Fidan: Condemning Netanyahu – Foreign Minister’s Warning
Summary of Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s Statements: Turkey-Italy Relations & Foreign Policy
This text details Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s statements regarding Turkey-Italy relations, Turkey’s expectations from the EU, and Turkey’s position on several international issues. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
Turkey-Italy Relations:
* Strong & Growing: Fidan highlighted the robust and expanding relationship between Turkey and Italy, with trade exceeding $32 billion and a goal to reach $40 billion.
* Key Areas of cooperation: Trade, energy, defense, migration, and organized crime are central to the bilateral relationship.
* Defense Industry Collaboration: He specifically praised the partnership between Turkish firm Baykar and Italian companies Piaggio Aerospace and Leonardo as a positive example for the region. Progress on Eurofighter supply is considered crucial for Turkey.
* Maritime jurisdiction: Fidan emphasized the importance of respecting international maritime law and sovereign rights in maritime activities, expressing satisfaction with Italy’s sensitivity in this regard.
* Irregular Migration: Both countries are concerned with irregular migration in the Mediterranean, and Turkey is actively working to reduce migration flows, particularly through the Eastern Mediterranean route.
Turkey-EU Relations:
* Full Membership as a Strategic Goal: Turkey continues to view full EU membership as a strategic objective.
* Call for a Fair Approach: Fidan urged the EU to move beyond “prejudiced attitudes” and adopt a vision that revives the membership process. He expects Italy’s supportive stance to be adopted by all EU members.
* European Defense: He stressed Turkey’s vital role in European defense, noting its position as having the second-largest army in NATO, and advocating for its full participation in a sustainable security architecture.
International Issues:
* Ukraine: Turkey is committed to a “fair and Permanent Peace Establishment” in Ukraine and is ready to continue facilitating negotiations,having already hosted direct talks between the parties.
* Africa: Fidan emphasized the need to support welfare and stability in Africa.
* Libya: Turkey and Italy share a common stance on supporting Libya’s political process, unity, territorial integrity, sovereignty, stability, and safety.
* Gaza & Israel: Fidan strongly condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza, characterizing them as a violation of sovereignty and an expansionist policy. He called on the international community to take action against Israel and criticized those who enable Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. He framed Turkey as a nation successfully pursuing peaceful foreign policy and mediation.
In essence, Fidan’s statements portray Turkey as a proactive and influential actor seeking to strengthen its relationships with key partners like Italy, pursue its strategic goals within the EU framework, and contribute to regional and global stability through diplomacy and a firm stance on international law.