Turkish FM to meet Dutch counterpart for key talks on security, trade in Ankara

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is set to welcome his Dutch counterpart, Caspar Veldkamp, for official talks in Ankara.

The two ministers are expected to discuss a range of pressing issues, including counterterrorism efforts, negotiations on European security, and the removal of sanctions in pursuit of stabilising Syria, Caliber.Az reports, citing Turkish media.

The visit, scheduled for March 11, 2025, will mark Minister Veldkamp’s first official trip to Türkiye since assuming his post.

According to sources within Türkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Fidan is expected to highlight the strong and positive bilateral relations between Türkiye and the Netherlands. He will also reaffirm Türkiye’s commitment to enhancing cooperation, particularly through the Wittenburg Conference, the next session of which is set to be hosted in Türkiye.

Additionally, Fidan will underscore the importance of advancing military and defence industry partnerships, which are anticipated to complement the already strong economic ties between the two nations.

Another key issue on the agenda is counterterrorism. Minister Fidan is expected to express Türkiye’s expectation for closer collaboration with the Netherlands, particularly in addressing threats from groups such as the PKK and FETÖ. He is also likely to emphasise the importance of the Netherlands maintaining a constructive and supportive stance in Türkiye-EU relations.

On broader international matters, the ministers are expected to discuss the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Fidan is anticipated to stress Türkiye’s role in promoting a fair and lasting peace, while also advocating for greater involvement in European security negotiations. The conversation will also cover Syria’s future stability, with Fidan urging the complete lifting of sanctions in order to support the country’s reconstruction efforts.

Further, Fidan is expected to reiterate Türkiye’s commitment to a two-state solution for Palestine and call for increased international efforts to address Israel’s actions that threaten regional stability. He will also emphasise the importance of international cooperation in halting Israeli actions that undermine the security of neighbouring countries.

In addition to diplomatic matters, Minister Fidan’s visit is also expected to highlight the significance of the 10th Türkiye-Netherlands Conference, also known as the Wittenburg Conference, which has been a key platform for bilateral dialogue since its inception in 2008.

By Aghakazim Guliyev