Hakan Fidan, Turkey’s Foreign Minister, once again expressed Ankara’s intention to develop good neighborly relations with Greece, but did not hesitate to make fresh provocative statements about a “Turkish minority in Western Thrace” and “co-ethnics in the Dodecanese.”
Fidan: With our neighbor Greece, we maintained our positive agenda
“With our neighbor Greece, through our high-level contacts in 2025, we maintained our positive agenda. The 6th meeting of the High-Level Cooperation Council with Greece is scheduled to take place in Ankara in the near future,” Mr. Fidan stated, adding that “on the other hand, we continue with determination all necessary initiatives against the restrictions and unfair practices regarding education, religious freedom and other fundamental rights faced by the Turkish Minority of Western Thrace and our co-ethnics in the Dodecanese. While maintaining our will to develop our relations with Greece on the basis of good neighborliness, we will continue with the same determination our stance that protects our national interests and the rights of our co-ethnics.”
“Libya constitutes an integral part of Turkey’s vision for the Eastern Mediterranean”
Furthermore, Mr. Fidan emphasized that “as Turkey, we want the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean to be a region of stability and prosperity, where the legitimate interests of all parties are respected. Libya constitutes an integral part of Turkey’s vision for the Eastern Mediterranean, and Turkey’s efforts continue to maintain Libya’s political unity, territorial integrity and stability.”
Zelensky: Ukrainian president arrives in Turkey
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected in Turkey today (November 19), where he will meet with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as well as officials from the US and United Arab Emirates, in an effort to revitalize negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.
“We are preparing to revitalize negotiations and have developed solutions that we will propose to our partners. Ukraine’s first priority is to do everything possible to bring the end of the war closer,” Zelensky stated regarding the meetings in Turkey.
It should be noted, however, that Russian officials will not participate in the meeting, while Turkey continues normal purchases of Russian natural gas, despite concerns expressed in Turkish media.
