By Abdullah Gul, President of the Republic of Turkey printable version send your friend

Turkish President Abdullah Gul delivered a speech on "Turkish Foreign Policy in the New Era" at International Strategic Research Organization (USAK). The full-text of the speech is available:





Dear President,

Honored USAK members,

Honored Guests,



First of all, I would to greet you with respect and well wishes. Also, I am very pleased to be here for the opening of USAK’s new building. Since 2004, USAK has operated successfully as an independent think-tank in the fields of politics, economy, law, social sciences, security, and informs the public with true and sufficient news. I believe that USAK fulfills an important responsibility; hence, I would like to express my appreciation and wishes for success to USAK President Dr. Sedat Laçiner and to his colleagues.



I am absolutely confident that USAK will continue these important activities with more enthusiasm in its new building.



Dear Guests,

As you know, I am an academician as well. But I worked for more than four years as the Foreign Affairs Minister. I worked in the European Council Parliamentary Assembly for more than ten years. Since 2007, in the framework of my Presidential duties, I have been in the middle of a very intensive foreign affairs agenda.



That’s why I am saying that as a member of the opposition party, as a member of the ruling party, as a member of parliament, as a Prime Minister, as a Minister and at present as a President, I have taken responsibility in different positions with the Foreign Affairs issues.

I was working as an economist in the Islamic Development Bank in the 1980s. There was no such thing called e-mail at that time. We were using other communication means for communicating with our opponents and other countries. When I was elected as a Member of Parliament and became a European Commission Parliamentary Assembly member, the European Council did not yet have a web-site. But now, we can find, see and read all the reports and all other important materials and also we can send our feedback about these reports and important materials.



Twenty years have passed. Together, we are realizing how everything has changed in that time. Today, there is tremendous information and news traffic. I just wanted to remind you of these progressions. TV channels, newspapers’ online web-sites, news sites are sharing all the news and what’s going even in the remote parts of the world. Almost like watching a football match, we are watching the important news of the world.

Now, the ongoing process of transformation and change, no doubt, requires a serious adaptation. Everyone should adapt him/herself to these transformations and changes. Because today, information is not only under the monopoly of official authorities. In contrast, civil channels are gaining importance day by day. We can use Google in order to see inside buildings, see the gardens of places that we could never get closer to. In this context, of course, public diplomacy is attracting more and more attention in terms of foreign policy. Furthermore, only doing the right thing is not enough; the reasons for following policies should be properly explained. This is not only about foreign policies, but is also valid for the governance of the country. Because people are watching their representatives on TV, following them in live broadcasts; ‘What’s he saying? What did he promise me? What’s he doing there? What did he promise about how he would behave and in what way he is putting his hands up when he is voting for something?’ Hence, there is a fantastic atmosphere of transparency. This is valid both for foreign and domestic politics.



Therefore, in my opinion, think-tanks and research organizations like USAK are playing very important roles by expressing society’s ideas, views and suggestions to influence the decision making processes and are also playing an important role to explain, to describe official policies to the domestic and foreign public. These are the things that I mean when I mention keeping pace with the requirements of the century.



Here, I strongly believe that we should pay attention to two subjects. One of them, raising Turkey’s standards in technology and industry to the level of advanced industrialized nations is surely a prerequisite for world competition.



There are big and important improvements in adopting technology for both the public and private sector in Turkey. Turkey possesses the technology of the most developed countries, especially in informatics technology. But assuming the possession of technological improvements alone is sufficient is wrong. Adapting ourselves will provide intellectual transformation. Of course it’s not easy. We are taking technology and adopting it, but intellectual transformation takes time and requires the process of convincing people.



When we look at the subject in terms of foreign politics, I would especially like to underscore the importance of think-tanks and research organizations. I believe that in order to be able to understand the deep, complex, and multidimensional global, political and economic relations, we need to have active associations and mechanisms. Think-tank and research organizations together with official associations are very important for explaining and defining the government’s policies to the international community and the public.



