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ANKARA/ISTANBUL

Türkiye’s Communications Director Fahrettin Altun on Tuesday reitareted Türkiye’s stabilizing role in regional peace and security, noting its deepening ties with the Balkans through proactive diplomatic and cultural efforts.

Speaking at the Türkiye-Balkans Media Forum: Building a Common Future in the Age of Communication, held in Istanbul and organized by Türkiye’s Communications Directorate, Altun said Türkiye has confronted internal provocations aimed at disrupting national unity and has achieved significant results.

He stressed that destabilizing Türkiye through fear, chaos, or artificial political agendas is no longer possible. Türkiye, with its growing defense industry, intelligence strength, economic potential, and cultural depth, is now a country that brings peace and stability wherever it engages.

Highlighting the ongoing international crises, Altun condemned Israel's actions in Gaza and emphasized the regional instability stemming from the Russia-Ukraine war. He praised Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent call for direct peace talks in Istanbul and reiterated Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's commitment to facilitating dialogue. Altun also stressed Erdogan's diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between Pakistan and India, showcasing Türkiye's proactive role in global peacekeeping.  

Türkiye-Balkans relations

Altun emphasized that through overcoming numerous challenges and making significant advancements, Türkiye has emerged as a stabilizing force and a global actor, demonstrating a strong humanitarian perspective in the international arena.

He also highlighted that since the early 2000s, Türkiye’s relations with the Balkans have continuously strengthened through proactive, diplomatic, and cultural efforts, always centered on "stability and peace" in a multi-faceted manner.

“In an environment where tensions are rising and uncertainties are expanding globally, the stability, peace, and prosperity of the Balkans are undoubtedly among our top priorities. The region is a key issue for world peace. Solutions and collaborations addressing economic fragility, intense migration, employment, and infrastructure challenges in the Balkans are crucial, and any contribution to the region’s security and stability is highly valuable," he said.

Altun outlined Türkiye’s multi-dimensional engagement with Balkan countries, including economic partnerships, humanitarian aid, and cultural diplomacy. He noted Türkiye’s leadership in regional platforms like the South-East European Cooperation Process and its active role in NATO’s Kosovo mission.

He also highlighted the significant discussions held with heads of state and ministers from the Balkans and neighboring countries during the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in April.

Altun also stressed Türkiye's active role in the Black Sea Mine Countermeasure Task Group, contributing to maritime security and supporting social welfare in healthcare and infrastructure.

Altun pointed to strengthened academic cooperation between universities in Sarajevo, Skopje, and Tirana, and the ongoing support for local governments in regional development. He also emphasized the positive impact of Turkish NGOs and investments on the Balkans’ socio-economic welfare.  

Anadolu's contribution to 'strong and independent media ecosystem' in Balkans

Altun highlighted Türkiye’s contributions to the media sector, emphasizing key roles of Anadolu and TRT Balkan in shaping an independent regional media landscape. He pointed out that Anadolu, with its global reach in Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian, and Montenegrin languages, plays a key role in conveying the region's agenda and current issues to the world.

"Our Anadolu Agency is a member of the Association of the Balkan News Agencies-Southeast Europe (ABNA-SE) and, since 2023, has chaired it, contributing to a strong and independent media ecosystem in the region. These efforts in the media field are extremely strategic both in terms of correctly informing the public and combating disinformation," he said.

Altun also warned of widespread disinformation targeting Türkiye, including in the Balkans. He highlighted the directorate’s efforts in exposing over 2,200 false reports and stressed the importance of media responsibility, especially during sensitive times, to promote truth and unity.

He emphasized the importance of engaging with media professionals from the region to strengthen ties and address shared media challenges. Altun highlighted Türkiye’s Stratcom forums in Balkan capitals and noted that recent agreements with Albania and Serbia will boost cooperation, training, and joint efforts against disinformation.