Today’s international environment is evolving into a structure where rules are eroding, power balances are being reshaped, and only visionary leaders can provide guidance. We must form alliances wisely, define interests accurately, and use instruments skillfully. Türkiye will continue its path with principled stances, determination, confidence, and relentless effort, while maintaining a balance between ideals and reality, and between values and interests”.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan
The very active global diplomatic dynamics at the beginning of 2026 — Trump’s military intervention in Venezuela and his announcement of using force for regime change in Iran — alarmed NATO and EU countries and are being closely followed by Ankara as well. Indeed, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan conducted a comprehensive horizon scan with select domestic and foreign press members, academics, and foreign policy experts during his traditional year‑end assessment in Istanbul. In his analysis of the year 2025, FM Fidan stated that Türkiye made significant contributions, albeit fragile, to stopping the genocide in Gaza, that it prioritized efforts to halt the Russia‑Ukraine war, and that it gave importance to the Caucasus and reducing conflicts in Syria and tying them to lasting peace.
Second, he underscored that issues such as the Aegean‑Mediterranean axis and cross‑border counter‑terrorism continue to occupy the country’s national security agenda.
“The rule set forming the foundation of the global order suffered damage in the past year that is difficult to repair. Crises that have opened deep wounds in humanity’s collective conscience began to occur one after the other. In the face of this situation, we saw states questioning their existing alliance relationships and seeking to establish new structures. The genocide in Gaza constituted the heaviest and most urgent agenda item of 2025 in terms of international law and humanitarian values. It must be said clearly that today’s global governance model unfortunately failed this test,” he stated.
From a foreign policy strategy perspective, he stated that the set of rules forming the foundation of the global order suffered damage that is difficult to repair, and that the year 2025 was an extraordinary test in which incredible difficulties and problems existed both globally and for the region and in which the capacity of the international system was tested. He added that in this stormy atmosphere, with President Erdoğan’s mastery and leadership projection as the skilled captain, useful results were achieved in managing global and regional crises, and that as Türkiye, they made very intense efforts to keep diplomatic channels open and to ensure steps toward the establishment of peace. In expressing this, he used the words…
Fidan noted that 2026 is expected to be an exceptionally intense and challenging year in the field of diplomacy, and he drew attention to the Trump administration’s intervention in Venezuela and its signaling that it might launch military operations in Greenland and Iran as the current indicators on the table. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced Türkiye’s new foreign policy roadmap for the new period — from Syria to the F‑35 program, from the Gaza peace plan to relations with China. In the press conference where he evaluated Türkiye’s regional and global strategies as the country entered 2026, Fidan made striking statements. In particular, drawing attention to the risk of escalation in the Middle East, he warned the international community regarding possible interventions toward Iran. During the discussion of the F‑35 and CAATSA sanctions process with the U.S., Fidan said that the process had entered a positive phase, noting that they saw a will on the U.S. side to lift CAATSA sanctions and that they expected concrete and positive steps on F‑35 and other defense industry restrictions within 2026.
He said they were working not only on the F‑35 but also on lifting CAATSA, adding: “As a result of the agreements reached when our President visited Washington, a will has emerged to take this issue off the agenda of both countries. We are working to remove the technical problems on this matter. Hopefully, we will witness the lifting of CAATSA this year.”
On the other hand, addressing the difficulties that Turkish citizens face when obtaining visas from European Union countries and grounding the issue on an ideological basis, Fidan pointed to the root of the problem: “The visa issue is not just a technical matter; it is a reflection of the rise of the far right in Europe and anti‑immigrant policies. Europe is distancing itself from its own values. This year we will carry out more systematic work for visa liberalization.”
These remarks underscore the importance and sensitivity that the issue carries from Ankara’s perspective.
Türkiye’s Role in Gaza Peace and the Syria Tensions
The genocide in Gaza constituted the heaviest and most urgent agenda item of 2025 in terms of international law and humanitarian values. It must be said clearly that today’s global governance model unfortunately failed this test,” he stated. Minister Fidan noted that, with the announcement of U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Gaza has now entered a second phase. Fidan said, “Although the process is moving slowly, we are pleased with the progress. Our President shows incredible sensitivity, especially regarding humanitarian aid. The fact that Palestinians remain without shelter in the cold, without medicine, and without food deeply wounds all of our consciences.”
