In a Multipolar World – Turkey and Turkic Unity

From April 11 to 13, 2025, the fourth Antalya Diplomacy Forum was held in Antalya, Türkiye, under the theme “Reclaiming Diplomacy in a Fragmented World.” The event brought together 21 heads of state, over 40 foreign ministers, more than 70 high-ranking officials, and over 6,000 participants from 155 countries, including politicians, diplomats, experts, and media representatives. Uzbekistan was represented by Deputy Chairman of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis, Sodiq Safoyev.​

The forum's theme reflects the current global shift from a unipolar world, dominated by the United States in the 1990s, towards a multipolar order. However, while unipolarity is waning, a fully established multipolar system has yet to emerge. The forum served as a platform to discuss and exchange views on these evolving geopolitical dynamics.​

For Uzbekistan, observing Türkiye is significant. As one of the six independent Turkic states, Uzbekistan is the second-largest after Türkiye and the largest in Central Asia and the post-Soviet space. Historically, before the Russian Empire's expansion and especially prior to the Bolsheviks' rise to power, Uzbekistan had strong ties with Türkiye and other Turkic peoples. In the early 1990s, following independence, Uzbekistan looked to the Turkish model, though this alignment was short-lived. In the past 7-8 years, efforts to reinvigorate relations with the Turkic world and Türkiye have intensified, positioning Türkiye as a key geopolitical partner for Uzbekistan.​

The forum addressed numerous critical issues, including the situations in Syria and Gaza, developments in the Caucasus, the Russia–Ukraine conflict, Middle Eastern trends, conditions in Africa, Turkic cooperation, and projects within Central Asian states.​

A dedicated panel by the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) highlighted collaboration among member states and current challenges. Sodiq Safoyev emphasized the unity of values and perspectives within the Turkic world, advocating for cohesive information spaces and intensified political dialogue to prevent geopolitical fragmentation.​

OTS Secretary General Kubanychbek Omuraliev stated, “Our historical and identity unity cannot be taken away; now we must proceed with practical steps to connect and unify Turkic states through real projects.” He briefly discussed major initiatives underway within the organization.​

Chairman of the OTS Council of Elders and former Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım responded to questions about whether China's "Belt and Road" initiative competes with the Turkic states' "Middle Corridor" project, stating: “The Middle Corridor, connecting Central Asia through the Caspian Sea to Azerbaijan and Türkiye, aims to be a primary route linking China and the European Union.”​

Renowned American economist Jeffrey Sachs analyzed the Middle East situation, identifying Israel as a primary destabilizing force. He argued that Israel's goal is to reformat the Middle East entirely, with countries opposing or not supporting Israel facing destabilization through U.S. actions. Sachs cited Lebanon, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Syria as examples of states destabilized under this agenda. He concluded that as long as imperialist powers like the UK, France, and the U.S. remain involved, peace in the Middle East will be unattainable.​

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan addressed the forum, outlining Türkiye's foreign policy. He emphasized Türkiye's commitment to diplomacy, stating that the country seeks friendly and equal relations with all but will resist oppression and fight for its rights. Erdoğan condemned the situation in Gaza, labeling Israel a "terrorist state" and highlighting the indiscriminate killing of children, women, and journalists.​

Many forum participants concurred that the world is entering an era dominated by powerful entities, with international law weakening, conflicts escalating, and borders becoming increasingly unstable. In this context, cooperation among Turkic nations is more crucial than ever, a point underscored by the Uzbek representative.​

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