Turkey Leads High-Level Diplomatic Push to Address West Asia Conflict at Antalya Forum

Kathmandu. Amidst the ongoing war in West Asia and the resulting regional and global tensions, Turkey has launched a high-level diplomatic initiative.

By bringing together the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, Turkey is hosting a significant diplomatic forum in Antalya on Friday. This is being viewed as an effort to make the ceasefire permanent.

Addressing the three-day 'Antalya Diplomacy Forum' which began in the Mediterranean resort city of Antalya, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasized the need to reduce tensions and continue dialogue. Reiterating his previous statements in parliament, he noted that a solution is not possible without dialogue.

A special meeting between the foreign ministers of Turkey, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt is being prepared on the sidelines of this forum. Although the time of the meeting has not been made public, the main focus of the discussion is expected to be the West Asia war, the future of the ceasefire, and the ongoing blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.

In this context, Pakistan has increased its activity in regional diplomacy. Last weekend, it hosted rare talks between Iran and the United States, which, although inconclusive, are considered successful in keeping the doors of dialogue open. On Thursday, the Pakistani Army Chief met with senior Iranian negotiators in Tehran to attempt to advance the negotiation process. 

The US administration has also signaled that the next round of talks with Iran could take place in Islamabad. The previous round of talks was led by Vice President JD Vance. 

Meanwhile, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has met with the ruler of Qatar in Doha during a regional tour and is scheduled to discuss matters with President Erdogan while participating in the Antalya Forum. Islamabad is pushing for the second round of US-Iran talks to begin soon.

Turkey has also pledged to continue its diplomatic efforts. According to a source from the Ministry of Defense, all necessary support will be provided to make the temporary ceasefire permanent. The source mentioned that the impact of the war is not just regional but global, and a quick solution is necessary.

Turkey, which has maintained a critical stance toward Israel, is also playing an active role in ceasefire efforts. Together with Egypt and Pakistan, Turkey has advanced diplomatic initiatives to stop the conflict. Ankara has been advocating for the inclusion of Lebanon in the ceasefire process, where the impact of Israeli attacks has been observed.

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz should be reopened as soon as possible. He stated that the waterway must be maintained as an international free route and made it clear that any obstruction there is unacceptable.

More than 150 countries are expected to participate in the Antalya Forum, including over 20 heads of state and government. The presence of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sara and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is also expected.