Fidan in Atlanta: Russia and Ukraine Must Reach Agreement

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan participated in the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting held in Atlanta, USA, and made remarks to Anadolu Agency and TRT.

Recalling that the Russia-Ukraine War has been ongoing for approximately 3 years, Fidan said, "Russia and Ukraine must reach an agreement through major sacrifice." Emphasizing that the war has caused significant harm not only to European economies but to the entire world, Fidan referenced statements that the Russia-Ukraine War's energy cost to Europe is at approximately 100 billion euros, noting that the total bill could be even larger.

Reminding that trade in the Black Sea has also been seriously disrupted, Fidan highlighted that Russian and Ukrainian grain and energy have not been able to reach global markets and emphasized that food security has become an extremely problematic issue.

Addressing the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Fidan stated that with this development, the cost on global trade has been pushed to a much greater scale through multiplier effects. "Now people cannot fully calculate what the costs are, both in terms of energy and other matters," he said.

Evaluating the tension between the United States and Iran, Fidan conveyed that almost all countries at the G20 table are in agreement on preventing another conflict and giving diplomacy a chance.

Stating that within the framework of bilateral contacts he met with US counterpart Marco Rubio as well as ministers from Russia, Britain, France, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Germany, and Japan, Fidan said, "Turkey is an actor whose voice is needed on the international platform."

Fidan also assessed the candidacy of OSCE Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioğlu, whom Turkey formally nominated for UN Secretary General. He emphasized that Sinirlioğlu's election as OSCE Secretary General in December 2024 with the support of all countries was a significant diplomatic achievement.