Ankara: The Palestinian group Hamas is demonstrating a willingness to ensure that the current ceasefire in Gaza becomes permanent, according to Trkiye's foreign minister, Hakan Fidan. During a joint news conference held in Ankara with Egyptian foreign minister Badr Abdelatty, Fidan emphasized that Israel should show the same level of commitment to peace.
According to Anadolu Agency, Fidan stressed the importance of the Gaza Strip remaining part of Palestine and being treated as such. During the news conference, he also highlighted the strengthening ties between Trkiye and Egypt, noting the significant progress made through the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council meeting in September 2024. This meeting marked a turning point in the bilateral relations, aiming to enhance cooperation in various fields including transportation, energy, and military.
Fidan discussed regional issues, including developments in Libya, Sudan, and Syria. He expressed support for Libyan-led efforts towards stability and urged an immediate ceasefire in Sudan. On Syria, Fidan welcomed its improving regional status and participation in the anti-ISIS coalition, reaffirming Trkiye's support for a secure and unified Syria free from terrorism.
Fidan's recent contacts in the United States were described as productive, with discussions focusing on US-Syria-Trkiye cooperation to resolve regional issues. He noted the importance of international collaboration for Syria's new administration to achieve stability and peace.
Talks on advancing the Russia-Ukraine discussions were also held, exploring how Trkiye and Egypt could play a role in resolving the conflict. Fidan emphasized the importance of making the Gaza ceasefire more resilient and highlighted the historic Turkish-Egyptian humanitarian efforts for Gaza.
Fidan concluded by discussing the need to advance the two-state solution and maintaining coordination through international platforms. He expressed condolences for soldiers martyred in a military plane crash on the Azerbaijan-Georgia border, thanking Georgian authorities for their swift support in search and rescue efforts.