Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has issued a grave warning about the escalating tensions in the Middle East, suggesting that the risk of World War III is a genuine concern. In a comprehensive interview with Habertürk, Fidan delved into the various geopolitical pressures currently shaping the world, including the rise of the far-right in Europe and the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
During the interview, Fidan highlighted the European Union’s (EU) need for greater strategic independence and the importance of collaboration with Turkey. He stated, “When you discuss with technocrats within the EU about membership relations through a geostrategic framework, it becomes evident that a more independent, self-assured European actor is crucial, with Turkey playing a significant role. This cooperation offers a tangible opportunity for humanity and Europe, building on the previously initiated concept of the Alliance of Civilizations.”
Fidan also pointed out that this topic is not easily debated within the EU, largely due to the identity politics prevalent in European political parties.
The Turkish Foreign Minister criticised European politicians for seeking easy electoral gains rather than taking geostrategic steps that would benefit public welfare. He explained, “By failing to take geostrategic actions, you do not convey to the public how it affects their economy, health, and security. This lack of communication leads to the issues we face today.”
One of the significant challenges facing the EU, according to Fidan, is its level of autonomy within the transatlantic structure and its dependency on the United States. He questioned, “Can Europe sustain its own peace? This is a more vital issue.”
“The World Must Take This Threat Seriously”
Fidan stressed the seriousness of the global threats, particularly highlighting the atrocities in Gaza and their impact on global unity. He stated, “The massacre in Gaza is a genocide dividing humanity. The economic competition, coupled with the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, has shifted the question of ‘who holds technological superiority?’ to the forefront. The potential here is immense.”
Discussing the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Fidan outlined Turkey’s critical position and its significant bilateral cooperation with Russia, particularly in energy and trade. He also expressed concern about the war’s potential to escalate geographically and methodically, warning that nuclear weapons could come into play.
During his visits to China and Russia, Fidan observed a growing structural partnership among Russia, China, and Iran, attributing this to the widespread ramifications of the ongoing war. He reiterated Turkey’s advocacy for peace in Ukraine, noting, “We conveyed to our counterparts that peace is essential.
⚡️The 🇹🇷Turkish company Baykar has started the construction of a plant in 🇺🇦Ukraine, said Haluk Bayraktar, CEO of Baykar
— 🪖Military news (@front_ukrainian) February 6, 2024
The Turkish drone factory in Ukraine is already under construction and will take about 12 months to complete, after which the company plans to move on to… pic.twitter.com/Dg1filyFZB
“Risk of World War III is Real”
Fidan acknowledged the potential for negotiation and dialogue but noted the reluctance of parties to appear weak ahead of critical elections in Europe and the US. He warned of the severe consequences if the war continues, “President Putin and others have expressed no hesitation in using nuclear weapons. As long as the war persists, this risk remains inevitable.”
The Foreign Minister emphasized the necessity of strategic diplomacy to prevent the conflict from spreading, mentioning the security challenges posed by Israel in the Eastern Mediterranean. He stressed, “We are in a region where sparks can easily ignite broader conflicts. The risk of World War III is real.”
Fidan also touched on the importance of facilitating the return of refugees, envisioning a unified Syria playing a crucial role in combating PKK terrorism.
