Türkiye, US discuss Syria, Gaza, and Ukraine ahead of NATO talks in Antalya

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held a phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio ahead of the NATO Informal Foreign Ministers' Meeting set to take place in Antalya on May 14–15, discussing a range of regional and bilateral issues, including Syria, Gaza, and Ukraine.

During the conversation, Minister Fidan stressed the importance of lifting international sanctions on Syria to support the country's stability and recovery. Both sides also underscored the importance of the release of US citizen Edan Alexander, who was held by Hamas, Caliber.Az reports per Turkish media. 

The ministers exchanged views on the ongoing war in Ukraine, including the planned direct talks between Russia and Ukraine scheduled for May 15 in Istanbul. The details of Rubio’s upcoming visit to Türkiye were also finalised.

In parallel diplomatic efforts, Fidan also spoke with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. 

According to the Russian foreign ministry, the discussions focused on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s initiative to launch direct negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15.

The Antalya meeting is expected to focus on strategic issues, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and NATO's collective defence initiatives. While Ukraine's potential membership in the Alliance may be discussed informally, it is not anticipated to be the primary agenda item.

Notably, Putin and Zelenskyy are scheduled to meet in Istanbul, Türkiye, on May 15, 2025, for direct peace talks aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict between their nations. This marks the first face-to-face negotiation attempt between the two leaders since the breakdown of earlier talks in 2022.

Putin proposed the meeting without preconditions, emphasising the need for a “long-term, lasting peace.” Ahead of the meeting, Ukraine and its Western allies urged Russia to commit to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire before any negotiations proceed. 

Türkiye has offered to host the negotiations and is committed to supporting the peace process and the reconstruction of Ukraine.

By Sabina Mammadli