Ankara: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Thursday emphasized Trkiye's vital role in ensuring Europe's security, stating that the continent's deterrent and sustainable security is achievable only with Ankara's involvement. "The issue of Europe's security cannot be reduced solely to the war in Ukraine. The topic of Europe's security architecture must be addressed from a long-term and strategic perspective. In this context, a sustainable and deterrent security architecture is only possible with Trkiye's participation," Fidan remarked during a joint news conference with Croatian counterpart Gordan Grlic Radman.
According to Anadolu Agency, European leaders held emergency talks in Brussels on Thursday to discuss increasing defense spending and support for Ukraine. Fidan reiterated Trkiye's position on resolving the Ukraine conflict through negotiations, highlighting Ankara's readiness to contribute to initiatives grounded in dialogue and diplomacy.
Fidan also addressed Trkiye's bilateral relations with Croatia, noting that Ankara is focused on enhancing mutual investments and expanding cooperation in the defense industry. He underscored the strategic significance of Croatia's energy terminal on Krk Island for Europe's energy security and expressed Trkiye's interest in seeing Croatia's increased contribution through renewable energy investments.
On regional stability, Fidan said Trkiye maintains a close dialogue with Croatia, considering both countries as important partners for peace in the Balkans. He mentioned the trilateral consultation mechanism established with Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, which operates within the South East European Cooperation Process.
Regarding Bosnia and Herzegovina, Fidan urged the Balkan nation to avoid unilateral rhetoric and resolve issues through dialogue. He emphasized Trkiye's support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, amidst recent tensions following the sentencing of Milorad Dodik, president of Republika Srpska, and challenges to laws affecting the Serb-controlled part of the country.
On the Gaza situation, Fidan called for the implementation of all stages of the ceasefire, criticizing Israel's disregard for international law in Gaza and the West Bank. He urged for the reversal of the Israeli decision to ban humanitarian aid into Gaza and expressed Trkiye's support for the Arab League's Gaza plan. Fidan also mentioned his planned attendance at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation meeting in Jeddah, which will oppose any attempts to displace Palestinians from Gaza.
Concerning Syria, Fidan highlighted the significance of steps taken towards national reconciliation following the National Dialogue Conference. He called on the international community to support this process by lifting sanctions and emphasized the need for Syrian unity around the country's territorial integrity.