Italian expert in international politics: Turkey can play the role of a stabilizing power in the region to avoid a major change

For two days, the seventh edition of the Security Forum of the Black Sea and the Balkans took place in Bucharest, with the participation of renowned guests from the European Union and NATO states, as well as from partner countries. Radio Romania News was a media partner.

The phenomenon of migration was also a topic of analysis during the discussion session on Turkey's security policies, moderated by Dan Preda, director of Radio Romania News.

Valeria Giannotta, an Italian expert in international politics, pointed out that Turkey can play the role of a stabilizing power in the region to avoid a major change and has the necessary capacity as well as credibility.

"Turkey hosted almost 4 million Syrians and prevented their further migration to Europe"

Valeria Giannotta: When I talk about credibility, I mean the agreement signed in 2016 between Turkey and the European Union on Syrian refugees. We call them refugees, but according to international law, they are people placed under temporary protection. Turkey undertook to host them and concluded an agreement with the European Union, which proved effective, despite occasional malfunctions. But Turkey has hosted nearly 4 million Syrians and prevented their further migration to Europe. As such, Turkey is a credible partner for European institutions.

"The Turkish election result will not lead to a change in the main foreign policies"

The Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey, Ozgur Altan, said that the election result in his country will not lead to a change in the main foreign policies. The foreign dignitary stated that there is total support for the territorial integrity of Ukraine. Ozgur Altan added that there is also a line of communication with the Russians so that the war stops and diplomacy wins.

Ozgur Altan: Ukrainians are very dear to us, but we also have an understanding with the Russians, we want to talk with them. So, the inclusion of Turkey in the European Union, as a member state, is still a strategic objective for us. It must be taken in the whole package. Also, the discussions on the Black Sea, on the Three Seas Initiative, all these must include Turkey, because it is at the heart of the situation. For example, if the European Union thinks of a strategy for the Black Sea and does not discuss with Turkey, which has 1.329 km of coastline, it is unthinkable.

Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey, Ozgur Altan: Excellent Turkish-Romanian relations

The ambassador also spoke about the excellent Turkish-Romanian relations, both within the North Atlantic Alliance and the economic ones.

Translated by: Radu Matei