Erdogan holds talks with leaders of Burundi, Libya on sidelines of Antalya Diplomacy Forum
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a series of high-level meetings with leaders from Libya, Burundi, and Slovenia on Saturday on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a series of high-level meetings with leaders from Libya, Burundi, and Slovenia on Saturday on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF) in southern Türkiye.
The talks were part of Erdogan’s engagements on the second day of the forum, a key international platform bringing together world leaders and policymakers.
Erdogan met with Libyan Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibeh, Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye, and Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar.
According to Türkiye’s Communications Directorate, Erdogan’s meeting with Dbeibeh focused on bilateral ties as well as regional and global developments. The talks were held at the hotel where Erdogan is staying in Antalya and attended by senior Turkish officials, including Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar, National Defence Minister Yasar Guler, National Intelligence Organisation chief Ibrahim Kalin and Communications Director Burhanettin Duran.
Erdogan urges inclusive consultation in Libya
Erdogan stressed that no initiative in Libya lacking broad support from Libyans themselves can succeed, underscoring the importance of advancing political processes through inclusive consultation and dialogue.
He reaffirmed Türkiye’s continued support for Libya’s political process and said Ankara would continue to strengthen cooperation across all areas, including safeguarding shared rights and interests in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Erdogan also warned that Israel’s “aggressive” actions in the region carry significant costs for global stability, adding that Türkiye is working with regional partners to maintain the ceasefire in Iran and support efforts toward lasting peace.
In his meeting with Burundian President Ndayishimiye, Erdogan highlighted the importance of enhancing economic and trade relations as well as cooperation in the defence industry.
Congratulates Burundi on assuming AU chairmanship
He also reiterated Türkiye’s efforts to secure a lasting humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza and welcomed Burundi’s supportive stance. Erdogan further congratulated Burundi on assuming the African Union’s rotating chairmanship for 2026.
During his meeting with Slovenian President Pirc Musar, Erdogan said Türkiye values Slovenia’s recognition of the State of Palestine, its arms embargo on Israel and its support for pro-Palestinian resolutions at the UN.
The two leaders discussed ways to deepen cooperation in trade, economy and infrastructure. Erdogan also reiterated Türkiye’s commitment to EU membership, describing it as a strategic priority, and called for a more “visionary” approach from the bloc.
He also emphasised the importance of strengthening defence industry cooperation among NATO allies and invited Slovenian officials to attend the upcoming SAHA Defence Fair in Istanbul.
Platform to address global challenges
World leaders and senior officials gathered in Türkiye until Sunday for the 2026 forum, which focused on the theme “Mapping Tomorrow, Managing Uncertainties.”
Held under the auspices of Erdogan and hosted by the Turkish Foreign Ministry, the Antalya Diplomacy Forum is a major international platform addressing global challenges.