FOREIGN MINISTER H.E. HAKAN FİDAN – Dear press members, welcome to Türkiye and Antalya.

We are holding the NATO Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs at a period when many critical developments are taking place at the global level. During our talks in Antalya, we had the opportunity to thoroughly discuss the threats and opportunities we encounter. We shared our views on the realities of our age and the future of the alliance with our colleagues in a sincere atmosphere. We have expressed a strong determination to procure the defence capabilities we require. We have seen that there is a complete consensus, particularly in terms of European allies taking on additional responsibilities in this regard and making transatlantic burden-sharing more equitable. Perhaps more importantly, a resolute determination has been shown to maintain the spirit of unity and solidarity, which has been the strongest capability of NATO to date. Now, it is necessary to continue efforts to transform this determination into concrete steps.

Our talks in Antalya have also reaffirmed the leading role of NATO in the European-Atlantic security architecture. The security of Europe cannot be considered separately from NATO. In this context, Türkiye, which has the second largest army in the NATO alliance, will continue to play an extremely important role in the European security architecture with its military capabilities and defence industry infrastructure. This architecture is being reshaped in light of today's conditions. In such a period, our expectation is that all steps in the field of security are taken without any unnecessary repetition, fragmentation or disengagement from NATO. We raised these issues both in the meetings and in our bilateral discussions.

As you know, the European Union has also announced several initiatives in the field of defence industry recently. These initiatives will only serve their purpose if they are open to all NATO members. At this point, our expectation from EU member allies is that the plans for defence industry cooperation are implemented without restriction among all allies and that the activities undertaken have a complementary nature with NATO. These efforts by the EU can only achieve the desired success with the full participation of European allies, which are not EU members, such as Türkiye in the processes.

Dear press members, our agenda in Antalya also included global and regional issues. As you know, efforts to end the war between Russia and Ukraine have intensified. We have strong bilateral relations with both countries. Türkiye supports Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. We have advocated that a just and lasting peace can only be achieved through negotiation since the beginning of the war. We have expressed that we are ready to host direct negotiations, as we did in 2022. Today, the President of Ukraine Mr. Zelensky is meeting with our President in Ankara. A technical delegation from Russia is in Istanbul. Likewise, a delegation from the United States has also arrived in Istanbul, and Secretary of State Mr. Rubio, whom I will be meeting with after the press conference, is here with us in Antalya.

These visits alone demonstrate that the necessary will for peace is finally emerging. If harmony is achieved between the parties' positions and trust is established, a very important step towards peace will have been taken. Personally, I believe that we have enough reasons to be hopeful. Hopefully, a fair and lasting peace will be achieved.

Today, my counterparts and I exchanged views on the new phase in Syria. We agree that ensuring Syria's stability and security is also a priority. Failure to achieve this target will cause problems at a global level. Therefore, a joint effort is required so that Syria can overcome the problems it faces and rebuild the country. We, as Türkiye, continue to make efforts to ensure that Syria gets more integrated into the international community. We are pleased to see that these efforts are yielding results at this stage.

The President of the United States, the President of Syria and the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia met in Riyadh yesterday and our President also participated in the meeting online. This meeting is an important step towards lifting sanctions against Syria.

Today we will hold a trilateral meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Mr. Rubio and Foreign Minister of Syria Mr. Shaibani, and we will have the opportunity to discuss the issues on the agenda in further detail.

On the other hand, Israel's attacks, which are not based on any valid excuse, pose a serious threat to Syria's stability. Pushing Syria into instability is in no one's interest. The welfare and security of all components of Syria, including the Druze community, is the responsibility of the central government. The administration in Damascus has been meticulous about inclusivity from the very first day of its term.

Furthermore, Syria maintains a resolute stance in combating all terrorist organisations, including DAESH. The international community should support this approach. We have begun taking the necessary steps, together with some regional countries, to strengthen Syria's capacity to fight against DAESH.

