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Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Monday that achieving peace between Russia and Ukraine is essential for regional stability and security, as he emphasized the growing strategic importance of cooperation among Turkey, Azerbaijan and Georgia.
“The war continuing in our north directly affects the security of our region,” Fidan said. “We see achieving peace in the Russia-Ukraine war as essential for the stability and security of our region.”
Fidan spoke at a joint press conference in Istanbul following the 10th Trilateral Meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Turkey, Azerbaijan and Georgia held at Çırağan Palace, alongside Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili.
He said the war has created a continuing impasse on both the battlefield and in diplomatic efforts, adding that developments on the ground have contributed to rising tensions.
Fidan referred to recent incidents in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, saying they highlighted broader risks linked to the conflict, and extended condolences to Azerbaijan following a recent incident involving loss of life.
He described the trilateral mechanism between Turkey, Azerbaijan and Georgia as a results-oriented platform for consultation and coordination, saying it has operated continuously for nearly 14 years and has contributed to political dialogue, economic integration, transport connectivity, energy security and trade.
Fidan said geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty and energy security concerns have increased the importance of regional cooperation, adding that joint infrastructure projects have strengthened connectivity between Europe and Asia.
He highlighted the Middle Corridor as an increasingly important route linking the two regions, and pointed to recent upgrades on the Georgian section of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway as a key development.
On the South Caucasus, Fidan said Turkey supports efforts to reach a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, expressing hope that outstanding issues can be resolved without delay.
He added that Turkey’s normalization process with Armenia continues in coordination with Azerbaijan.
Fidan said the ministers also discussed Iran-U.S. negotiations, stressing the importance of avoiding any escalation that could destabilize the region.
Responding to questions on the Black Sea, he said maritime security has deteriorated as the war has expanded, citing risks from mines, unmanned maritime vehicles and threats to civilian shipping.
He said the effects of the conflict have spread beyond the immediate battlefield and warned that targeting risks have widened.
Fidan recalled Turkey’s role in facilitating the Black Sea Grain Initiative, describing it as a significant diplomatic effort during the conflict.
He said protecting civilian and commercial shipping remains a priority, adding that Turkey continues to monitor developments closely.
He said a ceasefire remains essential to addressing the broader security risks stemming from the war.
Fidan said Turkey views regional cooperation as a key tool for stability and development, adding that the trilateral model with Azerbaijan and Georgia could serve as an example for other regions.
He said similar approaches could contribute to stability in regions such as the Balkans and the Middle East, and emphasized the importance of regional ownership and cooperation in addressing long-standing challenges.
Fidan thanked his Azerbaijani and Georgian counterparts, saying the three countries continue to advance a model of regional coordination and partnership.
Written by N.J.