Vecdi Gönül
Minister of Defence, Turkey
Thank you, Mr Chairman. Distinguished ministers, Excellencies, generals, admirals, distinguished delegates and friends, ladies and gentlemen, it is a great pleasure for me to be here and address such a distinguished audience. I also wish to express my appreciation to our hosts, the government of Bahrain and the IISS, for this wonderful organisation and the very warm welcome extended to us.
Ladies and gentlemen, in a world, which is becoming more and more globalised, there is an ever-increasing interdependence between countries. In such an environment, we need to look for more options for cooperation and dialogue. There is also a need for enhancing the role of international organisations, in order to further develop their efficiency in overcoming new challenges. However, we cannot expect all efforts from international organisations. It is my pleasure to see that the Manama Dialogue plays an important role in this aspect, by contributing to the peaceful resolution of the region's problems.
Being at the crossroads of Eurasia and Africa, with access to the Black Sea and Mediterranean, and being a neighbour to the most troubled areas of the world, Turkey is seriously affected by any kind of instability in the region. Thus, it attaches great importance to the principle of good relations and cooperation with its neighbours and all countries. Turkey uses its multicultural background to reach out to our neighbours and play a key role in conflict resolutions and preventions. The Alliance of Civilizations, which has become a UN initiative a cause sponsored by Turkey and Spain, collectively now boasts over 100 members in its group of friends. It gives me pleasure to note that all members of the GCC are part of this group. I am further pleased that Qatar will be hosting the Alliance Annual Forum in 2011. Apart from global thematic initiatives such as the Alliance of Civilizations, Turkey has been at the forefront of a whole range of other projects and undertakings, aimed chiefly at promoting regional peace, stability, cooperation and prosperity. All these efforts we made were rewarded with our election to the UN Security Council as well.
Now I would like to take a closer look at some of the regional issues. The Middle East is currently the most important conflicting area for international powers, as was the case in the past. Regional instability directly and seriously affects the economic, political and security interests of the whole world, and primarily that of regional countries. Therefore, we have a high interest in attaining sustainable peace, security, stability and prosperity in the Middle East. We deeply value our historical, cultural and human bonds with the Iraq population. All segments of Iraqi society and 18 provinces of Iraq are dear to our hearts. I would like to reiterate once again that Turkey will make every effort to help Iraqis achieve the peace, security and prosperity that they deserve. The rapid rise of bilateral trade volume, establishment of a Turkish-Iraqi high‑level strategic partnership council and the frequency of the high-level bilateral visits are clear indications of the exemplary nature of our multifaceted and improving relations with Iraq. The withdrawal of the US troops from Iraq and the parliamentary elections which are planned to take place in January 2010 will be a key milestones in Iraqis' struggle to build a sovereign, democratic and prosperous country.
The peaceful and orderly conduct of upcoming parliamentary elections is of paramount importance. Turkey's Iraq policy is based on Iraq's territorial integrity and ensuring its political unity, and termination of terrorist acts by the terror organisation PKK towards Turkey.
Regarding Iraq's geographical integrity and political unity, the province Kirkuk is another important source of concern. As Kirkuk is a microcosm of Iraq, a small spark] in the province is likely to inflame the whole country. Therefore, working towards a settlement acceptable to all groups in Kirkuk is critical for the maintenance of peace, stability and tranquillity in Iraq.
One of the issues that has a direct impact on regional global security is Iran's nuclear [war?]. Turkey has maintained a smooth relationship with Iran for centuries. The relations are based on the fundamental principles of non-interference in internal affairs, and security cooperation, which is limited to terrorism and border issues. Within the framework of security cooperation, the two countries have established mechanisms among the security agencies in the field of anti-terrorism and border security. Of course, we share the concerns of the international community regarding Iran's nuclear programme. A possible solution should take into account the right to make peaceful use of nuclear energy, as well as International Atomic Agency norms and the Non-Proliferation Treaty obligations.
The recent conflicts between Israel and Hamas have reaffirmed the fact that Israeli-Palestinian conflict is one of the most problematic issues in the Middle East. Turkey believes that dialogue and cooperation must be the major tools to solve this problem. It is also required that, for permanent settlement of Israeli-Palestinian issues, that the two Palestinian groups be reconciled. We hope the Palestinian presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for January 2010 will help strengthen the unity and create political stability. Turkey supports a negotiated settlement to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on the basis of the UN Security Council resolutions, the principle of the Land for Peace, the Arab peace initiative and the roadmap that would ensure two states living side-by-side within secure and recognised borders. In this context, we will continue to work with our friendly nations in the region and beyond to secure a lasting calm and stability in the region.
