Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has made significant remarks regarding the upcoming NATO summit scheduled for July 7-8 in Ankara, emphasizing the critical role of Turkey in ensuring high-level participation.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, the minister stated that key issues on the summit's agenda cannot be effectively addressed without the participation of the US President. Fidan noted that many European nations acknowledge that the summit being hosted by the Turkish President is the primary factor that made US President Donald Trump's attendance possible.
"If our President were not involved, if Turkey were not involved, Trump would not have come, and it would have effectively signaled that he did not attach importance to this summit," the minister remarked.
Addressing regional processes in the South Caucasus, Hakan Fidan underscored the necessity of operationalizing the "3+3" cooperation platform. He emphasized that deepening cooperation among Turkey, Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Armenia, and Georgia is vital for regional stability. The minister noted that regional countries should prioritize cooperation over competition and dominance, stating, "Peace, tranquility, and stability will benefit us all. We must change our mindset."
Fidan also highlighted the Azerbaijan-Turkey-Georgia trilateral format as a crucial mechanism for advancing the "Middle Corridor" and enhancing regional connectivity. Regarding the normalization process with Armenia, Fidan assessed the steps taken by the Pashinyan government positively. He recalled that, under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, significant measures—including direct trade and flights—have already been implemented, and Turkey remains ready for full normalization as conditions mature.
Furthermore, the minister provided insights on the Iran-US nuclear agreement, Israel's regional policies, and relations with Russia. He characterized Israel's regional policies as a threat to global security and reaffirmed that efforts to resolve the Gaza crisis remain a priority for Turkey.
The "3+3" format, initially proposed to foster regional cooperation, serves as a diplomatic framework aimed at resolving regional issues through the direct involvement of neighboring states, moving away from external interference.
