brutal actions towards extension of its control and influence undermine regional security. Its intrusions in Iran, Syria and Yemen give us enough indication of its intentions.
It certainly pursues an expansionist policy – it doesn’t miss any opportunity to expand its occupation and deepen its presence.
With its attacks, Israel is flagrantly violating the basic principles of international law regarding sovereignty of states and inviolability of borders. With its violence towards civilians, it is committing war crimes and genocide in violation of international humanitarian law.
The impunity offered by those who are supposed to be maintaining international peace and security simply emboldens Israeli radicals.
I do not expect a radical change in the policy of the US vis a vis the Middle East in the new Donald Trump administration with respect to continuing strong US support to Israel. I think unless its policy of unwavering support to Israel changes, the US will not be an objective broker of peace in the region.
However, Donald Trump is a pragmatic leader in many respects.
I believe he might want to hold the reins tighter in the region controlling and pressuring Israeli government when he deems necessary. He might want to reinvigorate Abraham Accords process as well by possibly offering certain incentives to regional countries. Given the devastation created in Gaza, I guess it could be difficult this time though to convince Israel’s Arab neighbors to cooperate with Israel unless he manages to achieve a fair solution in Gaza.
I hope he would understand that in today’s world peace and stability in the Middle East cannot be decoupled from peace and stability elsewhere in Europe and Asia. How he will rein in Israeli aggression and how he will approach Iran will play a determining role. I believe an equally important factor will be what approaches other regional countries take against Israel’s actions.
Countries of the region need to show strong solidarity and not allow Israel abuse the differences of views among them on certain issues.
Unity is the key for regional countries to protect their rights.
In your view, what can major regional powers do to preserve the security of the Middle East and protect it from schemes? Here, I specifically refer to Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar all played an important role in de-escalating the situation in Gaza and Lebanon.
I frankly believe that the commitment of the regional powers in maintaining the security of the Middle East is vital. “Outside plans” are possible only when outside powers find a suitable ground to fulfill their ambitions. All regional powers should shoulder responsibility in maintaining peace and security for our peoples.
If you were given the opportunity to shape the future of the Middle East, what steps would you take to ensure the security of the region, enhance its economy, and protect it from schemes, particularly those targeting Israeli expansion?
I would encourage more dialogue among regional countries for managing their differences, for focusing on common interests and for a concerted regional response to security and economic challenges.
Engaging in the common fight against terrorist groups, refraining from destabilizing actions, embracing all peoples of the region would be key factors for a durable peace and security in our region.
Establishing a strong, sustainable and resilient economic environment, trade and investment policies, ensuring connectivity, investing in human resources, job creation will also all be important elements for a bright future for our younger generations.
There seems to be a lack of a unified Arab project to confront the plans for the region, especially the Israeli expansionist objectives, which have become evident in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, alongside talks of annexing more territories on the Arab map. This approach was exemplified by Trump’s rhetoric about a “small Israel” that must expand. From your perspective, how can the Arabs formulate their own project to counter such plans?
It again comes to effective dialogue and coordination among regional countries and opting for longer term common interests rather than short term individual gains. History could be a guide for us with respect to what to refrain. Concerted action and unified response of the regional countries would be key in countering Israel’s expansionist ambitions.
Throughout history, Egypt has played pivotal roles in the region. How can Egypt continue to play such roles despite the challenges and constant targeting it faces?
Despite challenges, major regional actors like Egypt should continue their responsible approach in face of regional problems and conflicts. I see no other way in case the people of the Middle East want to shape their future themselves. Regional ownership is critical in the resolution of conflicts.
Otherwise the outcome is usually an outside imposition which indeed would not serve the interests of the region.
How can the Arab region benefit from the global power dynamics and the developments of a multipolar world order? How can it leverage this international competition to its advantage instead of having its resources controlled by a single power that has harmed and drained it for decades?
The current global order is rapidly evolving into a multipolar system which brings with it both challenges and opportunities. Like other regions, the Middle East is being affected from this transformation.
In a unipolar world, the dominant power could play a stabilizer role in bringing or enforcing an enduring peace. In this respect, the Middle East did not have a good experience so far. Currently the dominant power falls short of bringing any kind of stability, let alone peace.
