Ankara: Trkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized the critical importance of maintaining regional stability and safeguarding the global economy by ensuring that the Strait of Hormuz is not used as a ‘weapon.’ His remarks came during a joint press conference with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, where Fidan expressed Trkiye’s support for efforts to reopen the crucial waterway.
According to Anadolu Agency, Fidan highlighted the necessity of guaranteeing safe passage through the strait and preventing similar scenarios in the future. He stressed that peaceful and diplomatic initiatives should be prioritized to keep the Strait of Hormuz operational. Additionally, Fidan underscored that the ongoing Gulf tensions should not overshadow the pressing issue of Gaza.
Fidan pointed to Israeli expansionism as a significant threat to regional stability and security, criticizing the expansionist policies affecting Gaza, Beirut, the West Bank, and Syria. He urged regional countries and the international community to address the situation with urgency, noting that ceasefire violations in Gaza had reached alarming levels.
Further emphasizing the strength of Trkiye-Qatar relations, Fidan stated that the bilateral ties continue to grow positively across all domains. He praised the leadership of Trkiye’s president and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for setting an exemplary precedent for regional relations.
On the topic of Iran-US relations, Fidan expressed hope that negotiations would reach a swift resolution, warning against a return to war due to its potential for widespread devastation. He voiced support for Pakistan’s mediation in the process and reiterated Trkiye’s readiness to assist.
Fidan also highlighted the economic and political strain caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing the need for an international agreement to reopen it and restore navigation security. He mentioned that both Iran and the US appeared committed to ending hostilities and resolving nuclear issues but faced challenges in formalizing an agreement.
Fidan noted that Trkiye and Qatar have consistently worked to mediate and resolve regional conflicts, underscoring their commitment to diplomacy. He criticized Israel’s aggressive policies as a major obstacle to peace and suggested that international opinion might soon rally more strongly against such expansionism.
Fidan concluded by reiterating that the situation had escalated to a global security concern, with the European Union already imposing sanctions on Israel. He expressed optimism that international public opinion would increasingly oppose Israel’s policies.