Erdoğan engages in extensive diplomatic talks at Antalya forum
ANTALYA
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held a series of high-level meetings on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF) in southern Türkiye, focusing on bilateral relations, regional stability and global concerns.
Erdoğan met with leaders from across Europe, the Balkans and Africa on April 12, reaffirming Türkiye's diplomatic engagement in various regions.
Among the notable meetings was one with the chairwoman of Bosnia’s presidential council, Zeljka Cvijanovic, and fellow council members Denis Becirovic and Zeljko Komsic. The discussions centered on strengthening Turkish-Bosnian ties, with Erdoğan underscoring Türkiye's commitment to the stability of the Balkans.
He emphasized Ankara’s dedication to safeguarding Bosnia’s territorial integrity and expressed hope for a peaceful resolution to ongoing regional crises.
Erdoğan also met with Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, where they discussed expanding cooperation in sectors like defense and energy. The Turkish leader called for continued collaboration in the fight against terrorism and urged Bulgaria to take further steps in this regard.
In addition, Erdoğan held discussions with Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio, focusing on enhancing ties in the defense industry and continuing collaboration based on a "win-win" approach with African nations.
On the issue of Sudan, Erdoğan met with the country’s Sovereign Council leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. The president praised the growing partnership between the two nations and reiterated Türkiye’s support for Sudan’s reconstruction once conflict subsides.
Erdoğan also discussed regional matters with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa. He reaffirmed Türkiye's commitment to a two-state solution to the war in Gaza and vowed continued support for the enclaved's displaced people.
In a series of other meetings, Erdoğan met with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Somalian President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Azerbaijani President İlham Aliyev. The talks covered various issues, including regional stability, energy cooperation and the strengthening of defense and economic ties.
The day earlier, Erdoğan met with Syrian interim-President Ahmad al-Sharaa. The two leaders discussed potential steps to revive trade relations and lift international sanctions, focusing on restoring stability in Syria.
Additionally, Erdoğan met with Kurdistan Regional Government President Nechirvan Barzani and emphasized the importance of completing the government formation process in northern Iraq to ensure regional stability.
The ADF brought together global leaders to discuss diplomacy and cooperation to provide a platform for Türkiye to reinforce its strategic partnerships across multiple regions.