In the modern world, it is more important for countries to explain themselves by using civil channels than by official channels. Moreover, it is more effective to explain your issues with civil channels; it leads to quicker results and it is more long lasting because people who are taking official responsibility, such as the President, Prime Minister, Minister, Ambassador or any other official, will explain the stance of his country from the official point of view no matter if he believes in it or not. Thus, it is not that effective. But when civil society, scientists, men of thought, journalists explain these issues faithfully, then it is more convincing. Likewise, again MP’s meeting together with their interlocutors and discussing in a free atmosphere gives better results. In this context, I give much importance to think-tanks and research organizations.



Also, I would like to express that in developed countries, in big countries, in progressive countries, one of the factors that makes these countries powerful is the existence of study centers, think-tanks and research organizations. Turkey is a little bit late at that point as the USAK President mentioned previously. But today, what is attracting is to see that these kinds of good ‘think-tank’s are being established. I am really very pleased to see these improvements and today I came here to support these activities. Because in developed, large and powerful countries, think-tanks such as CFR and Chatham House are very important and quite serious subjects have been discussed behind their closed doors. As a person who knows very well what they say, how they talk in these institutes and organizations, and how their ideas are applied to politics, I care that these kinds of activities are realized in our country. There are valuable diplomats, journalists, scientists among you. I see and know them from these kinds of meetings and consequently I would like to encourage people who know the importance, significance and necessity of these activities.



Dear Guests,

Last week, we celebrated the 86th anniversary of the foundation of the Turkish Republic. In fact, to a large extent there is an agreement on the basic principles of our constitution, and our having a state governed by rule of law together with democratic, and secular principles. If we look back to the early days, it is easy to see the progress made by our country. I believe that at the end of this century, a very powerful Turkey will be at stake. I believe that we are developing on the way to this progress. Under these circumstances, what I believe is that there should be a free atmosphere for discussions on internal and external issues. If countries cannot resolve their problems by discussing them in an open, transparent environment then those problems will be transferred as burdens to next generations’ shoulders. In this respect, I am pleased to see a lively debate atmosphere in Turkey today. I think all the results of these debates will lead to progress in Turkey. Because the foundation of Turkey is so strong. Because the basic ideas of Turkey are so strong.



When it comes to foreign policy issues, I would like to tell you this: Our country, with our joint efforts, is increasingly becoming a global center of interest. According to our spending parity, if we look at the GNP of a trillion dollars, it will be easy to realize that Turkey is a center of interest. Nevertheless, our economic power together with political influence and growing population enables Turkey to allocate more resources for international relations, to play a determining and transmitting role and makes the efforts to establish welfare and stability easier. Thanks to this, extending from Asia to Africa, Turkey is an appreciated country in terms of the humanitarian and technical aid it provides. I just want you to note that once Turkey was the recipient country. I would like to remind you that today Turkey is in the club of aiders and has made donations totaling one billion dollars just in terms of humanitarian aid. Whereupon, our temporary membership to the UN Security Council was realized with phenomenal support, and we do our best to do our proportion of work there.

The weight of our state in the international arena, its stance on issues, the foreign policy direction are permanent factors. We should not forget that this is a relay race and a win-win game. This will be at the top of the internal policy agenda. For sure, the whole world appreciates that Turkey, with a Muslim majority population, managed to establish rules and associations based on democracy and a free market economy, to take crucial steps towards transparency and cultural rights. However, they will be most appreciated by our own people. All these are not the efforts to win the admiration of the world or to attract attention, but the good things done to pay back to our own people and I would like this to be perceived in this way. Since the foundation of the republic, Turkey has been a role model for all the world with its democratic and secular system, and contemporary cultural identity. I believe that we should act with the awareness of this responsibility.



