Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that his country’s position on Gaza is clear, emphasizing that human rights are at the heart of Turkish policy.

This was expressed in an article published in the Chinese newspaper “People’s Daily” on Sunday, coinciding with his arrival in the Chinese city of Tianjin to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit.

Burhanettin Duran, Head of the Communication Department at the Turkish Presidency, noted in a post on the Turkish platform “En Sosyal” that Erdogan’s article was titled “A Common Path for Peace and Justice” and was published in both Chinese and English in the major Chinese daily.

Duran explained that Erdogan reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to building trust in its foreign policies, keeping dialogue channels open, and resolving crises, reiterating that “there is no winner in war and no loser in just peace.”

In his article, Erdogan highlighted Turkey’s contributions to global peace and diplomacy through various initiatives such as the Black Sea grain shipment initiative and hosting peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul and Antalya.

Erdogan confirmed that Turkey will share its vision of justice and an inclusive order with the international community through his speech at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, and that relations between Turkey and China, “representatives of two ancient civilizations,” will be further strengthened on the basis of mutual trust and mutual benefit.

He drew attention to the genocide committed by Israel in Gaza and affirmed Turkey’s clear stance on the matter.

He said, “Our world is shaking today due to more numerous and complex crises than ever before, and unfortunately, the current international system is unable to overcome these crises and protect the rights of the innocent. The events in Gaza and the oppression and genocide committed by Israel are among the most prominent examples of this reality.”

He added, “Turkey’s position on Gaza is clear because humanity and human rights are at the core of our policy. Our intensive efforts continue to ensure the safety of civilians, uninterrupted humanitarian aid access, and a permanent ceasefire.”

In the article, also published on the website of the Turkish Presidency’s Communication Department, Erdogan emphasized that Turkey is a bridge-building country that has embraced civilizations throughout history.

He stressed that the basis of foreign policy lies in building trust, maintaining communication channels, and demonstrating determination to resolve crises.

Through this understanding, Turkey, according to Erdogan, makes significant contributions to regional and international stability and exerts intensive efforts to ensure the sovereignty of peace, stability, and dialogue.

Regarding the Russia-Ukraine war, Erdogan pointed to practical solutions to mitigate the effects of the crises caused by the war between the two countries, including the Black Sea grain shipment initiative.

He mentioned that thanks to the initiative, food security was ensured for millions of people worldwide, adding, “By bringing parties together in peace talks hosted by Antalya and Istanbul, diplomatic momentum continued and humanitarian corridors were secured.”

He also noted Turkey’s important role in prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine and that Istanbul hosted the resumption of peace talks between the two countries last July, with Turkey increasing its contribution to the Russian-Ukrainian settlement process, according to Erdogan.

The president highlighted that Turkey has patiently continued its peace diplomacy under the slogan “no winner in war and no loser in just peace.”

Erdogan pointed out that the world today is witnessing “many complex crises never seen before in history,” noting that the current international system is unable to overcome these crises and protect the rights of the innocent.

He cited the current international system’s failure as exemplified by the occupation and massacres committed by Israel in the Gaza Strip.

He added that Turkey is working on the ground to help those in need in the Gaza Strip and diplomatically to push for a ceasefire and ensure the safety of innocent civilians.

Regarding the Palestinian issue, Erdogan stressed that the guarantee of lasting peace lies in establishing an independent and fully sovereign Palestinian state within the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, stating that the establishment of Palestine is “vital” for achieving lasting peace in the entire region.

The Turkish president confirmed that his country will continue its activity as an international actor contributing to global stability through projects implemented in various geographic areas, increasing its humanitarian aid capacities, and finding solutions to crises through multilateral platforms.

Erdogan pointed out that the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, hosted by the Chinese city of Tianjin, represents “an important platform for Turkey to share its views on regional and global issues.”

He added that Turkey, as a dialogue partner, sees its participation in this summit as a “fundamental responsibility” to raise issues of peace, development, security, and regional economic matters, alongside emphasizing the necessity to reshape international relations, justice, fairness, and the global order with a more inclusive concept.

Erdogan explained that Turkey “builds its present with the strength and experience drawn from the past and establishes its future on the basis of peace, security, and cooperation.”

He continued, “Every step we take opens new horizons for the world starting from our region. While we go through a challenging phase, we will continue to bear responsibility with the will to consolidate trust, keep dialogue channels open, and resolve crises.”

In conclusion, President Erdogan expressed his belief that “the unity of the international community, of which China is one of the most prominent actors, around a shared conscience and common interests will open the door to a more just and prosperous world.”