Johannesburg, February 21, 2025 – The Europe Today: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has underscored the critical link between economic development and sustainable peace, stating that efforts to maintain stability must be backed by economic prosperity.
Speaking at the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Johannesburg on Friday, Fidan highlighted the fragility of peace in regions such as Syria and Gaza, emphasizing that economic recovery in these areas is often short-lived without long-term development strategies.
“Peace is extremely fragile in Syria, Gaza, and many other regions of the world. Economic recovery and development efforts for these regions tend to be short-lived unless we offer realistic perspectives,” Fidan said.
Strengthening G20’s Role in Global Stability
Fidan called for the G20 to maintain its position as the premier forum for international economic cooperation and urged member states to take concrete steps to enhance the group’s resilience and relevance. These steps include striving for a more inclusive and representative global governance system, particularly in preserving international peace and security.
He advocated for increased participation of developing economies and regional actors in global decision-making processes and stressed the importance of stronger collaboration between the G20 and regional organizations such as the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and the African Union.
Regional Connectivity and Economic Corridors
Fidan emphasized the significance of fostering connectivity through regional economic corridors, citing projects such as the Trans-Caspian Middle Corridor and the Development Road Project as key examples.
“Especially in Central Asia, the Caucasus, and the Middle East, promoting connectivity through regional economic corridors with the Trans-Caspian Middle Corridor and the Development Road Project are key examples of this vision,” he said.
Addressing Global Challenges
The Turkish foreign minister also called for fair burden-sharing in managing migration and refugee crises, advocating for sustainable frameworks to support host countries. Additionally, he highlighted the need for improved coordination in addressing food security, inflation, and supply chain disruptions.
The Role of the G20 in Geoeconomics
Fidan underscored the need for the G20 to act as a stabilizing force in global geoeconomics, using economic diplomacy to bridge geopolitical divides.
“The G20 could be more effective in shaping a more stable global order by recognizing the connection between geoeconomics and geopolitics,” he noted.
He further affirmed Türkiye’s readiness to contribute to this vision, asserting that economic diplomacy should be leveraged to overcome geopolitical divisions.
“As Türkiye, we are ready to contribute to this vision,” he concluded.