Pursuant to Atatürk’s noble principle of “peace at home, peace in the world”, we keep on following multidimensional, comprehensive, responsible and ethical policies. Turkish foreign policy is not focused on pure interests. Turkey has the right and the authority to indicate its right and wrongs honestly. The prestigious past and specific regional relations of Turkey gives it the responsibility to criticise even its allies and defend the rightful things in any case. In case of necessity, Turkey is able to warn its allies by taking the “true friend tells the painful truth unsparingly” policy into consideration. Yet, while doing this it gives great importance not to damage the basis of friendly relations. In this respect, our foreign policy is ethical and moral. Turkey acts in the framework of law and legitimacy. I believe that it is so important. Because of your ethical behaviour, even they oppose your ideas, they respect you and you will not find yourself in difficulties. Just so, you have the capability to continue your ethical behaviour. Democracy, human rights, pacta sunt servanta are our priorities. Both our distant and recent history is full of examples of these kinds of activities.



In case of necessity, the Turkish Grand National Assembly as the symbol of national freedom and will has bravely made decisions which cannot be made by most of the assemblies all over the world. Even in its days of weakness Turkey managed to make brave foreign policy moves despite the big countries’ oppositions. Turkey continues this ethical and moral behaviour today, as well. Our main goal is to promote stability, security and welfare to preserve our national interests. In order to reach this goal, peaceful resolution of conflicts with active and proactive diplomatic initiatives is necessary.



Turkey is at a very effective geopolitical location. There are lots of conflicts surrounding us. With no doubt, these can be resolved with mutual efforts. It is not realistic or fair to wait for bilateral good faith gestures. Thus, there should not be a perception to wait for a complete resolution at any price. But also these problems cannot be solved by idleness, either. Thus, it is important to establish a flexibility and a sensitive balance between national interests applying for the foreign policies of all countries including Turkey. Basically, it is important to foster an atmosphere for regional and international dialogue which constitutes a common denominator protecting both sides’ interests to solve the problems with a win-win game understanding rather than having a zero sum game perception. Turkey, with its long-established experienced diplomacy understanding, has the capability, capacity and power to use this win-win oriented method of resolution.



I would like to reiterate that some have perceptions of Turkey as in a muddle, asking questions such as “Where is Turkey going? Does it keep to the East or to the West?”. I frankly state that these are not the facts. What Turkey does is extremely obvious and clear. It of course keeps both to the east, to the west, to the north, to the south, and to everywhere. The significant point is the values of Turkey develops through each direction: democratic values, rule of law, respect to human rights, transparency, liability to render account, subjects on women-men equality, functioning of free market economy.



In all of these topics, looking at Turkey’s path can help to better determine its direction. I believe that some of the other things have been written in good faith. The good faith is in terms of warning those who could not understand the value of Turkey and in terms of attracting attention to some of our friends. In my belief, some other written things include jealousy and some of them are results of lack of knowledge about this position and attitude of Turkey. Sometimes I read some ideas in articles that are off-the-wall. None of them are valid. Turkey knows what it is doing. As I mentioned before, the significant thing is according to which trends and to which direction Turkey is developing these internal values. If a short study is conducted about this topic, we can observe that Turkey is developing in a direction of improving all the values that I stated. Surely, there are some deficiencies. Surely, there are so many things to do. The pace, speed and height of this trend can be discussed, this is a separate issue. However, discussing the direction is mainly due to lack of knowledge.

Secondly, I would like to emphasize that what Turkey wants to do in its region is to promote peace. Because there cannot be any economic development, cooperation or welfare in any region with no stability, security. The people of that country cannot be satisfied. Therefore, the first aim of Turkey in its relations with neighbors and the region is conflict resolution and promoting stability. On this basis, it wants to promote peace in a wide area and provide economic cooperation as much as possible. This is the way to welfare. In any region of the world, in which regional stability could not be established, one cannot see any kind of economic development since most of the resources are shifted to security matters. In this region, when Turkey’s historical background, location, and level of development are taken into consideration, we think that Turkey is responsible because of this and therefore Turkey will keep following its policies on this.