In the second phase, the primary priority is that the Palestinian technical committee, with whom we recently reached a consensus as a group, takes over the administration of Gaza. Then, the peace council is to be announced, followed by the appointment and operational commencement of the executive board that will carry out daily functions on behalf of the Peace Council.
Fidan also responded to a question about how negotiations in Syria would proceed after the Aleppo crisis and the removal of the SDF/YPG from the city by the Damascus administration, and whether new operations would take place. He noted that discussions between the U.S. and the SDF are currently ongoing and that the U.S. is actively engaged in serious mediation efforts. “I foresee that the Syrian government will take steps to ensure unity in its own country. If problems are not resolved in good faith, I see the use of force as an option for the Syrian government,” he said.
Fidan expressed surprise that the SDF’s ties with Kandil were being portrayed by Western countries as “newly discovered information,” emphasizing that their hope is for the March 10 agreement to be implemented as soon as possible to ensure stability in the country. He continued: “Look, regarding Aleppo, we warned in the past that these problems must be resolved and that the situation should not escalate to the use of force. The withdrawal of forces from areas occupied west of the Euphrates after December 8 as a goodwill gesture, and their redeployment to the east, is on the agenda. This scenario keeps recurring. We always see the same pattern: we go there and say your stance here is illegal — they resist, then force is used, then they back down. This pattern must end.”
Addressing the possibility of an operation in Syria involving HTS and the SDF, Fidan said: “As you follow, the YPG issue continues to be a problem for Syria, Türkiye, and the rest of our region. Hopefully, this year this issue will also be resolved. As Türkiye, we will continue our determined and clear policy on this matter in 2026.”
He noted that in the past year, Israel’s attacks targeting countries such as Syria, Iran, and Lebanon increased, and that “divide and rule” activities intensified across a vast geography stretching from Somaliland to Iran. This policy is based on the illusion that Israel can ensure its own security by destabilizing neighboring countries. We continually draw attention to the fact that this mentality is becoming a threat not only to regional countries but also at a global level.
Fidan mentioned that talks between the U.S., HTS, and SDF are ongoing, noting: “The U.S. is engaged in serious mediation efforts on this matter, and there are many discussions that have not been made public.
Emphasizing that the Syrian government does not need the provisions included in the March 10 agreement to implement these measures, Fidan stated that both as a regional country Türkiye has requested this from Syria, and that it is part of their own program. Foreign Minister Fidan said:
“You cannot go anywhere by excluding other minorities and faith groups in the country from your administration. But here, the golden ratio is this: including faith groups and ethnic minorities in governance within the framework of constitutional citizenship, rather than allowing them to define themselves as a separate cluster and transform into a political entity to participate in governance… These are two separate things. This is exactly where the problem originates.”
Minister Fidan emphasized that a system in which people can live according to their own identity, culture, and beliefs while simultaneously benefiting from the power and prosperity of the country whose citizenship they hold, and participate in governance accordingly, is a structure closer to stability, peace, and prosperity. He noted that dividing the country into entities based on religion and creating “islands” invites fragmentation, adding:
“I am presenting division not as an ideological tool here, but as a problem that arises in the interest of our shared humanity. We must be very careful about this.”
Hakan Fidan conveyed that Türkiye has identified its problem with the terrorist organization SDF from the very beginning, stating: “The Syrian Kurds, coming together authentically and forming a movement aimed solely at resolving the issues of Kurds in Syria, of course, have a connection with Syria. We are a civilized, developed country. We know what the borders are even if certain countries do not resolve their internal problems, but everyone knows this is not the case. The fact that an organization, which has presence, operations, and claims in four countries, has an extension in Syria named SDF or YPG, is a reality we are well aware of.”
Ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine War and the Black Sea Task Force Mission of the Turkish Navy
Fidan, noting that Türkiye will play a key role in scenarios aimed at ending the Ukraine war, outlined Türkiye’s plan for security in the Black Sea:“Following a potential Ukraine peace agreement, responsibility for maritime security in the Black Sea is planned to be assigned to Türkiye. We are ready to assume this responsibility while maintaining the regime of the Straits and regional balance.”
Essentially, if a peace agreement is reached, there are three main issues. First, how will the agreement be monitored, verified, and tracked? What are the modalities? Work is already underway on this. Second, how will Ukraine’s deterrence capability continue? Third, what measures will be taken in the event of a violation? All planning is being carried out in this direction.
