Israeli attacks could destabilize region, FM Fidan warns
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan speaks during a joint press conference in Ankara, Türkiye, created on April 3, 2025. (Collage prepared by Türkiye Today team)
Israel’s escalating military actions in the region could lead to regional instability, Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan warned Thursday.
Fidan met with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot in Paris, where the two ministers discussed bilateral ties and regional developments in detail.
Fidan voices Türkiye’s support for Gaza plan
During the meeting, Fidan reiterated Türkiye’s opposition to the forced displacement of the Palestinian people from their homeland and reaffirmed support for the Arab League’s Gaza Plan.
He noted that Israel’s obstruction of humanitarian aid to Gaza is worsening the existing crisis and stressed the vital importance of ensuring uninterrupted aid flow.
“Israel’s increasing attacks could trigger regional instability,” Fidan said.
Türkiye-EU relations and security coordination discussed
Fidan also emphasized the need to strengthen coordination between the European Union and non-EU countries in shaping a new European security architecture.
He called on France to support the removal of artificial barriers in Türkiye-EU relations and encouraged the EU to take concrete steps toward deepening cooperation.
The update of the Customs Union was among the key topics raised during the discussions.
Diplomatic solution to Russia-Ukraine conflict
On the war in Ukraine, Fidan conveyed Türkiye’s continued support for diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict.
He underscored the importance of cooperation among NATO allies and stressed that any potential resolution must be based on the consent of both parties to be sustainable.
Engagement with Syria and security concerns
Fidan noted that increased engagement with Syria’s new administration and the complete lifting of sanctions are critical steps toward restoring stability and peace in the country.
The foreign minister shared Türkiye’s expectations on defense industry cooperation and emphasized the importance of combating the PKK/YPG terrorist group.
He also stated that foreign terrorist fighters affiliated with Daesh in prisons and camps in northern Syria should be repatriated to their home countries.
Peace in Caucasus and economic cooperation
Efforts to promote peace and stability in the Caucasus were also discussed during the meeting. Fidan and Barrot evaluated potential steps to strengthen economic ties and expand cooperation in the energy sector.
Fidan raised concerns over recent developments in Türkiye being subject to double standards, stating that, as in France and Romania, judicial processes should be allowed to conclude before judgments are made.
He added that Türkiye is closely monitoring developments in France.