As I previously mentioned, undoubtedly, this policy is not a zero sum game but a win-win game. Thus, not with a narrow understanding but with a broad one, it is possible to see that everyone’s interest lies here. I believe that there should be the same big rapid development in our region like the development that occurred immediately after the resolution of border conflicts, some other major issues, and security issues with OSCE decisions in Europe and Helsinki. Thus, Turkey should take the initiative when we consider the region more broadly other than with its border neighbors. Turkey does this in the Caucasus. Turkey also aims at the nuclear disarmament of Middle East and nuclear disarmament of our region. If this is properly addressed, I strongly believe it is possible to be done.



As it can be remembered from 1990s First Gulf War, this issue was taken to the UN Security Council and there had been two attempts for it: Nuclear disarmament of the Middle East and of all the countries in Middle East matter. In my opinion, these issues should be addressed with determination. I believe that the unbending attitudes of the 5 permanent members of the UN Security Council, mainly the USA, will make all these developments possible.



Dear Guests,

It is not necessary to mention what kind of a government project is the process leading to Turkey’s EU membership. Sometimes we hear some unpleasant expressions about this issue, directly or indirectly. In fact, we do not take these into consideration. These expressions aim to derail Turkey. Turkey will not be derailed; I definitely want to say that, because juristic grounding is so strong. Turkey begins negotiations. When Turkey fulfills the criteria, surely, full membership will become true. Privileged or limited memberships are not valid in the concept of the EU. Moreover, this kind of a membership does not exist. This morning, I met with former Foreign Minister of Germany, Mr. Genscher. While discussing this issue, he said that Turkey is already a privileged member at a high degree. What can be possible beyond this? Turkey is a partner in foreign politics. It participates in EU’s foreign politics at 95 percent. This is the same in security issues. Our militaries are together in troubled areas of the world. In the framework of the Customs Union, for almost 15 years, we have reset the customs with most powerful industries in Europe. We are at a level to be able to compete. There is nothing beyond this. Stating beyond this is rhetoric and lack of faith for a future powerful Europe.



You should go back to a Europe with 6 founding members if you adopt such behavior and such comments. However, Europe has already discussed these issues and got over them. Certainly, we cannot ignore the current difficulties happening in Europe. It is possible to observe such cyclical problems in Europe, like in every country. These problems should never cause strategies to change. At this point, Turkey is absolutely determined. Turkey will meet its responsibilities during negotiations. And the European Union will observe nothing else. Some people say to me “Europe is tired, so we have to stop for a while”. We do not expect Europe to do something! We just want Europe to watch us. It is for us to do something. Turkey is the one to implement reforms, not Europe. They will just say whether “okay, you achieved our standards” or “not”. Therefore, the feeling of pacta sunt servanda should be underlined. Because if countries or leaders think or give the feeling that their signature is a joke or they are not binding, then there will emerge large gaps in trust and a very dangerous situation. I believe that these kinds of things are temporary. Thus, Turkey will continue along its path decisively.



As I mentioned in previous days, after Turkey’s completion of negotiations, some countries have already decided to go for a referendum We will respect their decisions. We cannot know what will be the decision of Turkish public at that time, as in the case of other countries. However, these issues are not to be discussed today.



Dear participants,

I lastly want to discuss this: Certainly, the US is at a very important point in Turkey’s foreign politics, and most of time, the agendas of Turkey and the US are overlapping in world related cases. Sometimes, as Foreign Minister or President of Turkey, I have asked US presidents to write down the issues that they are interested in. And I continued by saying that I would write down issues too and then we would put them together and see how many countries are there for which we have similar agendas. Actually, they are aware of this fact. There are couple of issues in which we are not interested. Now, due to our responsibilities in the UN Security Council, we have become interested in them too: those related with Korea and some others.



