Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan said at the press conference he held with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiha, "We do not want the war to move to the Black Sea. It is essential to maintain peace in the Black Sea. Targeting ports, tankers and fishing boats here and risking the lives of civilians is not an excusable issue."
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held a joint press conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiha within the framework of his contacts in Kiev. Fidan, who started his statements by thanking his Ukrainian counterpart Sibiha for hosting, said that the issues between the two countries could be progressed faster because Sibiha was a person who had previously served as Ukraine's ambassador to Ankara and made great contributions to bilateral relations.
Fidan said, "As you know, I was here last May. We held a press conference here in your presence, we evaluated the relations between the two countries, but most importantly, of course, the number one issue is the ongoing war. We talked about what can be done for Ukraine's territorial integrity and independence in this war, but also how peace can be brought. Of course, we are here again today, under the same conditions. While we see the destruction and effects of the war, on the other hand, we observe with appreciation the wisdom and solidarity displayed by the Ukrainian people. This is what is happening. "It is our greatest wish as a nation that the suffering ends as soon as possible. I would like to take this opportunity to confirm once again our support for the territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty of Ukraine," he said.
"Unfortunately, recent situations are worrying."
Stating that they discussed the efforts to end the war together in today's meeting, Fidan said, "Unfortunately, the recent situations are worrying. While there is a stagnation in diplomatic efforts, on the one hand, we see that the conflicts are becoming more intense. We are frankly concerned about the increasing attacks on civilian infrastructure and settlements, especially in the recent period. We believe that a rapid return to the negotiation table and the search for a diplomatic solution should be continued with determination."
Stating that today's meeting has a special meaning as it was held right after the NATO leaders' summit held in Ankara, Hakan Fidan said, "Strong messages were given at the NATO Summit regarding the continuation of support to Ukraine as allies. Turkey has been providing both political and military support to Ukraine since the first day of the war. As our President stated at the NATO leaders' session, as Turkey, we will continue to contribute to the Prioritized Requirements List (PURL) for Ukraine."
Referring to his participation as representative of our President at the Volunteer Coalition Leaders Summit held in Paris, the capital of France, on Monday, Fidan said, "Here, we had the opportunity to discuss different aspects of our support to Ukraine with our interlocutors."
"We will continue to increase our direct diplomatic efforts"
Minister Fidan emphasized that Türkiye has maintained direct contacts with both sides since the beginning of the war and said, "During my visit to Moscow last month, we once again conveyed our suggestions to end the war as quickly as possible and peacefully. We also had the opportunity to get their opinions. In the coming period, we will continue to increase our direct diplomatic efforts, including hosting the negotiations again."
"We do not want the war to move to the Black Sea"
Stating that the risk of the spread of the conflict has been a serious threat since the beginning of the war and that he has witnessed various escalations, Hakan Fidan said, "Situations that endanger the security of the Black Sea further increase these concerns. As we emphasize on every occasion, we do not want the war to move to the Black Sea. It is essential to maintain peace in the Black Sea. Targeting ports, tankers and fishing boats and risking the lives of civilians is not an excusable issue. In this respect, all parties are prudent and responsible." "We emphasize once again that it should act accordingly," he said.
Stating that the relations between Ukraine and Turkey are deepening day by day, Hakan Fidan said, "Turkish companies continue their activities in Ukraine despite the ongoing war. We are sure that our companies will contribute to Ukraine's recovery and economic development processes, especially reconstruction, in the post-war period. In this context, my esteemed colleague has just stated that it is a great pleasure for the Free Trade Agreement signed between Ukraine and Turkey in 2022 to be approved in the Ukrainian Parliament one day before my visit and for the agreement to come into force." "We welcome it," he said.
"I believe that our trade volume will rise much higher with the influence of the Free Trade Agreement."