Minister Fidan stated: “The Russia-Ukraine war has brought discussions questioning many conventional patterns — from transatlantic relations to Europe’s identity and security architecture. As Türkiye, we have made intense efforts — led by our President, as you have also followed — to keep diplomatic channels open and take steps toward the establishment of peace.”
He emphasized that efforts to end the war in 2026 will focus on bridging the gap between “ideal and realistic solutions.” The ideal solution mainly involves proposals from Ukraine and European countries: the return of Ukraine’s occupied territories, providing Ukraine with strong security guarantees, and obtaining a guarantee from Russia not to attack again. The realistic solution, on the other hand, includes proposals more frequently raised by the U.S.: formalizing the territories seized by Russia, announcing that Ukraine will not join NATO, but in return providing a NATO Article 5–type security guarantee.
Türkiye’s primary focus is the security of the Black Sea after the war. Fidan noted that, under plans registered at the Volunteers Coalition in Paris on January 6, Türkiye will lead the naval force to be established for the Black Sea. He emphasized that a potential peace would not only mean peace between Ukraine and Russia, but also between Europe and Russia.
Regarding U.S. President Donald Trump, Fidan stated that Trump has taken a neutral stance in the Ukraine-Russia war: “Trump’s shift in position, in which he revises the historical role and responsibility he played in European security, has created another problem.”
Fidan stressed that European security is linked to Ukraine’s security and noted that planning is focused on three military-related points: monitoring, verifying, and tracking the agreement; maintaining Ukraine’s deterrence capability; and taking measures in case of violations.
Highlighting Ukraine’s location on the Black Sea coast, the Minister said: “As a NATO member country bordering the Black Sea, we have long wanted to assume command responsibility for the naval force. This responsibility has now been assigned to us. We will take this responsibility together with other volunteer countries.”
Fidan also noted that the Ministry of National Defense is actively working on this issue.
The U.S. Military Intervention in Iran
At the meeting, Fidan stated, “We are against a military intervention in Iran; Iran needs to resolve its own internal, authentic problems.” He noted that this also has an international relations dimension because, due to some policies it follows, Iran is “subject to sanctions.” Fidan emphasized that Iranian counterparts were informed that they need to resolve their issues with regional countries, adding:
“On global nuclear matters as well, they must resolve their problems diplomatically without losing any opportunity, so that structural issues causing economic difficulties can be eliminated.”
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said: “We definitely want problems to be resolved through dialogue. I believe that any large-scale instability in Iran would be far beyond the region’s capacity to bear. Therefore, we will continue diplomatic efforts. Hopefully, the U.S. and Iran will resolve this matter either through mediators, other actors, or direct talks. We are closely following the issue. We are against any military intervention in Iran.”
Assessing conflict risks in the region, Fidan took a clear stance regarding scenarios targeting Iran:
“I believe that large-scale instability in Iran would be far beyond the region’s capacity to handle. This could lead not just one country, but the entire region, into chaos lasting decades.”
He also noted that under international isolation, the provision of certain economic services is limited, continuing: “Iran has a large population and a dynamic people. Their will to live and participate in life is extremely high; they are sophisticated. When you deprive them of certain things, these kinds of difficulties emerge. Here, there is a misconception: the economic and other hardships people face are sometimes interpreted as ideological rebellion against the regime, but this is actually a gray area.”
Fidan argued that there is no situation to “excite the appetite of certain anti-Iran countries,” stressing that economic difficulties and the inability to resolve them create problems. He added: “We do not want an intervention here, but if you look at President Trump’s policies, we have not seen him favor the use of ground forces very much so far.”
Greece and China Relations: Mitsotakis’ Visit and Chinese Investments
Among the key topics covered during the Foreign Minister’s extensive press conference was Türkiye-Greece relations. Fidan, who recently held a phone call with Greek Foreign Minister Yorgo Gerapetritis, noted that the meeting of the Türkiye-Greece High-Level Cooperation Council will take place very soon, likely before Ramadan, and that Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will visit Türkiye on this occasion. Normally, this commission was supposed to convene in the spring of last year, but it could not take place due to some tensions between the parties. The resumption of top-level dialogue is therefore seen as a significant development. The implications of this contact for resolving Aegean issues and the Cyprus problem are expected to become evident soon.