The Middle East could benefit from a multipolar world in enhancing its collaboration with different actors with a view to attaining a more balanced cooperation based on mutual respect and benefit. However, I believe in order not to be an easy target for major global powers, ensuring its strategic independence will be a key factor for the region.
Some believe we are on the verge of a “new Middle East” given the dramatic transformations occurring in our region. From your perspective, what are its features? Are we heading toward positive scenarios, or are we sliding into further political and security tensions?
Israel’s aggression in Gaza, its attacks against Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran, escalation of the conflict in Yemen, Israeli attacks in Lebanon and Syria, the fall of the Assad regime all affected emergence of new dynamics in the Middle East. Rapid changes and transformations could offer both opportunities and risks. The Middle East is undergoing such a period.
We have to accept that tensions persist and escalation of these tensions remain highly possible. Major shifts in the balance of power will not necessarily lead to a peaceful and stable new order unless all regional states act with utmost prudence and well use the chances for a positive scenario.
The talk of a new Middle East shouldn’t be a cover for expansionist and destabilizing policies. Yes, the region will change but it has to take place upon its own dynamics without destabilizing foreign interventions.
Diverse Questions Regarding Turkey as a Key Player in the Region
A – Turkey and Egypt
What role can Turkey, as a significant Islamic power in the region, play in promoting stability in the Middle East and resolving some of its longstanding issues, foremost among them the Palestinian cause? Can Turkey collaborate with Egypt on some of the complex regional matters? Additionally, Your Excellency, could you share your vision for the future of relations between Egypt and Turkey? Could these two nations lead regional alliances in security, economy, and politics in the near future, given the risks and tensions surrounding the Middle East as a whole?
Turkey pursues a foreign policy based on peace both locally and globally.
We are definitely concerned by any tension in the region. Any conflict in the Middle East impacts us in the view of our close relations and historical ties with the regional countries. Turkey aims at strengthening regional peace and security, improving economic development and prosperity in our region.
We have been carrying out intense diplomacy with respect to the situation in Gaza and the Palestinian cause on bilateral and multilateral platforms for a ceasefire, uninterrupted access of humanitarian aid and permanent peace.
We have been contributing to the efforts of Egypt and Qatar, taking part in the Contact Group of OIC and Arab League, and working for recognition of Palestine for a two-state solution.
Turkey remains only country to stop trade with Israel till a ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian aid to Gaza is ensured.
We also believe that those who committed crimes in Gaza should be brought to justice. Therefore, Turkey intervened in the case filed by South Africa before the International Court of Justice against Israel in violation of the 1948 Convention on Genocide.
The growing threat of expansion of the conflict in the Middle East is worrisome.
Despite the latest, fragile cease-fire in Lebanon and now in Gaza, there is no sign of de-escalation and peace yet between Israel and Palestine. The key to the lasting settlement of the Israel-Palestine conflict is the establishment of a sovereign, independent and contiguous Palestinian State with East Jerusalem as its capital based on the 1967 borders.
Turkey has always been a strong supporter of the Palestinian cause. We believe one of the best things Palestinians can do in the face of immense Israeli pressure is achieving unity among themselves. We encourage this process. Israel is taking advantage of divisions among Palestinians. Turkey can also act as guarantor of a two-state solution to be achieved between the Israeli and Palestinian side.
We remain committed to cooperate in all platforms with all regional actors in ensuring peace and stability in the region.
Turkey and Egypt have a huge a potential for cooperation in all areas. There is strong political will at the highest level to strengthen our brotherly relations.
Last year we achieved remarkable advances in Turkish-Egypt bilateral relations. After a long pause, we have seen two presidential visits in our respective capitals. First by President Erdoğan to Cairo on February 14, 2024 followed by President Sisi’s visit to Ankara on September 4, 2024.
During these visits, two Presidents have signed a Joint Declaration which reinstituted the High Level Strategic Cooperation Council as a cooperation mechanism to be headed by Presidents of both countries; and later on September 4 another Joint Declaration was signed which further deepens our bilateral relations.
This political will confirmed at the highest level creates a strong drive at all levels in both states. I am confident that we will build on this gained momentum during 2025 as well.
Our historical and cultural ties and people to people contact brings our countries closer.
