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Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan declared Wednesday that "we are at a turning point on the path to a diplomatic solution" in the Russia-Ukraine war through talks hosted in Istanbul.
Speaking at the Informal Meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Turkic States in Budapest, Fidan expressed optimism about ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.
"We hope that the talks held in Istanbul will lay the groundwork for a comprehensive cease-fire and, subsequently, a just and lasting peace," Fidan stated during the meeting in Hungary's capital.
According to information obtained from the Turkish Foreign Ministry, Fidan made these remarks while calling for deeper regional collaboration among Turkic states during a period when the "international system is unable to produce peace, stability, and justice."
The foreign minister emphasized that member states should act with collective awareness, stating that the Turkic world must strengthen cooperation with a sense of regional ownership.
Addressing long-standing geopolitical issues in the region, Fidan reaffirmed Türkiye's support for Turkish Cypriots and Azerbaijan.
"In line with this approach, we believe it is our shared responsibility to stand in solidarity with the Turkish Cypriots, who have been subjected to unjust and inhumane isolations for decades," Fidan said.
He noted that "the TRNC (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus), which was accepted as an observer member of our Organization at the Samarkand Summit, is an inseparable part of our family assembly."
Regarding Azerbaijan, Fidan stated: "On the issue of Karabakh, we will continue, as always, to stand firmly with dear Azerbaijan, together with the other OTS countries."
Fidan also addressed the worsening humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, condemning actions against Palestinian civilians.
"The use of starvation as a weapon against the civilian population and the threat of deportation against Palestinians is unacceptable," he said. "For the establishment of regional peace and security, it is essential that the international community take effective and determined steps against Israel."
Regarding Syria, the foreign minister pointed to progress achieved through Türkiye's diplomatic initiatives, particularly in encouraging the Syrian administration's engagement with regional and international actors.
Fidan called on OTS member states to continue supporting Syria during this transitional period, noting that Türkiye has achieved concrete results through intensive diplomatic efforts toward Syria's engagement with regional and international actors and the lifting of sanctions.
The foreign minister voiced satisfaction at attending the summit and welcomed Hungary's hosting role, noting this was the first time the meeting was hosted by an observer member country.
Fidan emphasized that while taking steps to develop cooperation with a sense of regional ownership, it should always be kept in mind that they are part of the greater Turkic world, and they should act with this consciousness.
He stressed the importance of Turkic states acting with collective awareness during an era when the international system fails to produce peace, stability, and justice.
The Turkish foreign minister's comments come as various diplomatic initiatives continue across multiple regional conflicts, with Türkiye positioning itself as a mediator in several international disputes.
Fidan's statement about being at a "turning point" in Russia-Ukraine diplomatic solutions suggests ongoing behind-the-scenes negotiations, though specific details about the Istanbul talks were not disclosed.
The Organization of Turkic States meeting in Budapest brought together foreign ministers to discuss regional cooperation and shared challenges facing Turkic-speaking nations.
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