Turkey reaffirms its readiness to host Ukraine-Russia peace talks

(MENAFN) Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan reiterated that diplomacy remains a viable route to achieving peace in Ukraine, emphasizing Ankara’s willingness to host a fourth round of negotiations and a potential leaders’ summit in Istanbul. “We reaffirm our readiness to host a fourth round of talks and a possible leaders’ summit in Istanbul,” Fidan said during the TRT World Forum in Istanbul.

Fidan highlighted Türkiye’s key role in previous mediation efforts between Kyiv and Moscow, recalling that the country had already facilitated three rounds of discussions and supported prisoner exchanges. “As a country maintaining constructive dialogue with both sides, Türkiye successfully facilitated their return to the negotiating table through the Istanbul process,” he noted.

He underlined that Türkiye’s approach, rooted in “multilateralism and regional ownership,” would continue shaping future diplomatic frameworks. “Türkiye will continue to uphold dialogue and diplomacy as the cornerstone of our foreign policy,” he added, stressing that Ankara intends to cooperate closely with nations committed to building a fairer and more representative international order.

The remarks were made at the opening session titled “The Return of High-Risk Diplomacy: Middle Powers and the Emerging Multipolar Order,” part of the TRT World Forum 2025 held under the theme “Global Reset: From the Old Order to New Realities.”

Fidan said global power structures are shifting as traditional institutions struggle to maintain regional stability, arguing that the world is moving toward a multipolar order. “Our vision is clear: We stand firmly on the side of cooperation, dialogue, and inclusive multilateralism,” he said.
He described today’s international environment as uncertain, stating: “If we were to describe the current international system in a single word, it would certainly be uncertainty.” He added that the world’s established political parameters are evolving and emphasized the need to prioritize unity and collaboration to ensure long-term security and prosperity.

“We need to, first and foremost, revitalize a stronger and reformed international system based on global partnership and synergy,” he said. Achieving that goal, he added, requires two key steps: reforming global institutions through inclusivity and enhancing cooperation via regional ownership.

Fidan noted that the first challenge primarily concerns the United Nations, pointing out that “the challenge we face today is not the absence of rules but their unequal application.” He reiterated Ankara’s stance in favor of democratizing the UN structure, particularly the Security Council, arguing that privileges granted to a few must be replaced by an equitable system reflecting global diversity.

The foreign minister stressed that many conflicts stem from local dynamics and should therefore be resolved regionally. Referring to Türkiye’s peace efforts in the Balkans, South Caucasus, Middle East, and Africa, he said: “Crises do not arise in a vacuum; they usually emerge from regional contexts and must be resolved through regional responsibility and solutions. Stability cannot be imposed; it must be cultivated. This is how we translate principles into outcomes, by turning dialogue into trust, and trust into stability,” he said.

He emphasized that global credibility depends on nations taking responsibility for their regions. However, he warned that “when these mechanisms falter, when justice becomes selective and accountability fails,” it leads to “human suffering,” citing Gaza as a stark example.

Fidan said Türkiye, under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s “moral and political leadership,” has been working since the beginning of the Gaza conflict to halt what he described as genocide and promote justice. He pointed to Ankara’s initiative to create the Organization of Islamic Cooperation–Arab League Contact Group, which, he said, has raised awareness and shifted international attitudes toward recognizing Palestinian statehood.

He mentioned Erdogan’s September meeting in New York with U.S. President Donald Trump and leaders of eight Muslim-majority countries, describing it as a breakthrough that paved the way for the subsequent Sharm el-Sheikh agreement in Egypt.

“Although the ceasefire agreement remains fragile due to Israel’s continued aggression, it nevertheless offers a crucial opportunity to end the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. We must ensure its full implementation,” he said.

He added: “The ceasefire is not an end in itself; a just and lasting peace in the region can only be achieved through the realization of a two-state solution.”

Fidan stressed that “we must make sure that Gaza is governed by Palestinians,” noting that this objective requires decisive action and coordination among all relevant stakeholders to maintain and strengthen the current diplomatic momentum.

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