Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Thursday that a fair and lasting peace cannot be achieved by expelling Palestinians from their lands, stressing that the territory is not a subject for negotiation.
“The way to achieve a fair and lasting peace is not through the expulsion of millions of Palestinians from their lands. The land for which Palestinians have made great sacrifices is not subject to negotiation,” Anadolu Agency quoted Fidan as saying during the Global Geopolitical Situation session at the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Johannesburg.
Fidan reiterated that the two-state solution remains the only viable path to lasting peace. “The two-state solution, though delayed, remains the only path to a lasting peace. Failure to implement this solution will only continue the cycle of conflict,” he said.
Fidan also criticized the global response to escalating conflicts, noting that humanitarian systems are under strain amid widespread displacement.
“The UN Security Council is unable to fulfill its responsibility of maintaining peace and security in an extremely polarized global environment,” he added.
On Syria, Fidan described recent developments as “encouraging” and called for the unconditional lifting of sanctions to support the country’s recovery.
“For Syria’s recovery to progress meaningfully, the unconditional lifting of sanctions is necessary. The commitment to fighting terrorism continues unwaveringly, and the concerns of regional countries are being addressed,” he said.
Fidan also reaffirmed Türkiye’s position on Ukraine, highlighting diplomacy as the only solution. “Türkiye advocates for a diplomatic resolution while continuing to support Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he noted.
The foreign minister highlighted Africa as a cornerstone of Türkiye’s foreign policy, pointing to increased investments in political, economic, social, security, and humanitarian sectors.
“Türkiye will continue to advocate for Africa’s rightful place in the global order and ensure that its voice is heard more in the multilateral system,” Fidan said, reaffirming Ankara’s strategic partnership with the African Union.