Needless to say, Turkey is not a super power; its responsibility cannot be at the same scale as the US’s. However, Turkey also has very important responsibilities due to its geographical location and its historical relationships. It continues to conduct these issues with the USA on the basis of reciprocal respect, understanding and cooperation and it is content with this. In particular, President Obama’s first overseas visit to Turkey, which took place at the beginning of his official duty, became notably very beneficial. We have always had the chance to consult on all issues broadly and to transfer all our knowledge and experiences at the beginning of the matter. I argue that this period needs to be evaluated very well, because the President of the US announced something after he took office: “I will not act unilaterally, but we will act multilaterally, we will negotiate with our partners, listen to them and eventually, we will explain our decisions and we will be in a great solidarity.” This mentality led to a feeling of being at ease to the world. I hope that this mentality can be interpreted very well and allow for solutions to many chronic problems to be reached. The Middle East, the nuclear issues, in all these matters, the politics should be considered well.



Finally, I want to express this: especially Afghanistan and Pakistan, or rather the issue of Afghanistan, the name of Pakistan is necessarily included with Afghanistan due to being its neighbour, but in fact, the issue belongs to Afghanistan. The Afghanistan case is similar to that of the Middle East, which is a great event and a global issue that the world is interested in. If things are going wrong, this can turn out to be more insurmountable problem. Therefore, close concern for this region is a common responsibility. We, as Turkey, are aware of our responsibility. Because of this, twice we undertook the responsibility for commandership of ISAF by ourselves. Now, three or four days ago, we took over the Regional Commandership of Kabul related to security issues. However, I believe this: as a person who often visits Afghanistan and knows this country, and as I pointed out in the meetings of NATO and in my speeches as the minister of Foreign Affairs and President, Afghanistan is not an issue that can be solved only by means of military and its methods. This problem cannot be concluded regardless of Afghan people’s sympathy. So far, much has been spent on military expenses. However, the fact is obvious. When I visited Afghanistan, I completely walked around Kabul. I also went outside of the city. I saw an international force, soldiers; American soldiers, the soldiers of NATO, Turkish soldiers, including Afghan soldiers. The poor clothes of Afghan soldiers and their needy conditions without helmets and boots, on the other side, the other soldiers with full equipment... These two kinds of soldiers act together; this strategy and policy are unacceptable. In fact, Afghans say, “train our soldiers, trust us, provide clothes and equipment, we do our job by ourselves, your children should not sacrifice themselves for us.” They say this very clearly.



However, unfortunately, there is a weakness in this direction. For instance, when the matter comes to winning Afghan people’s hearts, frankly, no one acts as Turkey does. Without any doubts, we appreciate what has been done. I am saying as a comparison, I said that I walked around Kabul step by step; the streets of Kabul are muddy and people, children, women walk around these muddy places. I insist, “Let’s pave this, let’s win this society”, however, no fund could be provided. Now, Turkey has started paving Kabul through TIKA. This is winning one’s heart. Once upon a time, in a country where the girls were forbidden to go out, Turkish NGOs are now opening schools for thousands of girls. For example, I went to open a college for 2000 girls. Babacan had visited them in his period as Minister of Foreign Affairs. Davutoglu is travelling throughout Afghanistan. In this respect, Turkey is in close cooperation with Pakistan in order to solve the problems of Afghanistan. I am sure that you have watched closely. Three times, the Presidents of Pakistan and Afghanistan have come together to negotiate how to work more efficiently. Turkey made great contributions to the development of cooperation, especially between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Finally, it happened for the first time that the President of General Staff, intelligence organizations and the Presidents of these three countries came together in Ankara. I believe that these things will all bring about good results.



The security and stability in Caucasus are important to all of us. If stability is not established in the Caucasus, the Caucasus is like a wall which separates the East and the West. On the contrary, if there is a solution and stability in this region, the Caucasus can turn out to be an area in which cooperation extensively flourishes. The events in Georgia indicated that the frozen problems can always explode and they can cause important consequences. Think about it, if the Montreux Agreement had not been completely implemented during the war in Georgia, if huge ships had entered the small Black Sea, and they had confronted there, clashing as the planes in a conflict, what would have come about? For this reason, Turkey continues its policy with principles. Some courageous steps have been taken to reach the solutions of the Caucasus’ problems. In this sense, I hope that the normalization process which has been launched with Armenia will be concluded. In the same way, the Caucasus is another reality, and indeed, the territories of Azerbaijan are occupied. I would like to say regarding this issue that there are various debates on Karabagh, but these territories of Azerbaijan belong to this country without any doubt. In this regard, there are not any claims from the Armenian side to be in question. In this respect, the attempts which focus on the evacuation of these territories under invasion, I believe, will easily solve many problems there.



