Türkiye reaffirms commitment to regional stability at Pathfinder Foundation Ambassador’s Roundtable

Republic of Türkiye Ambassador Dr. Semih Lütfü Turgut (left) with Pathfinder Foundation Chairman Bernard Goonetilleke, 

at the Pathfinder Ambassador’s Roundtable 

Speaking at the Pathfinder Foundation’s first Ambassador’s Roundtable for the year on 21 January, Republic of Türkiye Ambassador Dr. Semih Lütfü Turgut outlined Ankara’s foreign policy priorities amid a period of heightened global turbulence, stressing diplomacy, dialogue, and cooperation as essential tools for navigating an increasingly unstable international environment.

The Ambassador observed that the turbulence and uncertainty of recent years have carried forward into 2026, with unresolved conflicts, shifting power balances, and declining respect for a rules-based international order. He stressed that while geography may separate Türkiye and Sri Lanka, both countries share a common aspiration for peace, stability, and sustainable development at regional and global levels and emphasised the importance of strengthening bilateral, regional, and multilateral cooperation at a time when collaboration is of utmost importance.

Highlighting the changing nature of global politics, the Ambassador noted that international relations are increasingly shaped by differing perspectives and interpretations of geography, history, and power. He stressed that conflicts in seemingly distant regions can have significant ripple effects worldwide, reinforcing the need for informed and flexible foreign policy approaches.

Turning to current global conflicts, the Dr. Turgut referred to the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza as defining crises of the present era. He stated that these conflicts demonstrate both the limits of military power and the deep humanitarian costs of war, while also exposing a certain duplicity in the international system. Emphasising the fragile nature of ceasefire efforts, particularly in Gaza, he called for sustained international engagement to prevent further escalation and human suffering.

The Ambassador also drew attention to continued instability in the Middle East, including developments in Yemen, Iran, and the Horn of Africa, as well as rising tensions in Europe and East Asia. He cautioned that increasing militarisation, proxy rivalries, and geopolitical competition risk further erosion of global stability, while economic pressures and austerity measures could fuel political extremism in many regions.

Outlining Türkiye’s foreign policy priorities, he stated that Ankara’s approach is anchored in regional peace, stability, and independence. He noted Türkiye’s continued efforts to mediate between Russia and Ukraine, emphasising the importance of securing the Black Sea for global food security. He also reaffirmed that full membership in the EU remains a strategic priority for Türkiye and highlighted its engagement in Central Asia through the Organisation of Turkic States and its focus on economic cooperation in energy and transport corridors. 

Concluding his address, the Ambassador stressed that diplomacy remains the most effective and least costly instrument of foreign policy, particularly at a time of resource constraints and global uncertainty. He called on the international community to prioritise dialogue over confrontation and to uphold the principles of sovereignty, non-interference, and cooperation in pursuit of lasting peace.

Following the presentation, the session continued with an interactive Q&A discussion covering global security developments, regional dynamics, economic challenges, and prospects for enhanced Türkiye-Sri Lanka cooperation.

The Pathfinder Foundation is a leading Sri Lankan think tank dedicated to promoting informed dialogue on foreign policy, economic development, and strategic affairs through initiatives such as the Ambassador’s Roundtable, which brings together diplomats, academics, business leaders, and media representatives for high-level discussions.