Presidential Communications Director Burhanettin Duran, in a statement on NSosyal, announced that the article written by President Erdoğan, in which he called for a common conscience from both ends of Asia to the world, was published in Japanese and English in Nikkei Shimbun, one of Japan's leading newspapers.

Duran, citing President Erdoğan's article emphasizing that the bridge of friendship between Turkey and Japan is nourished not only by official documents but also by shared conscience, humanitarian aid, and historical memories, stated that Erdoğan had demonstrated that Turkish determination and Japanese engineering had joined forces in numerous projects, from the Marmaray to the Osmangazi Bridge, from the second bridge on the Bosphorus, the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, to the Golden Horn Bridge, and that this cooperation was not merely composed of steel and concrete, but also of trust, sincerity, and a bond of affection.

Duran noted that Erdoğan also emphasized that Türkiye-Japan cooperation in the face of global crises could produce constructive solutions for humanity, and highlighted the importance of humanitarian diplomacy, citing the joint projects of TİKA and JICA as examples.

The article written by President Erdoğan was also shared on the Directorate of Communications' website.

In his article, Erdoğan stated that the bridge of hearts that connects Türkiye and Japan is stronger than official documents, a bridge nourished by history and the conscience of humanity.

Erdoğan stated that the foundations of this bridge of friendship were shaped by memories that have filtered through history and touched people's hearts. He explained that the tragic accident that the Ertuğrul Frigate suffered off the coast of Kushimoto in 1890 is one of the symbols of this bond, and that the compassion and generosity displayed by the Japanese people that day have a deep place in the memory of the Turkish people, establishing the relations between the two countries on a humanitarian basis.

Erdoğan, noting that over the years this friendship has manifested itself in many areas such as infrastructure projects, technology, education, and culture, continued as follows:

Turkish determination and Japanese engineering have collaborated on countless projects, from the Marmaray and Osmangazi Bridges to our second bridge, the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, across the Bosphorus, and the Golden Horn Bridge. These projects are not merely composed of steel and concrete; each one symbolizes the foresight, alliance, and bond of affection between our two countries. The Çam and Sakura City Hospital in Istanbul is one of the most striking examples of this cooperation in the healthcare field. Moreover, this brotherhood and cooperation are not limited to our countries; it has concretely demonstrated itself in the Middle East in the past. When the determination of Turkish contractors and the meticulous engineering of Japanese engineers combine, projects that everyone looks up to are created. All of this demonstrates that our partnership is built on trust, sincerity, and dignity.

In the coming period, there is potential for our companies to jointly implement infrastructure, energy, transportation, and other development projects in Africa and Central Asia. Furthermore, it goes without saying that Turkey-Japan cooperation can create significant difference and value through concrete projects in the reconstruction processes of Ukraine and Syria.

Erdoğan stated that the international system is shaken by deep crises today, adding that the global economy has been shaken repeatedly, energy and food security have become fragile, and climate-related disasters have begun to affect every corner.

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Erdoğan pointed out that the rapid advancement of technology offers new opportunities but also brings with it serious risks, and noted that these developments directly affect both Türkiye and Japan.

Erdoğan stated,"Because neither geographical distance nor economic power are sufficient to protect us from these global challenges. This picture reveals another truth: No single state can resolve global issues on its own anymore. Unilateral initiatives are leading to a dead end, and international institutions are inadequate. At this point, the joint efforts of Turkey and Japan, as countries with deep-rooted civilizations, can pave the way for constructive solutions to global problems."

"THERE IS AN OLD BOND OF HEART AND COMMON FEELINGS BETWEEN OUR PEOPLES"

Erdoğan, who noted that humanitarian diplomacy is one of the most important areas that brings Türkiye and Japan closer together, included the following in his article:

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The affection, cultural similarities, and mutual respect that exist between our peoples offer us strong common ground. Both peoples share an understanding that does not remain silent in the face of suffering, extends a helping hand to those in need, and prioritizes dignity and human honor. This makes it much easier for us to act together in foreign policy. Beyond interstate cooperation, there is a deep-rooted bond of affection and shared sentiment between our peoples. Our civil societies, aid organizations, development agencies, and other relevant institutions have been working side by side for years. The projects implemented by TİKA and JICA in different geographies are among the most concrete examples of this. Therefore, the issue is not only interstate cooperation; it is also about reflecting the conscience of our peoples in politics.

Stating that there is a need to approach international crises from this humanitarian diplomacy perspective, Erdoğan made the following assessments:

The world is facing challenges that no state can overcome alone. Pandemics, wars, invasions, waves of migration, economic fluctuations, and natural disasters are challenges that countries cannot overcome alone, necessitating regional and global solidarity and cooperation. Turkey and Japan have supported each other in natural disasters, especially earthquakes, for decades. Japan's invaluable support after the earthquake disaster that occurred in our country in 2023 will not be forgotten by our nation. Turkey also extended a friendly hand to the Japanese people after the earthquake and tsunami disasters in Japan in 2011. I have no hesitation that we will continue to mutually support each other in such disasters in the future.

"THAT'S EXACTLY WHY IT'S ESSENTIAL"

Erdoğan, stating that each of these are global trials that recognize no boundaries, said,"If states turn their backs on each other, uncertainty increases, unpredictability deepens, and instability spreads everywhere. But if cooperation is based on trust, uncertainty can be controlled and unpredictability reduced. This is precisely why it is essential for Turkey and Japan to act together."

Erdoğan emphasized that the two countries' complementary experiences, geographical reach, and humanitarian sensitivity could make a difference globally, saying,"We have this willpower, and we believe that when we act together, we have a high power to produce solutions."

Also touching on Gaza, Erdoğan noted the following:

After all this context, I would like to address Gaza. Because Gaza is today facing one of the most severe tests for humanity's conscience. As a result of Israel's genocide and occupation, we are witnessing a situation where children are starving, hospitals are inoperable, cities are in ruins, and millions are deprived of their most basic needs. This tragedy is a matter for all of humanity. As Turkey, we have not been silent, and we will not be silent. We are striving on every platform to ensure a ceasefire, unhindered access to humanitarian aid, and the protection of innocent civilians. However, we know that our voice must be louder and our influence must be broader.

Japan's wisdom prioritizing peace, its commitment to international law, and its conscientious sensitivity are invaluable in this process. When combined with Türkiye's regional influence and humanitarian aid capacity, a dignified and powerful partnership will emerge. What needs to be done today is to increase diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire, deliver humanitarian aid more regularly, create resources for children's education and healthcare needs, and, most importantly, embrace a just peace based on a two-state solution. In this way, we can not only heal the wounds in Gaza but also create hope that will revitalize the future.

"IT IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO OVERCOME TODAY'S CRISES"

President Erdoğan emphasized that the friendship between Turkey and Japan is more than just a beautiful memory of the past, but also a great opportunity to overcome today's crises, and that it is crucial for the two countries to act together at a time when the international system is shaken and trust is being damaged.

Erdoğan said,"At this point, it is a requirement of both our historical responsibility and human dignity that we, as a world, demonstrate the same solidarity against the oppression in Gaza. Transforming solidarity into concrete steps will pave the way for the strengthening of peace, justice, and conscience. Because the world can only achieve a more just, more secure, and more humane future through shared will and efforts."