Turkey positions itself as key peace broker in global conflicts
Turkey is strengthening its position as a mediator in armed conflicts by organising talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul. This is another step by Ankara towards building an image as a diplomatic leader.
Main points
- The talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul aim to end the invasion that began in 2022.
- Turkey plays a key role as a mediator in armed conflicts worldwide.
- Ankara engages in mediations not only in Europe but also in Africa and the Middle East.
Turkey is playing an increasingly significant role as a mediator in international conflicts. Talks between Russia and Ukraine are set to begin in Istanbul on Thursday, aimed at ending the invasion initiated by Moscow in February 2022. This is one example of Ankara's involvement in peace processes around the world. The President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, emphasises that his country is becoming a key player in peace diplomacy.
Since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Turkey has maintained contact with both sides of the conflict, supporting Ukraine's territorial integrity while not joining international sanctions against Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed his presence in Turkey. However, Vladimir Putin will not appear in the Turkish capital. The Kremlin conveyed this information on Wednesday evening.
Turkey's peace initiatives
Ankara has been involved in mediations between Russia and Ukraine since the beginning of the conflict. In March 2022, talks between foreign ministers of both countries were held in Turkey. In July 2022, with the mediation of Ankara and the UN, an agreement was reached enabling the export of grain from Ukrainian ports on the Black Sea. Although Moscow suspended its participation in this initiative, Turkey continues its mediation efforts.
Beyond the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, Turkey engages in mediations in other regions of the world. In December 2023, Ankara helped broker an agreement between Somalia and Ethiopia regarding the Somaliland region dispute. Turkey also supports peace talks in Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, and Kyrgyzstan, as well as in international conflicts such as those between Sudan and South Sudan.
Turkey actively participates in the trilateral cooperation mechanism of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Croatia, which it initiated in 2010. Within this mechanism, nine meetings at the level of foreign ministers have taken place.
Ankara also engages in armed conflicts, supporting Palestine in the war with Israel, Azerbaijan in the battles over Nagorno-Karabakh, and Pakistan in its conflict with India. Turkey strives to be an active participant in resolving conflicts worldwide.