We are on the right track to resolve our differences. Our shared history, similar culture, traditions and values provide us with good set of tools for further improving our collaboration in many areas from political to economic, education to scientific and technological exchanges.
Our relations with Egypt will continue to be developed through effective dialogue channels, for the benefit of both countries and the region, considering mutual respect and common interests. Our region is faced with numerous challenges that call for closer cooperation and coordinated action among regional countries. I believe our countries can and should work together and lead initiatives to sustain security, stability and prosperity in our region and beyond.
Egypt’s role in the region is valuable and crucial.
I firmly believe that the synergy of our cooperation could have a potential to make positive impact on all regional problems be it in the Middle East or in Africa.
B – Turkey and Syria: Prospects for the Future
Turkey plays a vital role in Syria, but some accuse it of viewing Syria as a prize. What is your response to this? Do you anticipate future alliances or agreements in security, economy, or politics with the transitional government in Syria? Furthermore, following the fall of the Assad regime, some fear Syria could slide into sectarian and ethnic division. What is your comment on this, and what are your expectations for Syria’s future?
Syria is our imminent neighbor. We share a long border, and have close people to people contacts. The instability created by Syria’s civil war impacted Turkey directly.
The provision of peace and stability in Syria has always been our main priority. We always called for addressing the root-causes of the problem, mainly the need for accommodating the legitimate aspirations and grievances of Syrian people.
Turkey wishes to have good relations with Syria as with all its neighbors. For the common interest of our countries, we would like to establish close political, economic and security cooperation. Our priority remains the preservation of territorial integrity and unity of Syria.
We do not have a hidden agenda in Syria. We want stability and security. We do not seek any sort of hegemony.
We believe in the importance of having an inclusive and effective administration in Syria having all its peoples on board regardless of their ethnic roots or religious beliefs. We are encouraging the new administration to be inclusive. We wish to see a politically and territoriality united Syria which no longer is a source of instability in its region. We believe that it should be cleared from all terrorist organizations.
The new administration is giving the right messages in this direction and working hard to manage the rebuilding process, maintaining security and ensuring an effective state structure.
We can prevent Syria from falling into another spiral of conflict only by ensuring stability and economic security. Everything from preventing the resurgence of the Islamic State to the return of refugees, depends on the stability and prosperity that Syria could enjoy.
Syria is a complex arena involving local and international, state and non-state actors. Risks of foreign influence have always been there. The fall of the Assad regime has reshaped power dynamics in the region.
But the Syrian people will decide and determine the future specifics of their administration. After almost 14 years of conflict, the Syrian people now have an historic opportunity to rebuild their country.
All actors involved in the region should act with prudence in order not to drag Syria into further instability during transition. The new Syrian administration is under scrutiny of the international community with respect to whether its deeds will be matching its words.
The US, EU and all international actors should assist Syria for a smooth and democratic transition, not fueling further divisions and tensions.
It will also be important that the sanctions against Syria should be relieved in order to support rebuilding of the country.
Despite the initial euphoria, there is a long and difficult process ahead of Syria. Political, security and economic problems will need to be overcome. It will take a certain period of time for the establishment of a stable administration whose legitimacy is recognized at both national and international levels, the return of immigrants to the country, the creation of a new constitution and the holding of democratic elections.
This is a long and complicated process. Likewise, ensuring the security environment, consolidating the existence of the national army as the sole armed force, and eliminating terrorist organizations is another hard process. It will also be important to restore the country’s institutions to a functioning structure and to get the economy back on its feet.
The attitude of the international community and regional actors in all these issues will play an important role in the course of these processes. Engagement without preconditions should be the key to steer the new administration towards the right path.
This is not the right time to adopt a “wait and see” approach.
Turkey is ready to assist Syria in its smooth transition and rebuilding, and will continue its active and balanced diplomacy in the region for peace and security.
Turkey intends to demarcate maritime boundaries with Syria, reminiscent of a similar agreement you signed with Libya in 2019. In this context, some consider it an opportunity to bolster the economies of both countries and enhance energy exploration, while others see it as a step toward controlling East Mediterranean energy routes. What is your take on this?
Two neighboring countries can certainly negotiate and reach an agreement on maritime delimitation. It is only natural for Turkey to conclude agreements regarding maritime areas with countries which she shares land borders.
