Ankara, February 27, 2025 – The Europe Today: Türkiye will play an “important” role in achieving and maintaining peace in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as well as ensuring the continuation of a possible ceasefire, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated during a joint press conference with his Georgian counterpart, Maka Botchorishvili, in Ankara on Wednesday.
Highlighting Türkiye’s significant influence in regional diplomacy, Fidan emphasized that Ankara has been dedicated to ending the war since its inception. “Türkiye has great potential in this direction. It is a strong and important actor in the region,” he said. Despite extensive initiatives, strategic engagements, and tactical negotiations, no concrete progress has been made between the parties. However, he noted that a “new dynamic” has emerged following the new U.S. administration under President Donald Trump.
Intensive Diplomatic Contacts to End War
Fidan underscored Türkiye’s intensive diplomatic efforts in exploring conditions for a ceasefire and transitioning it into a peace agreement. Discussions have centered on ensuring security guarantees for a sustainable ceasefire.
He highlighted President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s engagements with global leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, French President Emmanuel Macron, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Additionally, high-level discussions have been conducted with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, U.S. Special Envoy for Russia and Ukraine Keith Kellogg, and representatives from Ukraine and Europe.
“Everyone agrees on the necessity of a ceasefire, and it is important that this consensus is accepted by the warring parties,” Fidan stated. He reiterated Türkiye’s readiness to host peace talks and facilitate negotiations between the conflicting sides.
Strengthening Turkish-Georgian Bilateral Ties
During his remarks, Fidan also emphasized the importance of Türkiye-Georgia relations, particularly in energy and trade cooperation. “Türkiye and Georgia are key players in transporting Caspian energy resources to global and European markets,” he stated. He highlighted the long-standing cooperation through infrastructure projects such as the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline and the Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum Natural Gas Pipeline.
Fidan reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, noting that “Türkiye has been Georgia’s top trade partner for 16 years, with trade volume surpassing $3 billion last year. We are working towards increasing this figure to $5 billion.” Additionally, he stressed the importance of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars Railway as a critical component of the Caspian Trans-Caspian East-West Central Corridor.
Regarding defense and security cooperation, Fidan mentioned discussions on advancing existing military projects bilaterally and within NATO frameworks. He also reaffirmed Türkiye’s unwavering support for Georgia’s territorial integrity, particularly concerning the Abkhazia and South Ossetia conflicts.
Support for Ahiska Turks and Regional Cooperation
Fidan reiterated Türkiye’s support for the Ahiska Turks, who were forcibly exiled 80 years ago, stating Ankara’s willingness to assist in their return to Georgia. He also underscored the potential for broader cooperation in the region through ongoing energy and transportation projects involving Türkiye, Georgia, and Azerbaijan, which he described as crucial for regional prosperity and stability.
“The transportation of Caspian energy resources, our cooperation in the Black Sea, these are all strategic areas. The projects we have accomplished so far are minor compared to what we can achieve in the future,” he noted.
Commemoration of the 1992 Khojaly Massacre
Fidan paid tribute to the victims of the 1992 Khojaly massacre in Azerbaijan, marking its 33rd anniversary. “We still carry this pain in our hearts,” he stated, recalling that Armenian forces had launched an offensive on February 26, 1992, leading to the deaths of 613 Azerbaijani civilians, including women and children.
Türkiye’s Stance on Syria and Israel’s Regional Policies
On the ongoing Syrian conflict, Fidan emphasized that Türkiye supports an inclusive political transition process that does not allow for separatism. He expressed hope that the recently concluded National Dialogue Conference in Syria would be beneficial for the country’s stability and its people.
Regarding Israeli actions in the region, Fidan criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s rhetoric on Syria, stating that Israel’s expansionist policies pose the greatest obstacle to regional peace and stability. “Israel must end its regional expansionism pursued under the guise of security,” he asserted.
Fidan concluded by stressing the need for a consistent global approach to peace and justice. “Selective attention to conflicts while ignoring others is against the principles of international law and human values,” he stated, reaffirming Türkiye’s commitment to fostering diplomacy and stability worldwide.