Dear press members, we also discussed the situation in Gaza during our bilateral talks in Antalya. Ensuring a ceasefire in Gaza and the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid has become more important than ever. We also need a ceasefire to reduce tensions in the region and pave the way for diplomatic initiatives.

It's a big step that Hamas has released Edan Alexander, an American citizen who was being held hostage. As Türkiye, we will continue to support all efforts towards a ceasefire for the establishment of regional peace and stability. We are ready to do our part for the reconstruction of Gaza and the establishment of a two-state solution following the ceasefire.

Dear press members, we have been witnessing an unusually intense diplomatic traffic in recent days, with our country at its centre. The Meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs has been one of the most important elements of this traffic. By hosting this meeting, we have once again demonstrated the importance we attach to NATO and European-Atlantic security.

And hopefully next year's NATO Summit will also be held in Türkiye at the leaders' level. As Türkiye, we will continue to fulfil our responsibilities within NATO and to contribute to the strengthening of the alliance. We will also continue our efforts to establish both regional and global peace.

I would like to thank you all, with the hope that our meeting will strengthen the unity and solidarity of NATO. Thank you.

QUESTION —Ellen Francis from The Washington Post.

What is the latest situation regarding the negotiations expected to take place in Istanbul between Ukraine and Russia?

What do you think about the sanctions imposed on Russia?

FOREIGN MINISTER HAKAN FİDAN - As you know, both sides have stated that they agree to the idea of a ceasefire in principle. However, both sides have some differing views on the ceasefire. While the Ukrainian side is in favour of an immediate, unconditional ceasefire, the Russian side, as far as we understand, has a stance that certain modalities must first be agreed upon and mutually accepted. Of course, these are the points raised by both sides from a distance. For this very reason, we believe that negotiation is a necessary tool; therefore, the parties must come together and make a conciliatory effort in areas where they cannot agree. This is why, as you know, the Ukraine-Russia negotiations initiated under the mediation of the United States Special Envoy have reached a certain stage, and the parties are gradually aligning their views with the political preference put forward by the United States. I believe we need to continue with this process. As long as our aim is to achieve peace, we must ensure that both sides take steps towards establishing a common peace by making certain concessions. Frankly, mediators have a huge task ahead of them here, and we will continue to provide every kind of support in this regard, as we have done from the outset. As you know, our President is currently hosting Mr. Zelensky in Ankara. The Russian delegation has arrived in Istanbul. Part of the U.S. delegation is in Istanbul, Mr. Rubio is here with us, and all the European Ministers of Foreign Affairs are here. There is currently an intense traffic on this issue. Several parties are in discussions with each other, not only face-to-face but also via phone calls. This intense diplomatic activity, which, as you can see, is currently taking place largely in various cities across Türkiye, is happening simultaneously in three locations: Ankara, Antalya and Istanbul, where intense diplomatic efforts are ongoing to secure a ceasefire in Ukraine. We hope that these efforts will yield results.

QUESTION - John Paul Rathbone from the Financial Times.

Mr. Minister, I would like to ask a question about Syria. Does Türkiye approve and deem appropriate the agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces and Al-Shaara? Does it accept the autonomy granted to the Kurds? Does this agreement mean in north-eastern Syria that the SDF will continue to be responsible for the detention centre where DAESH members are held? At the same time, does it confirm that the Syrian National Army has a role in Syria when it comes to the support from Türkiye?

FOREIGN MINISTER HAKAN FİDAN – Dear press members, as you know, we previously stated that we consider the agreement reached between the YPG and the Damascus administration to be positive in principle, based on its provisions. After this was first signed and we released our statement on it, we added that there is a statement here, but we expect these commitments to be fulfilled. If I recall correctly, there were eight points in the agreement, and when you take a look at it, there are certain practical steps that need to be taken there. After these practical steps are taken, we would all see the dissolution of the YPG's military structure and the integration of everything into the newly formed national army in Syria. We would also see the borders being protected by the Syrian National Army and, of course, our Kurdish brothers and sisters living in Syria, whether they are a minority or a majority like other ethnic groups, benefiting from all rights under the principle of constitutional equality, with no problems in expressing their identities and cultures. This would be a vision and an initiative that the new Syria would put forward. At this point, particularly when we discuss this with our Syrian counterparts, whether it be Mr. Foreign Minister or Mr. Al-Shaara, we see that no steps have been taken by the YPG so far. Frankly, we are waiting for these steps to be implemented. In other words, there must be an inclusive government model and a single legitimate armed force in Syria for stability to be achieved there, but the State must also guarantee the safety of life, property and identity of all its citizens. We continue to monitor developments in Syria within the framework of these principles.