Thanking his Ukrainian colleague for his efforts, Minister Fidan said, "I believe that with this agreement, the dynamic trade cooperation that already exists between us will be moved much further, and even Turkey-Ukraine economic relations will rise to a strategic level in the post-war period; it will provide great opportunities not only between the two countries, but also for the region, and for our other trade partners outside our region, by using connectivity opportunities. Because Ukraine is a country with a large agricultural land and industrial area. Türkiye also has similar capabilities, talents and opportunities. These will be in good shape." "It is obvious that it will produce a truly tremendous economic potential if used in cooperation," he said.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan said, "I believe that our trade volume, which has reached 6.6 billion dollars by 2025, despite the war conditions, will hopefully rise much higher after the war, with the effect of this Free Trade Agreement. Meanwhile, we attach great importance to advancing our cooperation in the fields of energy and transportation. We believe that the most reliable and effective way to contribute to Ukraine's energy security and goods supply is to benefit from Türkiye's developed infrastructure. Our Ukrainian friends are also aware of this. This is also for cooperation with other partners in the region. "We will continue our activities in this direction," he said.
"I would like to emphasize once again that Türkiye will always support our Crimean Tatar compatriots."
Stating that Crimean Tatars have created an exceptional bridge between Turkey and Ukraine, Minister Fidan said, "We have maintained our principled stance on the illegal annexation of Crimea from the very beginning. We follow the situations in the region closely. On this occasion, I would like to emphasize once again that Türkiye will always stand behind our Crimean Tatar compatriots."
Stating that they discussed not only war and bilateral relations but also issues related to the Middle East and Iran with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sibiha, Hakan Fidan said, "As he stated, we had the opportunity to evaluate Ukraine's participation in the commercial routes to the Gulf, including Syria, and how we can use these opportunities together in the new connectivity. Turkey will continue its pioneering and effective efforts to ensure a fair and sustainable peace in Ukraine on the basis of international law."
"We need peace more than ever"
Minister Fidan, who received a question at the press conference about whether Türkiye has come close to its goal of hosting a new round of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine with today's meeting, said: "As you know, our President has had a very principled attitude since the beginning of this war, and we have actually made this the cornerstone of our foreign policy. The principle of 'There are no winners in war, there are no losers in peace' essentially expresses his vision. Of course, the reasons that brought about the war are incredibly complex. Especially here, the territorial integrity of Ukraine is under threat." "The issue of Ukraine's rightful resistance takes the war to another dimension. Now, there is no explanation for the war continuing in an increasingly destructive manner in Europe for five years in the 21st century. Unfortunately, it has to evolve in a direction that includes both geographical and new targets. Therefore, we need peace more than ever."
"I think good things will happen in the near future"
Stating that Türkiye is making a very serious effort in this direction by increasing contacts towards peace with several countries while continuing to support Ukraine, Fidan said, "I openly and sincerely thank them for sharing their views with me. During my visit to Moscow, I had the opportunity to listen to the sincere views of the Russian side there. We had the opportunity to share the analyzes we made here with our American counterparts. Because, as you know, they are also in the mediation business. We convey our observations to both sides. We are in new strategic searches on how we can get out of this new vicious circle." he said.
Stating that new ideas have emerged, Fidan said, "We are discussing them. But I want to say this; I believe that it would be very beneficial for the Turkey negotiations, which were carried out last year, especially with the Istanbul talks, which have now become visible, to continue in the same way. Dear friends, when you look at the Istanbul format, dear friends, officials from various branches of the parties came together and really provided transparency within themselves and provided transparency among themselves, and very good meetings took place with direct negotiations. It is important that the same type of talks continue uninterrupted. In other words, the fact that the war continues is that the negotiations continue in this format." "It doesn't mean it won't happen," he said.
Referring to the Istanbul talks process, Fidan said, "Of course, after the Istanbul talks, American negotiators stepped in. They tried to see if something more final could be done. But as of today, unfortunately, the war still continues and there is a risk of escalation. We will continue our efforts. Because someone needs to continue the effort. The need for peace and ceasefire is officially expressed by both sides. It is also underlined by other actors supporting the parties, that is, the Europeans, the Americans, and the China. Therefore, this is all." "An issue on which there is a great international intention and will needs to be turned into practice somewhere. Some blockages need to be opened. This is exactly where Turkey plays a mental and strategic role in opening this blockage and by implementing the events in practice, I hope that good things will happen in the near future. I would also like to thank all the parties who contributed and contributed to peace here."
