Fidan urges unity with Turkish Cypriots, sees hope in Istanbul peace talks

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has voiced optimism that the recent peace talks between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Istanbul will lay the groundwork for a comprehensive ceasefire and the eventual establishment of a just and lasting peace.

According to Türkiye’s Anadolu Agency, citing sources within the Turkish Foreign Ministry, Fidan made these remarks during an informal meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS), held in Budapest, the capital of Hungary.

Fidan expressed satisfaction with participating in the Budapest gathering, which coincided with the informal OTS summit. He highlighted the significance of Hungary, an observer country in the OTS, hosting such a meeting for the first time.

At a time when the international system is failing to ensure peace, stability, and justice, the Turkic world is steadily strengthening its cooperation and demonstrating its awareness of regional responsibilities, Fidan said. He underscored the need to take collective action within the framework of the “great Turkic world,” emphasising the importance of acting in accordance with this shared identity.

“In line with this understanding,” Fidan said, “we see it as our common duty to stand in solidarity with the Turkish Cypriots, who have been subjected to decades of unjust and inhumane isolation. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), which was accepted as an observer into our organisation during the Samarkand summit, is an integral part of our family council.”

Turning to developments in Syria, Fidan noted that the Syrian government has achieved tangible results through cooperation with regional and international actors, as well as through Türkiye’s diplomatic efforts aimed at lifting sanctions. He stressed that support from OTS member states for Syria during this period is of particular importance.

By Tamilla Hasanova