Ankara (Turkiye News) Türkiye’s Ambassador to the Vatican, Fahrettin Altun, has stated that Türkiye’s diplomatic efforts to resolve international conflicts and the Vatican’s humanitarian initiatives complement one another, adding that there is broad alignment between the two sides on major global issues.
Fahrettin Altun, who was appointed Türkiye’s ambassador to the Vatican by Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in March, said after assuming his duties that representing Türkiye at the Vatican is both an honor and a significant responsibility.
He noted that relations between Türkiye and the Vatican City are built on a strong and long-standing historical foundation, which continues to play an important role in strengthening bilateral ties.
According to Altun, Türkiye’s foreign policy places special emphasis on cooperation with influential global actors in addressing international crises. Referring to issues such as Gaza, the Russia–Ukraine War, and tensions between Iran and the United States, he said the Vatican is among the important international actors capable of contributing effectively to peace efforts.
He added that the Pope is not only the head of the Vatican State but also the spiritual leader of approximately 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, giving the office considerable influence on the global stage.
The ambassador further stated that the Vatican views Türkiye as an important regional and international power and is interested in strengthening bilateral relations. According to him, the decision by Pope Leo XIV to choose Türkiye for his first official foreign visit reflects the significance of ties between the two sides.
He said that the visit opened new opportunities for cooperation on regional and global issues and contributed to further progress in bilateral relations.
Fahrettin Altun reaffirmed his commitment to deepening relations between Türkiye and the Vatican, promoting joint initiatives in support of peace, environmental protection, and human values, and highlighting Türkiye’s cultural and historical heritage within Vatican circles.
