Hakan Fidan meets with his Iranian counterpart

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held an important meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who came to Istanbul for the 3+3 South Caucasus Regional Cooperation Platform. The meeting addressed regional cooperation, stability in the South Caucasus, and Turkey-Iran relations.

WE WANT TO DEVELOP COOPERATION

Speaking at the press conference held after the meeting, Minister Fidan stated that they aim to develop cooperation in the South Caucasus.

Fidan said, "We welcome the positive messages from Iran's newly formed government regarding bilateral and regional cooperation. We share Iran's vision of prioritizing relations with neighbors. Our primary goal is to contribute to the peace, prosperity, and stability of the region."

WE NEED TO OPEN NEW BORDER GATES

Stating that new steps will be taken to further strengthen trade between the two countries, Minister Fidan said, "We aim to make the necessary infrastructure investments and transform the region covering the border provinces into a trade basin. For this, new border gates need to be opened."

Noting that regional threats were also evaluated, Minister Fidan stated, "Israel, which continues its genocide in Gaza, continues to drench Lebanon in blood as well. Netanyahu is constantly opening new fronts in the region. He is trying to drag Iran into this war as well. He is threatening to strike Iran's oil and nuclear facilities. Israel's aggressive stance is forcing Iran to take steps toward legitimate self-defense."

"THE RISK OF THE WAR SPREADING TO THE ENTIRE REGION SHOULD NOT BE UNDERESTIMATED"

Emphasizing that Israel must end its aggressive actions, Fidan said, "Israel must put an end to its actions and rhetoric that clearly violate international law. I want to repeat the warning we have made since the beginning of the crisis. The risk of the war spreading to the entire region should never be underestimated."

Emphasizing that an urgent ceasefire must be achieved in the region, Minister Fidan said, "We are in the midst of a tension that could have very serious repercussions at the global level. Regional countries and non-regional actors must refrain from taking an irreversible step. As Turkey, we do not want war in our region. We advocate for acting with common sense and composure on this issue. To reduce the current tension, a ceasefire must be declared in Gaza immediately. Israel must end its attacks on Lebanon and abandon all kinds of aggressive attitudes."