Foreign Minister Fidan met with Russian President Putin
Foreign Minister Fidan met with Russian President Putin
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan was received by President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin in Russia, where he attended a BRICS meeting held as part of a meeting of BRICS foreign ministers.
According to a message posted on the Foreign Ministry's account on the social network X, Fidan was received by President Putin at the Kremlin Palace in Russia, where he went to participate in the BRICS+ meeting and conduct bilateral contacts.
According to information received from diplomatic sources, Fidan conveyed President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's greetings to Putin during the reception and said: "Relations between the two countries are developing very well. There are steps that need to be taken in terms of trade," he said.
"We are also determined to continue all possible mediation actions on the Ukrainian issue. We are doing everything possible to continue the policy of stability that you put forward as two leaders on Syria," Hakan Fidan said.
Putin, according to a Kremlin statement, received Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan at the Kremlin Palace. Discussing the Minister's meeting with the foreign ministers of the BRICS countries in Nizhny Novgorod, Putin noted: "We are pleased to note Turkey's interest in the work of the BRICS. We will definitely support this interest in all directions."
Putin stressed that the current situation requires greater cooperation in the field of security and economic cooperation, especially in the regions where both countries are located: "All of the above, for one reason or another, is our priority and is actively developing."
Referring to the relations between Russia and Turkey, Putin noted: "We are glad to develop relations with the Republic of Turkey. All these achievements are being carried out under the leadership and with the direct support of my friend, President Erdogan of Turkey."
Putin also noted a decrease in trade turnover between the two countries this year after an increase last year, explaining this by adjusting prices for exports and imports and expressing hope for a correction of the situation.
"We are pleased to note the determination of our Turkish friends to contribute to the resolution of crisis situations, including the crisis in Ukraine," Putin said, referring to the crisis in Ukraine. "I want to thank you for your support in the negotiation process and for providing the Istanbul platform for negotiations to resolve the Ukrainian crisis."
Putin stressed the important role of Erdogan in the signing of the Grain Corridor Agreement in Istanbul on July 22, 2022 between Turkey, Ukraine, Russia and the United Nations, noting: "Unfortunately, this agreement has not been extended, and it is not our fault."
Noting Erdogan's initiatives in the Black Sea region, Putin said: "We supported this initiative. However, unfortunately, the Ukrainian side rejected this proposal at the last moment. Nevertheless, we carefully and with great respect appreciate all the efforts of the Republic of Turkey in this direction and will continue to stay in touch with you."
Discussing the role of Russia and Turkey in resolving the Syrian crisis, Vladimir Putin noted: "I believe that the continuation of the Astana format, the fight against terrorism and ensuring the normalization of the situation in this direction is what needs to be done. In general, the situation is developing in a positive direction."
Putin added: "Please convey my best wishes to President Erdogan. I hope that in the near future, for example, on July 3-4, as part of an international event, as I understand it, Erdogan will be present in Astana, and we will be able to meet and discuss all issues."