Minister Fidan attributed the longstanding inability to resolve issues in the Aegean to a single reason: the career concerns of Greek politicians. He explained that political leaders in Greece face domestic difficulties when they reach an agreement to resolve problems with Türkiye and that Mitsotakis’ strong support in the last elections may open a window of opportunity in this regard. Fidan stated: “Perceiving Türkiye as a threat in Greek domestic politics has always been a driving force in politics. Therefore, anyone attempting to do something regarding Türkiyeurkey is bound to pay a political price. Now, a political leader in Greece must choose between resolving issues with Türkiye and bringing peace to the region or risking their political career.”
Fidan reiterated that Türkiye is ready not only for preliminary negotiations but also to resolve the issues permanently. He emphasized the need for mutual political will, the separation of domestic and foreign policy, the implementation of confidence-building measures, and the importance of people-to-people interactions. He highlighted that Türkiye values security cooperation in the region and will demonstrate the necessary will to resolve problems in relations with Greece.
Recalling the visa exemption for Chinese citizens, Fidan noted that Türkiye seeks to advance this process with China, emphasizing trade, investment, and connectivity. He pointed out that China is among Türkiye’s largest trading partners, with a trade volume of approximately $50 billion, and noted the significant trade deficit between the two countries. Talks are ongoing to address this issue. Fidan highlighted that Türkiye maintains a balanced relationship with the European Union, with a trade volume of roughly $230 billion, and aims to work similarly with China.
Welcoming increased Chinese investment in Türkiye, Fidan said: “We see some hesitation among the Chinese in bringing certain investments to Türkiye. From time to time, we also wonder whether this is due to certain political positions.” He emphasized that there are no issues between Türkiye and China, noting: “While it might appear that there are security concerns, these are, as I have discussed with our Chinese colleagues for years, all issues with solutions; there should not be major problems. You know our stance on the Uyghur issue.”
Fidan stressed that Türkiye can advance relationships with all countries on a qualified, mutually beneficial basis and described China’s situation as a “historic opportunity.”
He also noted that while China has historically prioritized port projects, it has not shown the expected interest in railways passing through Türkiye. Fidan recalled past efforts in this regard, saying the project could be revived and that both sides are dedicating serious efforts. He emphasized that railway connections are essential to fully utilize the ports and that Türkiye is ready for cooperation under this framework. Fidan underlined that Türkiye is open to any mutually beneficial collaboration that does not disturb other countries. He concluded by noting President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s emphasis on cooperation with China and that they are working to ensure the process progresses positively.
Fidan emphasized that Türkiye is a key actor in the Belt and Road Initiative and the Middle Corridor, noting that the potential in this area has not yet been fully realized and that they aim to bring it to fruition. He recalled that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan visited China at the end of August to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Summit, and mentioned that he himself held numerous meetings. Fidan stated:
“We welcome China playing a constructive role regarding regional issues. China previously acted as a mediator in bringing Iran and Saudi Arabia together.”
Meanwhile, while expressing support for Chinese companies increasing their investments in Türkiye, Fidan said:
“We see some hesitation among the Chinese in bringing certain investments to Türkiye. From time to time, we also have concerns about whether this hesitation is due to certain political stances.”
Türkiye’s Role in the Future of Euro-Atlantic Relations
Efforts to end the war in 2026 will focus on bridging the gap between the ideal solution and the realistic solution. It is already foreseeable that discussions concerning the European security architecture will remain one of our main agenda items for many years to come. Meanwhile, the major transformation within Syria and its integration into the international community constituted one of the positive developments of 2025. We hope that the constructive will demonstrated by regional countries, European states, and the U.S. regarding Syria will continue with the same determination this year.
Fidan noted that 2026 will be a “busy calendar” for Türkiye, adding: “This year, God willing, we will host the NATO Summit, the Turkic States Organization Summit, and the UN Climate Change Summit.”
Minister Fidan emphasized that Türkiye will continue on its path with principled stances, determination, confidence, and relentless effort, while maintaining a balance between ideals and reality, and between values and interests. Based on this approach, in 2026 we will continue to take initiative and provide solutions across a broad geography, from the Balkans to Latin America, and from Central Asia to the Eastern Mediterranean. Producing peace, stability, and prosperity for our region will remain our priority.”
Source: C4Defence
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