Shanghai Cooperation Organization head hails Türkiye’s growing role in international diplomacy

​​​​​​​By Alperen Aktas, Busranur Keskinkilic and Gokhan Celiker

ISTANBUL, ANTALYA, Türkiye (AA) - Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Secretary-General Nurlan Yermekbayev praised Türkiye’s growing engagement in international diplomacy as “a very active and constructive dialogue partner” during remarks at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF).

Yermekbayev told Anadolu that Türkiye plays a key role in SCO activities and noted President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been invited to high-level summits in recent years, including in July 2024 at the SCO meeting in Astana, Kazakhstan.

“In general terms, Türkiye is very active, very constructive dialogue partner in our organization,” he said, adding that talks with Türkiye and other partners are expected to deepen through a newly adopted roadmap.

He expressed hope for deeper and more dynamic cooperation with Türkiye and other dialogue partners, noting that a roadmap was adopted to strengthen collaboration.

Touching on regional developments, Yermekbayev highlighted the significance of a recent agreement between Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan on defining their common border point.

He called it a major step that reflects historic good-neighborly ties among the Central Asian countries.

He also welcomed the March 13 border agreement between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan as an important development for the region.

- 'ADF truly impressed me'

Reflecting on the ADF, Yermekbayev said: “I am really impressed by the scale, number and composition of the participants.”

He emphasized that opening speeches by Erdogan and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan attracted strong attention and included key messages on global issues.

He added that the Forum offered valuable opportunities for dialogue with experts from around the world, and he used the platform to share the SCO’s vision.

The event was held at Antalya's NEST Congress Center with Anadolu Agency serving as its global communication partner.