Russia and Turkey Discuss Regional Stability, Energy, and Syria’s Territorial Integrity
"Turkey will not tolerate any groups seeking to carve out a presence in Syria, and we will not remain passive in addressing these threats,” Fidan emphasized.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan in Ankara on Monday, to discuss key regional and international issues, with a particular focus on Syria’s territorial integrity and broader geopolitical concerns.
Following the meeting, Minister Fidan held a joint press conference with his counterpart Lavrov, stating that Turkey and Russia share a common stance on maintaining Syria’s sovereignty and territorial unity while preventing armed groups from establishing a permanent presence in the country.
"Turkey will not tolerate any groups seeking to carve out a presence in Syria, and we will not remain passive in addressing these threats. We expect all stakeholders to acknowledge and respect our concerns," Fidan emphasized.
Russia-Turkey Relations: Stability Amid Global Tensions
Lavrov, for his part, highlighted Russia's broader regional and international concerns, stressing that despite global geopolitical turbulence, Moscow and Ankara maintain a solid diplomatic foundation.
"Despite shifts in the global landscape, Russian-Turkish relations continue on a stable path. Our engagements in platforms such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Astana and the upcoming BRICS Summit in Kazan reflect the strength of our cooperation," Lavrov noted.
Expanding Economic and Energy Cooperation
The two ministers also reviewed ongoing economic, financial, and energy sector collaborations, particularly in trade, logistics, and tourism. Lavrov emphasized Russia's commitment to strategic joint projects with Turkey, highlighting progress on the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, including the completion of its first reactor and plans for additional units.
Additionally, they discussed operational strategies for the TurkStream gas pipeline and measures to protect it from potential sabotage, particularly in light of threats from Ukrainian forces. Lavrov warned that any terrorist attacks on energy infrastructure would not only disrupt gas supplies but also affect global market prices.
"Our Turkish partners have been briefed on discussions with U.S. officials in Riyadh regarding the necessity of constructive dialogue rather than confrontation in addressing security concerns," Lavrov added.
Middle East Diplomacy: Russia Reaffirms Support for Palestinian Statehood
The Russian foreign minister also stressed the importance of implementing United Nations Security Council resolutions concerning the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, within the framework of a two-state solution to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
A Strategic Partnership Balancing Regional Interests
Russia and Turkey have long pursued a delicate geopolitical balancing act, cooperating on issues ranging from Syria and energy security to trade and defense while managing their complex relations with NATO, the U.S., and the European Union.
Despite their differences, particularly regarding conflicts in Ukraine and the South Caucasus, both nations recognize the strategic value of maintaining robust bilateral ties, leveraging their partnership to navigate shifting global dynamics and safeguard their respective regional interests.
As Ankara and Moscow continue their dialogue, the outcomes of their discussions will have far-reaching implications for the Middle East, Eurasia, and global energy markets.
