Istanbul, 10 December 2023(TDI): President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced this during the inauguration of the “TRT World Forum 2023,” with the theme “Developing Together: Responsibilities, Actions, and Solutions.”
He added, “I congratulate our media organizations for their fight against Israel’s propaganda machine full of lies.”
President Erdogan emphasized the importance of the TRT-conducted conference, which brings together professionals from various geographies, as it provides an opportunity to reflect on the previous year’s achievements.
President Erdogan stressed that we are living in an extremely devastated period on a global level, particularly with the ongoing destruction in Gaza.
He highlighted the ongoing confrontation between Russia and Ukraine, claiming that the battle, despite being largely ignored, is still ongoing. He condemned those who ignited the violence rather than addressing it, calling it an impending catastrophe for that region and the world.
Also Read: Russia-Ukraine War: Montreux Convention and Turkey
Fahrettin Altun, Director of Communications, underlined the need for global communities to work together to seek common answers to global problems.
He indicated, “Turkey has strongly opposed disinformation strategies and social media operations over the last decade, creating awareness among the international public.”
“The country has established mechanisms such as the Center for Combating Disinformation and the Verification Line to combat fake news and make it a separate part of public policy.”
Furthermore, President Erdogan emphasized that international organizations responsible for global peace and security lack problem-solving capabilities, highlighted their actions as evil, and stressed the need for better understanding.
Role of Free Press in Democracy
President Erdogan underscored the worth of a free press for democracies and warned against controlled media, underscoring the harm it poses to democracy and the public’s understanding. He recalled Turkey’s past challenges and praised courageous journalists for their stand.
Moreover, he complimented Turkey’s democratic accomplishments over the last 70 years, appreciating the scope and variety of the media and enabling freedom of speech.
Most notably, President Erdogan criticized the international media for their silence over the Gaza massacres, including the deaths of 70 journalists, and urged the entire community to denounce the atrocities in Gaza.
President Recep Tayyib Erdogan, spoke at TRT World Forum 2023
Despite attempts at controlling the narrative, President Erdogan thanked media institutions, particularly Anadolu Agency and TRT, for presenting the truth about Gaza, emphasizing the sacrifices of journalists and reporters.
President Erdogan emphasized the importance of making voices heard and reporting events in a multidimensional manner, stating that various digital news platforms are also functioning successfully.
In this context, he urged prompt action to prevent more crimes in Gaza, denouncing Western countries for their silence and emphasizing Turkey’s commitment to regional diplomatic efforts and humanitarian help.
In his closing remarks, President Erdogan appreciated TRT’s “Tabii” digital platform for exposing global issues and expressed confidence that the TRT World Forum will contribute to a more just world, emphasizing its role in raising awareness worldwide.
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