Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on May 30, marking a significant diplomatic engagement aimed at strengthening ties between Turkey and Ukraine amid ongoing regional tensions.
During the high-level meeting, the two sides discussed a range of bilateral and regional issues, including the Russia-Ukraine war, Black Sea security, and Turkey’s continued support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. According to official statements, the talks were held in a spirit of cooperation, with Turkey reiterating its backing for a peaceful resolution to the conflict based on international law.
Fidan emphasized Turkey’s commitment to playing a constructive role in peace efforts and humanitarian assistance. He also reiterated Ankara’s position on the Montreux Convention, which governs the passage of naval ships through the Turkish Straits — a matter of strategic importance in the context of Black Sea dynamics.
The meeting also covered economic relations, with both countries expressing a desire to expand cooperation in trade, energy, and defense. President Zelenskyy thanked Turkey for its support, especially its involvement in brokering the previous Black Sea grain deal, which allowed for the safe export of Ukrainian grain despite the ongoing war.
Fidan’s visit is part of a broader diplomatic initiative by Turkey to engage with key regional players and maintain balanced relations amid shifting geopolitical realities. He also held talks with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, focusing on Turkey’s role as a mediator and its interest in maintaining regional stability.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry released a statement affirming that Turkey will continue to work toward de-escalation and peace in the region. It noted that the visit reflected Ankara’s active foreign policy stance and its willingness to facilitate dialogue between conflicting parties.
The discussions in Kyiv are seen as a continuation of Turkey’s efforts to maintain open channels with both Russia and Ukraine. Ankara has hosted previous rounds of negotiations between the two countries and has positioned itself as a key intermediary in regional diplomacy.
As Ukraine pushes for greater international support, Turkey’s engagement is regarded as crucial due to its unique geopolitical position and its membership in NATO while maintaining working relations with Russia.
Observers note that the visit underscores Turkey’s nuanced diplomatic balancing act and highlights its ambition to assert influence in the region through active mediation and economic cooperation. The outcomes of the meeting could set the tone for future engagements between Ankara and Kyiv, particularly as the war in Ukraine continues with no clear resolution in sight.
Source; Hürriyet Daily News
