By Janet Ekstract, ISTANBUL- U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres made his annual Ramadan solidarity visit to Türkiye and was presented with the Ataturk International Peace Award at a ceremony at the Presidential Complex in Ankara on March 12. Guterres expressed his gratitude to the Turkish government, describing it as a profound honor while explaining that he is accepting the award on behalf of U.N. staff across the world who work tirelessly daily to advance peace and deliver humanitarian assistance in extremely dangerous regions, even those with fragile ceasefires. As Guterres said: “Peace is more than a noble vision,” adding “Peace is a rallying cry. It is a call to action.” As Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan presented him the award, the Turkish leader said the U.N. chief demonstrated strong, principled commitment to international peace and diplomacy. As he presented the award, Erdogan said: “I am very pleased to present the Ataturk International Peace Award to my dear friend, who has become the voice of the silent majority for the establishment of international peace and security, on the occasion of his sixth visit”
Meanwhile, Erdogan referenced Guterres’s first bilateral visit to Turkiye after he took office in 2017, emphasizing that each of his visits has had special significance. The Turkish president further noted that the entire world has seen the U.N. leader’s invaluable contributions to projects protecting refugees, promoting global justice and shuttle diplomacy efforts in the Russia-Ukraine war. Speaking at the ceremony, Guterres underscored the deepening world crisis of geopolitical divisions, escalating conflicts and the dramatic loss of trust in international cooperation. As the U.N. chief reiterated: “Around the world, we hear much talk of peace – but we see far too little of it.” He also referenced the current Mideast conflict, calling it a grave threat to international peace and security while causing untold suffering for civilians. Guterres urged all parties to de-escalate, cease hostilities, uphold international law, protect civilians and return immediately to the negotiating table. Guterres who had earlier made a visit to Turkiye’s founding father Mustafa Kemal Ataturk’s mausoleum, praised Ataturk’s vision that promotes the guiding principle – “Peace at home, peace in the world” which he said captures the spirit of the United Nations Charter. Erdogan also highlighted the historic maxim of Ataturk, saying it underscores Turkish foreign policy.
In his remarks, Guterres lauded Turkiye’s diplomatic efforts, especially its contributions to international cooperation – specifically its long-term support for refugees. As Guterres pointed out: “At a time of unprecedented displacement, Türkiye opened its doors and its communities to millions forced to flee violence and persecution.” The U.N. chief reiterated that no other country had taken in more refugees than Turkiye. Prior to the ceremony, Guterres met with Erdogan and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to discuss current developments in the Mideast, Syria and Ukraine along with cooperation between the U.N. and Turkiye. Also discussed was COP31, the U.N. Climate Conference which Turkiye is preparing to host in July and the nation’s global leadership regarding zero-waste initiatives. The secretary-general’s visit to Turkiye is part of his annual Ramadan solidarity visit, a tradition Guterres has kept for the last twenty years. He said he chose Turkiye as his final Ramadan solidarity visit in recognition of Turkiye’s generosity in hosting the largest number of refugees during his tenure. Guterres joined President Erdogan in a special iftar held at the Presidential Complex that saw a diverse group of people including government representatives, members of the diplomatic community, U.N. staff in country and refugee families. Guterres also met representatives of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) supporting refugees, visited the Ankara Provincial Directorate of Migration and held discussions with the United Nations country team.
