Moscow, Ankara hold comprehensive talks on bilateral, regional, and global issues

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, in Moscow on May 27, as part of an official visit focused on bilateral relations and regional stability.

The meeting came a day after Fidan held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which he conveyed what he described as “sincere greetings, best wishes, and important messages” from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Caliber.Az reports, citing Turkish media.

Speaking during the portion of the foreign ministers’ meeting open to the press, Fidan characterised his trip to Russia as “productive,” and said the dialogue between Ankara and Moscow continues to evolve in line with the vision established by their leaders.

“Russian-Turkish relations are developing in an exceptionally constructive direction, as charted by the leaders of the two countries, achieving their intended goals,” he said. “In our region, where the agenda changes rapidly, the deeply rooted relations between Türkiye and Russia play a key role in ensuring regional stability and security.”

Fidan further emphasised that Russia’s decision to hold direct talks with Ukraine in Istanbul underscored a shared vision between Ankara and Moscow for promoting peace. “Russia’s choice of Istanbul as a venue for direct negotiations with Ukraine reflects our shared vision for ensuring stability,” he noted.

According to the Turkish foreign minister, the talks with Lavrov were set to cover all dimensions of the bilateral relationship, including cooperation in the energy and economic sectors, as well as regional issues, with a particular focus on developments in the Middle East and Africa.

Lavrov, in turn, described the agenda for talks, shaped by the two presidents, as “comprehensive and intensive.” He said Monday’s meeting between Putin and Fidan reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to deepen their strategic partnership.

“The meeting held yesterday confirmed our mutual businesslike and results-oriented approach to deepening our partnership,” Lavrov stated.

He also noted that the two countries have numerous plans under discussion in the bilateral context and that many of their current objectives are aimed at “overcoming illegitimate external obstacles.”

Lavrov highlighted the shared intention to further develop trade and investment cooperation, and pointed to ongoing efforts to address major international and regional crises, notably in the Middle East and North Africa.

He also praised Türkiye’s contribution to diplomacy between Russia and Ukraine, specifically referencing President Putin’s appreciation for Ankara’s role in facilitating direct dialogue. “President Vladimir Putin highly valued Türkiye’s efforts in creating opportunities for direct negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv,” Lavrov said.

By Tamilla Hasanova