Türkiye, Ukraine focus on regional security, POW return in high-level meeting

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held talks in Ankara with Rustem Umerov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) of Ukraine, focusing on regional security, humanitarian issues, and coordination in response to ongoing challenges stemming from the war in Ukraine.

The meeting was confirmed by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye, Caliber.Az reports.

“Our Minister Hakan Fidan met in Ankara with Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Rustem Umerov,” the ministry said in a statement posted on X.

Following the talks, Umerov said the discussions centered on the security situation and prospects for further cooperation between the two countries.

“We discussed the security situation and further coordination of actions in response to common challenges,” Umerov wrote on Telegram, adding that the sides also addressed “joint initiatives in the field of regional security and prospects for practical cooperation.”

Humanitarian issues also featured prominently in the discussions, particularly efforts to secure the return of Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians held by Russia.

“Another vector of the conversation was humanitarian issues. The return of Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilian citizens illegally held by Russia remains one of Ukraine’s key priorities,” Umerov stated.

He added that Türkiye continues to play an important role in dialogue related to regional security and stability.

The meeting comes amid continued diplomatic efforts by Ankara to facilitate negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.

Earlier, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reaffirmed during the 5th Antalya Diplomacy Forum on April 17 that Türkiye remains ready to support direct negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow, including a possible leaders’ summit, should both sides agree.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has also confirmed Kyiv’s readiness for a potential meeting between the leaders of Ukraine and Russia with the participation of Türkiye and possibly the United States.

By  Vafa Guliyeva