Former President Gül makes first overseas trip since leaving office

ISTANBUL

Former Turkish President Abdullah Gül attends the Halifax International Security Forum, Nov. 22. DHA Photo

Former Turkish President Abdullah Gül began his first foreign trip since leaving office to visit Britain and Canada on Nov. 20.

After staying one day in Britain, he left for Canada to participate in the Halifax International Security Forum. In his speech at the forum on Nov. 22, he pointed out the rise of “frustration” in the Middle East.

“The key term to express the gravity of the situation in the region at present can be ‘frustration.’ This frustration can explain both the reasons and consequences of the conflicts. Indeed, the elites of the region and the international community are deeply disappointed at the failure to solve problems in the Middle East, and particularly in Palestine, as well as the further aggravation of these problems. We should expect such disappointments and frustrations to have consequences, one way or another,” Gül said.

He noted that he believed a difference could be made if all of the problems are tackled by political players with a holistic and strategic approach combined with a constructive mentality, and all involved must be on common ground.

“This will serve peace and stability, not only for the people of the Middle East, but also for the whole world,” he added.

He is expected to return to Britain today to participate in the launch of a book by Prof. Gerald Maclean titled “Abdullah Gül and the Making of the New Turkey,” this evening. He will then attend a panel at the Chatham House, titled “Reflections on Turkey and the wider region” on Nov. 25.

He is expected to return to Turkey on Nov. 27 after a series of high-level meetings in London.