The point making me content is that the workings of the Minsk group, which have been going on in silence and at a low level for the past 18 years, have recently come to the agenda of President Medvedev and Obama within the last year with the politics that Turkey also followed, and they have been conducted at their level. In my opinion, both of these countries, Azerbaijan and Armenia are content with this.



Dear Guests,

Opening ten new embassies and staffing them demonstrates the most significant signs of Turkey’s activity in Africa. The historical ties with Africa are being revived. Our relations with Africa take its roots from human relations beyond trade, finance, and politics. I believe that everyone is responsible for Africa. Africa’s resources have been transferred for ages. Now, everyone should pay its dues back to Africa. In early ages, we did not have the possibility to reach information on the living standards of Africa since we did not have internet and television, as I mentioned at the beginning of my speech. We did not know the grievances of children and women there. Yet it is impossible to be kept in that way in this age. There is bitterness in one side, but happiness on the other. Thus, everyone should show an undivided interest in Africa without losing time. Turkey indicates its responsibility towards Africa. TIKA has significant efforts in Africa. It is my belief that this policy pursued by Turkey is always appreciated by the international community.



Needless to say, all these are being expressed sufficiently, as I previously mentioned, by the government commissioners. Yet, there is a strong civilian influence in these discussions, from journalists to scientists to researchers.



Beyond a doubt, this is not meant to direct you, you will surely state your own, uninfluenced, opinions. While discussing sensitive issues, you will advise Turkey on what is going on all around the world for the purposes of conveying information in the best way. In this regard, I am so happy that think tanks are being established and are developing in Turkey. Within this framework, I came here with this perception. Maybe this is a small building and you may be a limited number, but I believe that you will grow rapidly in a short time period and new organizations will be established by following your example.



First of all, I would like to thank those who have contributed to you. These things could not have been accomplished without financial support. There has been no government aid in these efforts; I would like to reaffirm this here. These are the fruits of the contributions of people who set their hearts on this job. I congratulate you and all your contributors.

We, of course, follow you closely. From now on, most of you are not only members of this organization but also journalists and inevitable contributors to television talks. You both enlighten the people and give messages to specific people you wish to reach. Here, this is what open society means. I mention these things while saying that Turkey’s soft power is growing stronger and representing an example. I strongly believe in this. In most of my lectures, I always reiterated what makes a country powerful. First of all, its democracy should be strong, undoubtedly. Its democracy, in its broad meaning soft power, should be open; law should be open and transparent and clear. There will not be a differentiation between domestic-foreign but just-unjust. Everyone will be equal. It will apply to all areas of commercial law, human rights, and all others. Turkey makes significant progress towards these matters. Under these circumstances, the economy would certainly be strengthened. Today we naturally realize it. Democratic reforms and legal reforms are the major causes behind Turkey’s gradually growing economy.



Without a doubt, the Turkish Armed Forces, of which we are proud, gives weight to Turkey’s power. I would like to underline that the Turkish Armed Forces and security forces play a major role in Turkey’s status as a crucial ally. It would be impossible to make the aforementioned foreign policy moves and have accomplishments abroad if Turkish democracy, economy and armed forces were not strong enough. Thus, internal matters are the deep motive behind everything. Possessing an orderly powerful home lies behind everything. Providing this order is not the responsibility or duty of anyone but ourselves. I believe that all the discussions are developing in ways that will make Turkey much stronger and everyone will witness this.





I again wish you good luck, thank you.