Regarding the Eastern Mediterranean, Turkey’s position is clear. We are ready to discuss delimitation of maritime jurisdiction areas with all relevant coastal countries that we recognize to reach an equitable and just solution in line with international law. This approach applies to Syria as well.
However, even the lateral maritime boundary between Turkey and Syria has yet to be delimited. There are many steps that need to be taken before reaching an agreement on maritime delimitation.
The Wall Street Journal quoted senior US officials saying that Turkey and its allies are amassing military forces in northern Syria, raising concerns about Ankara preparing for a large-scale military operation against US-backed Kurdish-controlled areas. This has sparked questions about the possibility of a confrontation between Turkey and the United States over the “SDF” forces. What is your comment on these developments, and how accurate are these claims? What are your expectations regarding Ankara’s approach to the Syrian Kurdish issue? Are there potential conflicts on the horizon in this regard?
Turkey does not have a Kurdish problem in Syria. Our main concern is the terrorist threat of PKK/YPG in our southern border. These are two separate issues.
The Kurdish people of Syria deserve an equal treatment with other ethnic and religious minorities in Syria.
I believe the Syrian people will not accept that a significant part of their homeland, as well as their natural resources, rest with a terrorist organization.
We reject terrorism from which Kurdish people themselves are also suffering. I believe Turkey has made its stance very clear. Syria should be cleared from all terrorist groups. PKK/YPG terrorist organization cannot be allowed to take advantage of the delicate situation on the ground to shelter in Syria. SDF/YPG should dissolve itself. Non-Syrian elements within YPG should leave the country.
Those who are among the PKK cadres within the YPG/SDF should also leave the country immediately.
The rest of the YPG should lay down all their arms, ammunition and equipment; be the members of a united country and live along with other Syrians peacefully.
Preventing the Islamic State’s resurgence is a basic priority for Turkey as well.
Turkey has no other option but to stop any terrorist threat directed at its territory and its people. We hope that our security concerns will be understood also by our allies including the US. We are in close dialogue with the new administration of Syria and the US in this respect.
What is your reaction to Israeli Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s statements acknowledging that Israel’s expansionist ambitions extend to six Arab countries? How do such extreme views impact the security and stability of the Middle East?
Israel’s maximalist ambitions are groundless and such attempts will adversely impact the security and stability of the Middle East.
These ambitions will never bring peace for Israel as well.
Israel is governed by the most extreme right-wing government in its history. The extremist and racist figures are currently at the center of regional security challenges. They not only pursue expansionist ideas, they also hinder peace efforts.
Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian territory is the root cause of the tensions in the Middle East. A just peace will benefit Israelis and Palestinians alike. The focus should be on how to end the occupation which will eventually get the extremists out of the picture.
What are the risks of Israeli military interventions in Syria now? Do you believe Tel Aviv aims to involve itself as part of the equation for shaping Syria’s future, or is it targeting parts of Syria for occupation? Is there a connection between the events of October 7 and Assad’s fall, or has his regime been gradually collapsing due to his crimes against the Syrian people? In other words, what was the straw that broke the camel’s back and led to the regime’s downfall?
In our globalized world in general and in the Middle East in particular everything is interrelated.
Reluctant to engage in a meaningful dialogue with the opposition for a political solution, Assad’s regime had been in a weak position for some time failing to meet even the basic needs of its people.
But we also cannot overrule the fact that the weakening of Assad’s supporters after the unfolding of October 7 events played some role. Foreign supporters of Assad, Russia and Iran had their own concerns and did not come to the aid of Assad when his power bases started to fall apart.
Deprived of the support of its two main allies, Syrian regime forces showed little resistance against the Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham offensive.
Israel’s military engagements and increased air operations in Syria put the country at the risk of further instability. The policy of appeasing Israel’s military ambitions must be reverted.
With attacks in Syria and being on the ground, Israel aims at enhancing its influence in shaping the future of Syria.
No one can rule out the possibility of a longer Israeli stay in Syria as well.
