Erdoğan rejects East-West choice for Turkey's foreign policy

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated in an interview with Newsweek that Turkey should not be forced to choose between an East or West axis in its foreign policy. He emphasized that Turkey maintains its NATO membership while simultaneously engaging with various international organizations and platforms to serve national interests and regional stability.

Addressing global security, Erdoğan called for urgent reform of the United Nations Security Council to make it more representative and accountable to the changing global power balance. He noted that the current international system must adapt to rising new centers of power.

Regarding regional conflicts, Erdoğan highlighted the importance of preventing the Russia-Ukraine war and tensions in the Middle East from spreading to wider geographies. He specifically addressed the tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran, noting that developments in the Strait of Hormuz directly impact energy supplies and international trade. He advocated for diplomacy and a return to negotiation to ensure lasting solutions.