Fidan: “Gaza Is a Concentration Camp”

During his visit to Malaysia for the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan spoke with Bernama TV, highlighting Türkiye’s expanding regional engagement, strengthening ties with Malaysia, and its strategic approach to diplomacy, trade, and conflict mediation.

Erdoğan–Anwar Friendship Sets the Tone

Fidan emphasized the close friendship between President Erdoğan and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, describing their bond as a foundation for deepening bilateral relations:

“Their relationship gives us a strong base to coordinate and progress together as foreign ministries.”

Fidan noted that Türkiye-Malaysia ties have historically been cordial, and current cooperation continues to build on that. He outlined key areas ripe for growth, including:

• Technology

• Trade

• Defense industry

• Education

While current bilateral trade volume hovers just above $5 billion, Fidan said the target is $10 billion, calling the present figure “far from reflecting our friendship.” He added that Turkish defense companies are eager to explore opportunities in Malaysia, especially in microelectronics and high-tech sectors.

Türkiye’s ASEAN Strategy: Trade, Tourism, and Trust

Asked about Türkiye’s long-term goals with ASEAN, Fidan highlighted the absence of historical conflicts and the opportunity to build a positive, forward-looking agenda.

“There’s great mutual interest in tourism. Turks are discovering ASEAN after years of traveling to Europe, and ASEAN tourists and students are increasingly visiting Türkiye.”

Fidan noted that people-to-people contact, tourism, and educational exchanges are growing rapidly and could form the social backbone of broader regional cooperation.

Gaza: “A Humanitarian Disaster We Cannot Ignore”

On the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Fidan spoke bluntly:

“What’s happening in Gaza is genocide. It resembles a World War II-era concentration camp. Two million people are being deliberately starved.”

He praised Malaysia’s strong stance, especially PM Anwar’s vocal support for Al-Aqsa and Palestinian rights.

“We need stronger collaboration, shoulder to shoulder. If we don’t unite now against this barbarism, it could one day come for us.”

Diplomacy Over Guns: Fidan’s Take on Mediation

Fidan, a former intelligence chief and military officer, underlined the importance of mediation as a core instrument of Türkiye’s foreign policy under President Erdoğan.

“If diplomats did their job better, military and intelligence burdens would be much lighter,” he reflected, explaining his motivation as foreign minister.

Türkiye has already played key roles in Russia–Ukraine negotiations, Iran–Israel de-escalation, and Caucasus diplomacy, while conducting other silent mediation efforts in Africa and the Middle East.

He acknowledged that Türkiye, due to its geography, faces challenges from conflict-ridden neighbors like Syria, Iraq, and Iran, making diplomatic agility and specialized methodologies essential for national and regional stability.