As with all its neighbours, Turkey attaches importance to constructive relations with Syria. We assess that the confidence and cooperation established between the two countries with the Adena Accord signed in 1998 against terrorism is considerable headway that contributes to the establishment of peace and stability in the region. With Syria, we have been cooperating in the fight against the PKK terrorist organisation. Turkey and Syria have established a high-level strategic partnership council with the aim to develop bilateral relations. The recently made exemption of visa procedures between two countries is a very important development.
Turkey supports Lebanese sovereignty and territorial integrity. Turkey continues to give the necessary support to international security attempts for active
contribution at the highest level. In this context, since September 2006, we have been contributing to the UN United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), and we will continue as long as needed. Turkey participates in the UNIFIL Naval Task Force with one frigate. Our military engaging unit has been located in Es Satiye village in the vicinity of Sour within its 2,061 staff. We have employed three personnel at UNIFIL headquarters in Lebanon, one at the UNIFIL strategic planning cell in New York, and one at the UNIFIL commanding vessel.
The strategic dialogue mechanism established in September 2008 with the GCC aims to develop existing good bilateral relations between Turkey and the Gulf countries and explore our options on how to advance our common interests through a mechanism of regular consultations. It is important to note that the strategic dialogue constitutes the first regular constitution process to date between the GCC and a single country, covering wide-ranging bilateral as well as regional and international issues of common concern.
We are also pleased to observe that NATO-Gulf countries' relations are improving smoothly within the framework of Istanbul cooperation initiative which was launched at the 2004 NATO summit in Istanbul. Turkey would like to develop good relations, based on mutual respect, with its neighbours, including Armenia. To engage in a constructive dialogue, the foreign ministers of the two countries have met eight times, taking up all the problems that currently exist in an effort to create solutions which will lead to enhanced security and welfare in our region. This dialogue culminated in two protocols, which were signed on 10 October 2009 by the foreign ministers of Turkey and Armenia. The signature of the protocols constitutes an important first step of the normalising of bilateral relations. Turkish/Armenia reconciliation alone will not suffice to bring a sustainable peace to the South Caucuses. Other concrete steps for the peaceful solution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict are also necessary in this regard; hence we continue our diplomatic efforts and the momentum of negotiations for the peaceful resolution of this conflict.
Let me turn to yet another important issue that has the serious potential to affect our regional security. The situation in Afghanistan continues to be very serious and requires intensive efforts, not only on the part of Afghani authorities but also from the international community, which is trying to do its best to help the country out of the quagmire. After a difficult and troubled election process, the most urgent need of the country is the establishment of an inclusive government that has the power and competence to pull the country back together. We, too, should increase our efforts in order to consolidate this stance, and effectiveness and good governance of the Karzai Government.
Lack of support for the presidency and the demonstration in Kabul are tantamount to weakening the basis of the Ural presence in Afghanistan. We have always argued that a military approach alone cannot bring a lasting solution to the problems in Afghanistan. We shall further concentrate on utilising political, diplomatic, economic and social instruments extensively and effectively.
Reconstruction, training of the national security forces, national reconstruction in the reintegration process, education – particularly that of girls and women – needs focus and enhanced work. In general, we welcome the new strategy outlined by General McChrystal, as it puts Afghanistan at the centre of activities we have long been advocating. We also welcome the decision taken by President Obama to send more troops to Afghanistan, which we think is in line with the new strategy.
Turkey has been one of the most active contributors to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) operation since its beginning. Turkey has taken the lead national responsibility of the regional command capital in Kabul, as of 1 November 2009. As in the past, Turkey will continue to support and contribute to the establishment of security and stability in Afghanistan.
Mr Chairman, dear colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, in conclusion I would like to reiterate that the contemporary Turkish foreign and security policy is actively engaged in efforts to resolve some of the chronic issues that have troubled our region for so long. In doing so, we underscore engagement, dialogue and economic cooperation. Possible solutions to individual conflicts in the Middle East could only be sustainable if we adopt a comprehensive approach based on a positive vision for the future. To this end, Turkey is willing to take advantage of its strong ties with the Euro‑Atlantic Institute, of its seat at the UN Security Council, to work intensively with its neighbours and its partners in the Middle East for a better, peaceful and promising future.
Thank you for your kind attention.
