[This opinion article was contributed by Prof. Burhanettin Duran, Presidency's Head of Communications of the Republic of Türkiye]
SEOUL, December 18 (AJP) - At a time when power balances are being reshaped, the conventional international order is entering a phase of disintegration, and normative values are being eroded, the global system has been drawn into a multi-layered environment of uncertainty. In this age of uncertainty, multidimensional issues, such as intensifying geopolitical competition, asymmetric risks stemming from technological transformation, and problems in energy and food security, have rendered both the structure and the legitimacy of the international system increasingly contested. Alongside political, economic, and military challenges, the weakening of international law and the erosion of humanity’s shared values have led to a complete impasse in the international system, driven by a profound crisis of global governance.
The global ecosystem now necessitates a fairer order, a new understanding grounded in moral values centred on human dignity, and an international governance system based on strong representation. It is precisely for this reason that Türkiye, under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, stands as a key actor in advocating a values-based restructuring of the international order, guided by the principle that “A fairer world is possible.”
With the aim of contributing to global peace, prosperity, and stability, Türkiye pursues initiatives aimed at resolving both regional and global challenges. We engage in mediation efforts within multilateral organisations to which we are a party, most notably the UN, NATO, OSCE, and OIC. In circumstances where international mechanisms prove ineffective, we strive to resolve conflicts through independent and multifaceted initiatives. Guided by the vision of our President, and through leader-to-leader diplomacy coupled with our 360-degree foreign policy approach, we make concrete contributions to the establishment of peace and stability from Asia to Africa and from the Balkans to the Middle East. Türkiye’s support for the peace process in the Southern Philippines, its mediation efforts in the Russia–Ukraine war, and initiatives to secure a lasting ceasefire in Gaza stand among the key examples highlighting its contributions.
While assuming responsibility for bringing conflicts to an end through our vision of peace diplomacy, we also lead with our humanitarian diplomacy, ranking among the countries that provide the highest levels of humanitarian assistance relative to national income and calling for the mobilisation of humanity’s shared conscience.
Türkiye’s peace-and-stability-oriented foreign policy, which prioritises normative values, closely aligns with the Republic of Korea's dialogue-based foreign policy approach, as its global role in the Asia–Pacific region continues to expand. In our shared vision of a “fairer world”, we are united by the same moral stance and concerns, grounded in peace and stability.
Within Türkiye’s foreign policy, our relations with the Republic of Korea constitute a truly unique example. The strong bond established during the Korean War—defined as a “blood brotherhood”—is rooted in a shared struggle fought shoulder to shoulder on the same front, the helping hand extended to one another in times of hardship, and a deep sense of mutual trust. Undoubtedly, this bond of brotherhood forms both the foundation of our collective resolve to act together in the face of the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century and the driving force behind our strategic partnership. We firmly believe that, along the Ankara–Seoul axis, we can forge a partnership capable of contributing to peace across a broad geography, from Africa to Asia.
Our diplomatic relations, established in 1957, were elevated to the level of a Strategic Partnership in 2012. Our political and economic relations, which have been strengthened through high-level engagements, are also advancing through close cooperation and partnerships within international organisations. We sincerely believe that the visit paid last month by President Lee Jae Myung of the Republic of Korea will uplift our bilateral relations to a higher level. In addition to the agreement concluded in the fields of wind and nuclear energy, there is a common will to further enhance cooperation potential in electric vehicles, artificial intelligence, and innovation, as well as to execute joint projects in the defence industry, similar to the Altay Tank.
In this context, as the Presidency's Directorate of Communications, we have both engaged in in-depth exchanges of views and assessed potential avenues for cooperation through a range of activities organised with our Korean counterparts. At the “Stratcom Public Forum” we organised in Seoul, we explored ways to build a fairer world order. Likewise, we sought to contribute to the vision of cooperation during the event “The 75th Anniversary of Türkiye’s Participation in the Korean War”, which we organised in Seoul. As part of our media programmes, we have also had the opportunity to host Korean journalists in our country on several occasions.
Our brotherly ties, forged through the shoulder-to-shoulder struggle on the battlefield, are further strengthened—despite the geographical distance—by our cultural affinity, reflected in our family structures, culture of solidarity, spirit of struggle, resilience, and diligence. This story, evolving from blood brotherhood to a strategic partnership, will persist through joint initiatives aimed at building a fairer, more prosperous, and more stable international system.
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