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Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan expressed optimism Thursday that Turkish-hosted peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia could signal a new beginning after years of conflict.
"Now, after three years of immense suffering, there is finally a window of opportunity," Fidan said in his welcoming remarks at a NATO foreign ministers meeting in Türkiye's southern province of Antalya.
"The talks... hopefully, may open a new chapter," Fidan added, emphasizing that "Türkiye has always stressed the need for a diplomatic track to this end."
Foreign Minister highlighted the importance of establishing a security network across NATO that would span from Texas to Ankara, reflecting Türkiye's vision for an alliance with expanded geographical reach.
As NATO confronts multiple global crises and conflicts, Fidan stressed the importance of reinforcing solidarity among member states and enhancing Europe's security architecture.
"Bringing the war in Ukraine to a just end will be an important part of our discussions," Fidan noted. "Our meeting today will be an important occasion to discuss how we can individually and collectively support this process."
Fidan emphasized the alliance's comprehensive approach to security beyond Eastern Europe. "Our southern neighborhood and the Balkans are also important parts of NATO's 360-degree approach to Euro-Atlantic security," he said.
The foreign minister added that the ministers would "reflect on what we can do as allies to deepen our partnerships, from the Middle East to Africa and Asia Pacific, to enhance stability."
Terrorism remains "a grave threat to the security of all allies," according to Fidan, who said the ministers would discuss concrete steps to strengthen solidarity against this "scourge."
"NATO as the backbone of Euro-Atlantic security and defense will continue to be the essential transatlantic forum to consult, coordinate, and act on all security matters among allies," he said.
Fidan highlighted Türkiye's commitment to the alliance, noting that beyond hosting the current meeting, "the fact that we will also host the next summit in 2026 demonstrates our steadfast commitment to the alliance and what it stands for."
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte echoed the significance of the gathering, underscoring the need to bolster the alliance's strength and deterrence capabilities.
"We need to discuss how to make sure that NATO will be stronger. That means more defense spending. That means more defense industrial production, but also how to make sure that NATO is fair, that we equally distribute the burden amongst allies," Rutte said.
The Antalya meeting precedes the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague next month, with both gatherings expected to reinforce what Fidan called "the indispensable character of our alliance."
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