QUESTION - Sena Alkan from Habertürk.

You mentioned earlier that you will be holding a trilateral meeting with the U.S. Secretary of State Mr. Rubio and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Syria, Mr. Shabani. What topics will you be discussing? The United States has announced that it will lift sanctions against Syria, but are we expecting further steps? Are we expecting other countries to be involved in the process of lifting these sanctions? Furthermore, in the context of Syria, is it possible in the near future that the United States will make a decision regarding its military presence in Syria? Is there any indication in this regard? If the United States withdraws from Syria, will this create a power vacuum? How does it affect regional balances?

FOREIGN MINISTER HAKAN FİDAN – Dear friends, our diplomatic efforts regarding Syria have been ongoing for some time now, and we regularly share updates with the press. One of the issues raised by our President in all his high-level meetings, particularly since President Trump came to power, was the lifting of U.S. sanctions in order to achieve normalisation in Syria. The relationship between the two leaders, which is based on trust and had already begun, proved its effectiveness. As you know, President Trump stated this repeatedly, including yesterday. Taking into account our President's requests on this matter, they brought Mr. Mohammed bin Salman together with Mr. Ahmed Al-Shaara. Our President also participated in the meeting online, where a kind of mutual recognition took place and the decision to lift sanctions was announced at the highest level. This is, of course, a phase that has been achieved through all the diplomatic efforts we have made to date, led by our President. Of course, we need to take it further from here. Today, we will meet with Mr. Rubio and Mr. Shaibani to discuss the steps to be taken to implement the principle decision taken at the leadership level in practice, and we will focus on what roadmap lies ahead in that regard. Apart from sanctions, there are many other issues that need to be dealt with and monitored in Syria. The issue you have brought up concerns U.S. soldiers. We view the situation as follows: Whatever the circumstances that brought U.S. soldiers to the region, it may be possible for the U.S. to withdraw from the region without any problems once those circumstances are eliminated. Those circumstances are related to the fight against DAESH and to issues of stability. I don't think there will be a problem there once sufficient assurances are given. President Trump and the Pentagon's new administration have repeatedly stated their intentions on this matter, as well as their priorities and assessments regarding U.S. deployment around the world. Based on the principle of regional ownership, we continue on our path with a security approach and practice that encompasses the fight against DAESH, the fight against other forms of terrorism, border security, and ensuring the principle of not harming neighbouring countries. We will also monitor this closely.

QUESTION - Sabine Siebold from Reuters.

I have a question about Estonia and another about Gaza, if I may. Regarding Estonia, could you assess the escalation of tensions surrounding the incident that occurred off the Estonian coast in the Baltic Sea, how does NATO view this development? Furthermore, regarding Gaza, Israel's attacks continue despite the efforts and attempts made in recent weeks to reach a ceasefire. What do you think President Trump's improving relations with Syria will lead to, given the negative views and sentiments that have formed in relation to Israel?

FOREIGN MINISTER HAKAN FİDAN - Our colleagues raised the issue of the violation of Estonian airspace at the meeting. As far as I am aware, the Secretary-General made a statement on this matter during the press conference, probably summarising the discussions that took place. Following our Estonian colleague bringing up this matter, it was also discussed by our Ministers and authorities.

