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Russian FM heads to Ankara for talks with Fidan as Türkiye seeks mediator role

Photo shows Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov (left) and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in dark business suits shake hands against a beige background. On the left is an older man with gray hair wearing a navy suit and blue tie. On the right is a younger man with a mustache wearing a black suit and red tie. Small national flags can be seen in the background Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov (left) shakes hands with Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan during their meeting in Istanbul, Türkiye on October 18, 2024, (Photo via Russian Foreign Ministry)
By Newsroom
Feb 23, 2025 1:03 PM

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will visit Türkiye on Feb.24 for high-level talks focusing on bilateral cooperation and regional conflicts, marking his second visit to Ankara in four months.

The meeting follows recent discussions between Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Lavrov on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Johannesburg on Feb.20.

The upcoming talks will address several critical issues, including trade, energy, and tourism partnerships between the two nations.

Lavrov, Fidan to discuss Ukraine, US, Syria, Gaza

The diplomatic agenda centers on ending the war in Ukraine through peaceful means, with Türkiye reaffirming its readiness to serve as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine. Türkiye previously hosted direct negotiations between the two countries in March 2022 and has expressed willingness to reprise this role.

Photo shows a military instructor of the 3rd Assault Brigade trains civilians participating in trench warfare training during a "Test Week" organized by the 3rd Assault Brigade in Kyiv
A military instructor of the 3rd Assault Brigade trains civilians participating in trench warfare training during a “Test Week” organized by the 3rd Assault Brigade in Kyiv, on Jan. 30, 2025. (AFP Photo)

The ministers will also discuss recent communications between Russia and the United States, exploring potential Turkish contributions to diplomatic progress. Additionally, the talks will cover regional matters, with particular emphasis on Syria and the Middle East situation.

During the discussions, Fidan is expected to emphasize Türkiye’s commitment to eliminating terrorist elements from Syria while stressing the importance of preserving Syria’s territorial integrity and political unity.

The Turkish minister will likely address concerns about Israeli military actions in Syria, which Türkiye views as a threat to territorial sovereignty.

The agenda also encompasses the Gaza conflict, with Türkiye advocating for a permanent ceasefire, increased humanitarian aid delivery, and opposition to forced Palestinian displacement. Fidan is anticipated to reiterate Türkiye’s support for a two-state solution as the foundation for lasting peace in the Middle East.

Lavrov’s last visit to Türkiye was in October 2024 for the 3+3 Regional Cooperation Platform meeting.

The upcoming talks underscore Türkiye’s continuing role as a significant diplomatic intermediary in regional conflicts.

Last Updated:  Feb 24, 2025 4:41 PM