C – Turkey and the Palestinian Issue
Following the genocide in Gaza, what is your vision for the future of the Gaza Strip? Do you think Israel might exploit the security and economic conditions in the region to reoccupy Gaza? Additionally, what is your vision for Gaza after the war ends? Who will take on the responsibility of rebuilding the strip? Do you anticipate that Turkey might call for an international peace conference addressing multiple issues, including resolving the Palestinian cause and rebuilding Gaza?
The conflict in Gaza affects the whole region including Turkey. Palestinians are facing an existential threat against their right to life in their homeland. Netanyahu and his extremist coalition partners are executing a war of annihilation against Palestine.
Israel’s attacks have exacerbated the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza. Israel’s brazen disregard of the international law is putting the whole regional and global order in jeopardy. The impunity of Israeli aggression creates a legitimacy crisis for the international system.
The inefficiency of the UN system, and unconditional support extended by the US to Israel once more underline the hypocrisy of the current global order.
Therefore, our priority has always been to end the ongoing military campaign, and then to ensure a durable peace in the region.
Turkey welcomes the recent ceasefire agreement reached between Hamas and Israel. I commend the mediating countries, particularly Egypt and Qatar for their efforts.
In the following process, it is essential that all phases of the agreement are fully implemented, the ceasefire is made permanent, and humanitarian aid is urgently delivered to Gaza. The international community must ensure that Israel fulfills its responsibilities on these issues.
Turkey’s vision for the future of Gaza is an inclusive Palestinian administration, rapid reconstruction and provision of humanitarian aid to the Palestinians.
It should be the Palestinians themselves who are administering Gaza without external intervention. However, given the devastation caused by Israel, concerted international action is needed for funding recovery. Israel’s aggression has turned Gaza uninhabitable.
The international community should stand with Palestinians and extend assistance for rebuilding.
From your perspective, where is the Palestinian cause heading amidst the efforts of the far-right to dismantle it? Have the chances of a two-state solution—or even a one-state solution—vanished due to Israel’s policies? What is your vision for a resolution, and how can Israel be compelled to engage in sustainable peace?
There is no alternative to the two-state solution.
A genuine peace process must be initiated immediately to achieve just and lasting peace based on the two state plan. The only way for lasting peace in the Middle East is through ending the Israeli occupation. The International Court of Justice made it very clear in its advisory opinion on July 19, 2024 that Israel’s continued presence in the occupied Palestinian territory is unlawful.
Israel is under an obligation to bring to an end its illegal presence in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Turkey firmly supports embodiment of an independent, sovereign and contiguous State of Palestine on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. In this regard, we believe that full membership of Palestine to the UN would constitute a timely and strong message for the sake of peace in the region.
Turkey will continue promoting the recognition of the Palestinian state in accordance with our support for the two-state vision.
Nine new countries have recognized the State of Palestine so far. Support for implementation of the two-state solution is stronger among the public opinion than before.
The International community should maintain this momentum and translate it into a genuine peace effort.
Turkey will continue to support the Palestinian people in the period ahead. We remain ready to contribute to efforts towards a conclusive settlement of the conflict in any way we can.
I strongly believe in the benefit of regional ownership. Arab and Islamic nations should remain united for a fair and lasting resolution of the conflict.
After the war, international community and regional countries should assist and support Palestine in rebuilding the country and governing their homeland.
D – Turkey and Libya
How can Turkey advance the Libyan cause? Why has Turkey begun to open up to the Eastern Libyan camp? Is Turkey working to weave connections that bring the security camps of the East and West closer together?
Turkey seeks a lasting solution in Libya. Our efforts are focused on preserving Libya’s political unity and territorial integrity, as well as establishing permanent stability, peace and prosperity.
Permanent stability and peace in Libya can only be achieved through a Libyan-led and Libyan-owned dialogue to initiate a political process which will end up with presidential and parliamentary elections that are fair, transparent, and credible.
We continue to contribute to the advancement of the political process aimed at resolving existing disputes based on consensus, maintaining tranquility, reinstating trust and ensuring peaceful elections.
We encourage all Libyan parties to initiate a dialogue process that will eliminate the current mutual distrust.
Likewise, we are in contact with international actors to get their support in facilitating this dialogue.
Our principled attitude is reinforced through our dialogue with all segments of the society. Our presence on the ground contributes to maintaining calm and consolidating the basis on which the political process can be advanced.