There is a large international public opinion expecting President Trump to take action to stop the ongoing humanitarian tragedy in Gaza, the genocide unfolding before the eyes of all humanity. The expectation here is that President Trump will exert pressure on Israel to pave the way for humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The war has claimed lives, but we now see an increasing number of deaths due to starvation, malnutrition, lack of medicine and other causes, particularly because of the prevention of humanitarian aid. Of course, this will unfortunately leave a dark stain on human history, a stain that has stuck to all our consciences. We must do everything in our power as humanity to rid ourselves of this stain. All the work done in this regard is extremely valuable. We must work with all our energy especially to end the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza and to bring about a two-state solution in Palestine. This is necessary for the security of the region. This is necessary for the State of Israel which is also in the region, necessary for the State of Palestine, necessary for all the populations living there, necessary for global security. The fact that something so necessary is understood by the whole world, yet no one can put it into practice, is, as we have always said, a matter related to the crisis and deadlock in the international system.

QUESTION - Tuğba Altun from Anadolu Agency.

Mr. Minister, President Trump's inauguration and, in particular, the Russia-Ukraine war have brought discussions about a European security architecture without the United States into the spotlight. How do you see the global and regional implications of this? What is Türkiye's strategy in this regard?

FOREIGN MINISTER HAKAN FİDAN – That is an important question. There are ongoing heated debates on this issue, particularly intense discussions on both sides of the Atlantic. This also constitutes an important agenda item for NATO meetings. Both formal and informal group discussions and bilateral discussions are currently centred around this topic. President Trump's announcement that he would withdraw from the European security architecture at a certain point and his proposals, particularly regarding the need for Europeans to become self-sufficient and the equal sharing of the defence burden, have been accepted to a certain extent. As you know, European countries have now launched a specific programme to reduce their dependence on the United States, particularly in the defence industry. This programme has several components, which include legislative and policy changes made within the European Union institutions, including constitutional amendments in Germany to resolve the financial component. We also see changes in the financial policies of the relevant countries, particularly the removal of borrowing limits in their budgets.

However, it goes without saying that establishing, building and implementing certain capacities in the defence industry is not something that can be done easily. Regarding the defence industry and defence structure in European security, if we separate these two, the position of Türkiye in the discussions is as follows: As our President has repeatedly stated, we have expressed many times that we are ready for integrated cooperation and mutual exchange in the defence industry, in which we are quite advanced. For this reason, the European Union must develop a cooperation system that includes candidate countries such as Türkiye, which is not a member of the European Union, as well as non-candidate countries, countries such as the United Kingdom and Norway, which do not have candidate status. The broader the base you establish, particularly in the defence industry, the greater the areas in which you will benefit. Now, considering the contributions Türkiye will make here, we must continue to make every effort.

Secondly, particularly in relation to military structures, NATO continues to exist at present. The United States has not issued a declaration stating that it is withdrawing from here, nor has it indicated that it will do so in the near future. Therefore, this debate is currently theoretical in nature, rather than a practical issue such as the defence industry.

However, we state that in terms of both the defence industry and the structure of the armed forces, European security, particularly given that it is a contiguous geography, encompasses Türkiye as part of Europe, the United Kingdom as its maritime extension, with the United Kingdom at its westernmost point and Türkiye at its easternmost point. The United Kingdom and Türkiye are not members of the European Union, but they are both part of the European geography. Developing an appropriate cooperation model to ensure the security of this region is not a choice, but a necessity.

This is important in two ways: when you develop security and cooperation, and when you establish a good system, you do not only support each other, you also formally declare that you do not pose a threat to each other. The mutual solidarity and trust yield results in trade, social interaction, politics, art, science, technology, and in every field. For this reason, the development of both our European Union perspective and our role in NATO in a favourable manner for Türkiye has been among our strategic political priorities for years. However, as I have stated, we do not accept positions that we consider inadequate, unfavourable to us, or that place us at a disadvantage, and we express our objections to them. We discuss this in appropriate environments using appropriate methods, and we will continue to discuss it.

Thank you.

* Deciphered by Interpress - unofficial translation from the Turkish text.