Global leaders gather in Türkiye for Antalya Diplomacy Forum

Global leaders and diplomats gathered in southern Türkiye on 17 April for the fifth Antalya Diplomacy Forum, focusing on uncertainty, conflict, and the future of global cooperation.

The opening day has been busy, with high-level discussions and a packed schedule of speakers. The forum is being held under the theme “Mapping Tomorrow, Managing Uncertainties”, reflecting growing global instability.

Among those attending are Ilham Aliyev, senior officials from across Europe, Asia and Africa, and Ukraine’s foreign minister.

The forum was formally opened by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Focus on conflict and uncertainty

The discussions come at a tense time globally. Delegates are holding talks on the sidelines about the ongoing tensions involving the U.S., Israel and Iran, which began earlier this year.

Speakers have stressed the need to prepare for an uncertain future, with many pointing to rising tensions and weakening global cooperation.

The forum has quickly become a space where leaders can speak openly and exchange ideas face-to-face.

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Bilateral meetings on the sidelines

On the sidelines of the forum, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev held a series of bilateral meetings with international leaders. A video of his working visit to Türkiye was also shared on his official social media accounts.

The President met with Ahmed al-Sharaa, Transitional President of Syria, where the sides discussed energy cooperation, including potential Azerbaijani gas exports to Syria via Türkiye.

The project was described as important for strengthening Syria’s energy security and development. Both sides also stressed the importance of resolving regional tensions through diplomacy.

Aliyev also met Tufan Erhürman, President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, where discussions focused on Azerbaijan’s continued support and bilateral cooperation.

In another meeting, Aliyev held talks with Moldovan President Maia Sandu. The two sides highlighted opportunities for expanding energy cooperation and Azerbaijan’s support to Moldova during previous energy challenges.

He also met Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, discussing bilateral relations and regional cooperation.

Regional solutions in a changing world

One of the key discussions on the first day centred on how regions can take greater control of their own challenges.

The panel, moderated by broadcaster Adnan Nawaz, brought together several senior figures, including the presidents of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Burundi, as well as Türkiye’s vice-president and El Salvador’s vice-president.

They agreed that as global systems become more fragmented, regional cooperation is becoming increasingly important.

Azerbaijan’s approach to regional cooperation

Speaking at the forum, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan Hikmet Hajiyev outlined Azerbaijan’s view on regional responsibility.

“The fundamental principles and core pillars of regional ownership for Azerbaijan mean addressing regional challenges and problems ourselves, together with our like-minded partners in the region. First and foremost, we must establish our own order rather than waiting for others to come and fulfil missions in our region. This is one of the fundamental issues,” he said.

He added, “For us, regional ownership also consists of core principles. One of these is a genuine common responsibility for regional issues. To this, regional leadership must be added.”

Hajiyev also highlighted the importance of cooperation, particularly between Türkiye and Azerbaijan, calling it a key part of regional peace and stability.

“Türkiye-Azerbaijan cooperation rose to the level of an alliance with the 'Shusha Declaration' signed by our leaders,” he said, adding that this partnership has expanded into wider regional formats involving countries such as Georgia and Iran.

TRIPP project and U.S. cooperation

Hajiyev’s remarks came amid renewed focus on regional transport initiatives, including the TRIPP project involving Armenia and the United States.

Speaking at the panel Assistant to the President highlighted Azerbaijan’s role in global logistics and the growing importance of regional connectivity.

“Azerbaijan plays an important role not only in energy but also in global logistics supply chains as a reliable partner. Recent developments have once again demonstrated the importance of the Middle Corridor,” he said.

Hajiyev noted that the corridor has already developed into a “functioning, diversified and multimodal route,” adding that the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway remains a key component.

He also said the “Trump route will create a new strategic connection between Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and Europe.”

Armenia signals progress on TRIPP implementation

Meanwhile, Armenia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan said in remarks to journalists  that work on the U.S.-backed TRIPP project is progressing.

“We are continuing the implementation phase of the TRIPP project together with our American colleagues, or preparing to begin work on the ground,” he told journalists.

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A shift towards peace

Speaking to AnewZ's Katie Wilson, Hajiyev also pointed to a broader shift in Azerbaijan’s priorities.

“Today, Azerbaijan's agenda is completely about peace, and it's also regional ownership and regional responsibility and regional integration and cooperation that Azerbaijan tries to deliver and to shape our region in a peaceful manner.”

He stressed that the country is not waiting for outside solutions, but instead using its own understanding of the region to shape outcomes.

Türkiye’s call for diplomacy

Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz echoed similar views, stressing the importance of dialogue over conflict.

“Türkiye prefers diplomacy over conflict, and stability over insecurity,” he said.

He added that wars benefit no one, while peace brings shared gains. Türkiye, he said, will continue to build ties across different regions and keep communication channels open.

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