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Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will meet French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot in Ankara on Tuesday to discuss bilateral relations, regional developments and counterterrorism cooperation amid heightened tensions over Syria, according to Turkish diplomatic sources speaking on Monday.
Syria is expected to dominate discussions as the two NATO allies maintain differing positions on developments in the war-torn country.
"Fidan will stress the importance of continued cooperation in counterterrorism, grounded in shared responsibility and a firm joint stance against terrorism," the sources said.
The Turkish foreign minister will emphasize that recent developments in Syria carry great importance for preserving Syria's territorial integrity and unity, as well as for Türkiye's national security. Fidan will reaffirm that Ankara closely monitors full implementation of the Jan. 18 Ceasefire and Full Integration Agreement.
The ministers will discuss the next phase of a Gaza peace plan, with Fidan expected to note that advancing to the second phase and determining mechanisms that include Türkiye represents an important step.
Fidan will stress that ensuring security and stability in Gaza and normalizing daily life for its population requires coordinated international support. Preventing Israeli ceasefire violations and ensuring uninterrupted humanitarian aid to Gaza remain priorities, the sources indicated.
Regarding the Russia-Ukraine war, Fidan will emphasize the need to continue diplomatic efforts to achieve a fair and lasting peace, reiterating Türkiye's readiness to contribute to peace initiatives.
The talks will focus on sustaining recent momentum in dialogue between the two countries and applying a strategic approach across all areas of cooperation.
Fidan will highlight the role of the eighth Joint Economic and Trade Commission meeting, scheduled for Feb. 17 in Istanbul, in advancing commercial cooperation. He will express support for expanding economic and trade ties through joint projects in third countries.
Bilateral trade volume between Türkiye and France rose from $22.5 billion in 2024 to $24 billion in 2025.
Defense industry cooperation opportunities will also be addressed during the talks.
The welfare of approximately 800,000 Turkish citizens living in France will feature prominently on Türkiye's priority agenda, with the community serving as an important bridge between the two countries.
Fidan will emphasize the need to address Türkiye-EU relations from a strategic perspective, separate from the domestic political considerations of individual member states.
He will underscore the critical importance of Türkiye's inclusion in the EU's industrial strategy to strengthen the bloc's competitive capacity and consolidate its strategic autonomy.
Fidan paid his most recent official visit to France on April 2, 2025. Barrot last visited Türkiye on May 14-15, 2025, for the NATO Foreign Ministers' Informal Meeting in Antalya.
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