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Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said that standing alongside "genocidal Israel" no longer makes anyone look good, as even international actors who previously supported Israel are distancing themselves.
Speaking after the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Fidan made comprehensive statements on regional developments and Türkiye's diplomatic initiatives.
Fidan stated that support for Israel has diminished globally as the situation in Gaza worsens.
"Since the genocide in Gaza reached its peak, even some actors in the international system who support Israel have prioritized keeping themselves distant from Israel. Because standing with genocidal Israel no longer makes anyone look good," Fidan stated.
He noted that the number of countries supporting Israel rhetorically has dwindled to barely the fingers of one hand, with the United States leading those who do not oppose these policies.
Fidan emphasized that while almost the entire international community rhetorically condemns the events in Gaza and supports a two-state solution, the lack of concrete results represents what Türkiye calls a "malfunction" in the system that needs to be corrected.
Before addressing international issues, Fidan paid tribute to 12 soldiers who died from methane gas exposure during search operations in the Claw-Lock Operation area.
"May our heroes' souls rest in peace. We will continue to defend the homeland they entrusted to us in the best way possible," he said.
Reiterating Türkiye’s call for a cease-fire in Gaza, Fidan said: "Before Hamas responded, we met with them several times and conveyed our views and the President’s guidance. We have always stood for a ceasefire, peace, and urgent humanitarian aid."
"Although Israel is turning this into a systematic massacre, even genocide, we expressed our readiness to work diplomatically, with our partners and allies, to find a solution."
Fidan said he hopes a ceasefire will be implemented soon, and humanitarian aid can begin without delay.
Fidan said the Istanbul Peace Talks between Russia and Ukraine had yielded rare outcomes, including record prisoner exchanges and body repatriations.
"In four years of war, these were unprecedented results," he said, referring to two earlier rounds held in Istanbul.
"Both sides were pleased with the talks. Discussions continue over whether a permanent or temporary ceasefire could be achieved through a leaders’ summit or negotiation teams," he added.
Fidan confirmed that Russia is ready for a third round of negotiations.
"The Russians have expressed readiness for the third round. We’re now waiting for Ukraine’s response. Our contact with them is ongoing," he said.
Regarding artificial intelligence discussions, Fidan highlighted concerns about technological dominance and inequality.
"We drew attention to maximizing the use of this technology, some countries being deprived of it, the gap being very large, and the rapid dominance effect emerging through artificial intelligence," he said.
"We warned that international systems, institutions, and platforms need to be quite sensitive on this issue," Fidan noted.
On climate change, Fidan noted that all countries around the table expressed serious concerns about the issue.
He recalled that BRICS member countries represent half of the world's population and 40% of its economy, with half of the summit participants also being G20 members.
"Türkiye closely follows changes on every platform and will continue to be closely interested in BRICS in this respect," Fidan stated.
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