Russian FM Lavrov to attend Antalya Diplomacy Forum on April 12

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will participate in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum on April 12, according to Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.

The visit follows an invitation from Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

Russian FM Lavrov to attend Antalya Diplomacy Forum on April 12 — Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov attends a meeting with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (not pictured) in Doha, Feb. 26, 2025. (Photo by Handout / Russian Foreign Ministry / AFP)

Lavrov to engage in forum’s main sessions and bilateral talks

Zakharova said Lavrov is scheduled to take part in the forum’s main sessions and hold bilateral talks with several foreign counterparts. However, she did not disclose which officials Lavrov is expected to meet.

“On April 12, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will visit Türkiye at the invitation of the minister of foreign affairs of the Republic of Türkiye to participate in the 4th Antalya Diplomatic Forum,” Zakharova said.

“At the event, the head of the Russian Foreign Ministry is scheduled to speak and hold bilateral meetings with foreign colleagues,” she added.

Photo shows Turkey Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan (L) walking down the stairs with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov — Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan (L) meets with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov (R) in Ankara, Türkiye, Feb. 24, 2025. (AA Photo)

Key international issues on forum agenda

Zakharova stated that the discussions at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum will address international matters, including developments in the Middle East, North Africa, the South Caucasus, and the Black Sea region.

In addition, bilateral relations between Russia and other nations will be reviewed.

The Antalya Diplomacy Forum has served as an annual platform for international dialogue since its launch in 2021. Hosted in Antalya, Türkiye, the event gathers political leaders, diplomats, and policy experts from around the world.

Photo shows Turkey's Foreign Minister Fidan with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov — Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan in Antalya with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, March 1, 2024. (AA Photo)

Russia-US Consular Talks to resume in Istanbul

Zakharova also confirmed that Russia and the United States will hold a second round of consultations on April 10 at the Russian Consulate General in Istanbul.

The talks aim to resolve operational issues affecting the countries’ diplomatic missions.

Russia’s delegation will be led by Ambassador to the U.S. Alexander Darchiev, while the U.S. side will be represented by Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Sonata Coulter.

The first round of talks took place in February, with both parties agreeing to continue diplomatic dialogue to address outstanding consular matters.