"Türkiye agreed to lead the naval elements"
In his statements touching upon navigation safety and commercial security in the Black Sea, Minister of Foreign Affairs Fidan said, "I also discussed this with the Russian side during my visit to Moscow. I also met with my esteemed colleague here. I will bring it up in the meetings I will hold throughout the day today. This is an important issue for us. It is an important issue for the Black Sea countries. Essentially, as you know, while the war was continuing, it was an offer made by both us and the United Nations. The war continues in all areas, but let's separate the two areas here and the parties are bound by a certain commitment here." "Let them stay. What were those areas? Energy security and navigation safety in the Black Sea, and thus guaranteeing grain security. As you know, some success was achieved in this field by making a grain agreement two years ago, and during this time, Ukrainian grain had the opportunity to go to world markets freely," he said.
Emphasizing that the grain agreement has made a serious contribution to food security in many places, including Africa, Fidan said, "It is frankly very worrying that the safety of navigation in the Black Sea has now been completely eliminated due to the escalation of the war. Again, our main goal is, of course, to stop the war completely. If this is not possible, a war moratorium can be declared in a few critical areas that are important for Ukraine, Russia, and all countries, and the targets may not be hit. What is it? Black Sea security and energy security. Our alternative proposals on this issue are still "It is on the table. Attention to the parties. The Ukrainian side has a serious understanding on this issue," he said.
Stating that Türkiye's possible military contributions to Black Sea security and energy security were discussed, Fidan said, "I would like to say this here. As you know, one of the most important pillars of a possible peace agreement is the security guarantees for Ukraine, in the documents currently being discussed. As you know, these security guarantees have land, sea and air elements to be given. Turkey has agreed to lead the naval elements. We are in agreement with our allies on this issue. Planning activities on this issue are also carried out by the naval forces of the relevant allied countries."
"We will continue to do our best to help Crimean Tatars regain their rights."
Regarding Türkiye's position on Crimea, Fidan said, "As you know, our stance on Crimea has been clear from the beginning. The Crimea issue is a vitally important issue for us, both in terms of our foreign policy and our domestic policy. Not only we, but also all Turkish states are sensitive about the Crimean Tatars, who are a part of the Turkish world. We will continue to do our best to ensure that the Crimean Tatars regain their rights on this issue. As you said, the existence of certain unlawful acts really affects us deeply. We know that some Crimean Tatar leaders are in prison. They are also in prison." "Our negotiations with the Russian side continue for its removal," he said.
"We see that at some point the parties became psychologically ready for a ceasefire."
Asked what the biggest obstacle to peace or ceasefire in Ukraine is, Fidan said, "I have been coming here at regular intervals since the beginning of the war. Unfortunately, since we have experience in observing and analyzing wars and being in them to some extent, we are also saddened to see what could happen in bad scenarios if we have analyzed them. Of course, there is a certain rate of spread. I have just expressed this. This makes us more and more worried."
Fidan said, "But on the other hand, after everything that can be done in the war has been done and all the tools have been used, we see that the parties become psychologically ready for a ceasefire at some point. As they always say, the point closest to the morning is the darkest moment of the night. We would like to think that this devastating moment we have reached in the war is the harbinger of a close peace and ceasefire."
"Not only Russia and Ukraine, but also the international community needs a ceasefire, a peace agreement."
Fidan, who was asked to what extent he saw Russia's readiness for talks during his visit to Moscow and what he heard from the Russian side, said, "During my contacts in Moscow, especially with Mr. Putin and Mr. Lavrov, they stated that they were ready for talks at the highest level possible, and that they essentially accepted all kinds of contacts made for this purpose. Of course, there are two issues here. First, where do you stand on the subject of speaking, both mediated and unmediated? As you know by now, except for the leaders, except for Mr. Zelenskiy and Mr. Putin, "Both sides have not refrained from coming together, both with Türkiye's mediation and with America's initiatives, and this will continue. Now, being ready for such communication and contact is a very important issue for negotiations. But more importantly, where do you stand in your negotiation position?" he said.
Explaining that he posed this question to Putin, Fidan said, "They stated that they still stand behind the general framework agreed upon with America in Alaska, the general framework they declared there. Of course, there are issues here that are unacceptable for Ukraine. Where can this general framework evolve under the current conditions, what can it be? In fact, this is the issue that the negotiators should work on right now. What I see on both sides, as I have just stated, is that both sides urgently want not only Russia and Ukraine, but also the international community to reach a ceasefire." "It needs a peace agreement and we will continue to do our best to make it possible," he said. - KYIV