President Erdoğan's article in Nikkei Shimbun! International call for Gaza

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's article, in which he called for a common conscience from both ends of Asia to the world, was published in Japanese and English in Nikkei Shimbun, one of Japan's leading newspapers.

In an article he penned, President Erdoğan called on the world for Gaza, saying, "At this point, it is a requirement of both our historical responsibility and human dignity that we, as a world, demonstrate the same solidarity against the oppression in Gaza. Transforming solidarity into concrete steps will pave the way for the strengthening of peace, justice, and conscience. Because the world can only achieve a more just, more secure, and more humane future through shared will and efforts."

Here is the article President Erdoğan wrote in the Nikkei Shimbun:

FROM THE TWO ENDS OF ASIA TO THE SHARED CONSCIENCE OF THE WORLD, the bridge of hearts that connects Turkey and Japan is stronger than official documents, a bridge nourished by history and the conscience of humanity. The foundations of this bridge of friendship are shaped by memories distilled from history and touching the hearts of our people. The tragic accident that the Ertuğrul Frigate suffered off the coast of Kushimoto in 1890 is one symbol of this bond. The compassion and generosity displayed by the Japanese people that day have a deep place in our memory, establishing a humanitarian foundation for the relations between our two countries.

Over the years, this friendship has manifested itself in many areas, including infrastructure projects, technology, education, and culture. From the Marmaray to the Osmangazi Bridge, from our second bridge over the Bosphorus, the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, to the Golden Horn Bridge, Turkish determination and Japanese engineering have collaborated on countless projects. These projects are not merely composed of steel and concrete; each one symbolizes the foresight, alliance, and bond of affection between our two countries. The Çam and Sakura City Hospital in Istanbul is one of the most striking examples of this cooperation in the field of healthcare. Moreover, this brotherhood and cooperation are not limited to our countries; it has been concretely demonstrated in the past in the Middle East. When the determination of Turkish contractors and the meticulous engineering of Japanese companies combine, projects that everyone admires are created. All of this demonstrates that our partnership is built on trust, sincerity, and dignity.

In the coming period, there is potential for our companies to jointly implement infrastructure, energy, transportation, and other development projects in Africa and Central Asia. Furthermore, it goes without saying that Turkey-Japan cooperation could make a significant difference and create significant value through concrete projects in the reconstruction processes of Ukraine and Syria.

Today, we see the international system shaken by profound crises. The global economy has been shaken repeatedly, energy and food security have become fragile, and climate-related disasters have begun to affect every corner. While rapid technological advances offer new opportunities, they also bring with them serious risks. These developments directly impact both Türkiye and Japan. Neither geographical distance nor economic power are sufficient to protect us from these global challenges. This situation further demonstrates the truth: no state can solve global problems alone. Unilateral initiatives lead to deadlock, and international institutions are inadequate. At this point, the joint efforts of Turkey and Japan, as countries with deep-rooted civilizations, can pave the way for constructive solutions to global problems.

One of the most important areas that brings Turkey and Japan closer together is humanitarian diplomacy. The affection, cultural similarities, and mutual respect between our peoples offer us strong common ground. Both peoples share an understanding that does not remain silent in the face of suffering, extends a helping hand to those in need, and prioritizes dignity and human dignity. This makes it much easier for us to act together in foreign policy. Beyond intergovernmental cooperation, there is a deep-rooted bond of affection and shared sentiment between our peoples. Our civil societies, aid organizations, development agencies, and other relevant institutions have been working side by side for years. The projects implemented by TİKA and JICA in different regions are concrete examples of this. Therefore, the issue is not only intergovernmental cooperation; it is also about reflecting the conscience of our peoples in politics.

We must approach international crises from this foundation of humanitarian diplomacy. The world is facing challenges that no state can overcome alone. Pandemics, wars, invasions, waves of migration, economic turmoil, and natural disasters are challenges that countries cannot overcome alone, necessitating regional and global solidarity and cooperation. Turkey and Japan have supported each other in natural disasters, especially earthquakes, for decades. Japan's invaluable support following the earthquake disaster that struck our country in 2023 will not be forgotten by our nation. Turkey, too, extended a friendly hand to the Japanese people after the earthquake and tsunami disasters in Japan in 2011. I have no hesitation that we will continue to mutually support each other in such disasters in the future.

Each of these are global challenges that recognize no boundaries. If states turn their backs on each other, uncertainty increases, unpredictability deepens, and instability spreads everywhere. But if cooperation is based on trust, uncertainty can be controlled and unpredictability reduced. This is precisely why joint action between Turkey and Japan is crucial. Our complementary experiences, geographical reach, and humanitarian sensitivity can make a difference globally. We possess this resolve, and we believe that when we act together, we have the power to produce solutions.

After all this context, I would like to address Gaza. Because Gaza is today facing one of the most severe tests for humanity's conscience. As a result of Israel's genocide and occupation, we are witnessing a situation where children are starving, hospitals are inoperable, cities are in ruins, and millions are deprived of their most basic needs. This tragedy is a matter for all of humanity. As Turkey, we have not been silent, and we will not be silent. We are striving on every platform to ensure a ceasefire, unhindered access to humanitarian aid, and the protection of innocent civilians. However, we know that our voice must be louder and our impact must be broader.

Japan's wisdom prioritizing peace, its commitment to international law, and its conscientious sensitivity are invaluable in this process. When combined with Türkiye's regional influence and humanitarian aid capacity, a dignified and powerful partnership will emerge. What needs to be done today is to increase diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire, deliver humanitarian aid more regularly, create resources for children's education and healthcare needs, and, most importantly, embrace a just peace based on a two-state solution. In this way, we can not only heal the wounds in Gaza but also create hope that will revitalize the future.

Ultimately, the friendship between Türkiye and Japan is more than just a fond memory of the past; it also represents a great opportunity to overcome today's crises. At a time when the international system is shaken and trust is eroded, it is crucial that we, as two countries, act together.

At this point, it is a requirement of both our historical responsibility and human dignity that we, as a world, demonstrate the same solidarity against the oppression in Gaza. Transforming solidarity into concrete steps will pave the way for the strengthening of peace, justice, and conscience. Because only through shared will and efforts can the world achieve a more just, safer, and more humane future.