UPDATE 2 - Any reshaping of Europe's security architecture not possible without Türkiye: Foreign minister

UPDATES WITH MORE REMARKS BY TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTER

By Seda Sevencan

ISTANBUL (AA) - Türkiye is essential to any reform in the European security architecture, the Turkish foreign minister said on Thursday.

Addressing a joint news conference with his Albanian counterpart Igli Hasani in the capital Ankara, Hakan Fidan said: “If the European security architecture is to be reshaped, it cannot be done without Türkiye. A security architecture that excludes Türkiye is not very realistic.”

Highlighting that European leaders are engaged in serious negotiations both with the US and among themselves about the changing dynamics, Fidan referenced French President Emmanuel Macron's recent visit to Washington.

He said European leaders might convene on March 1-2 for a meeting on Europe’s security and Ukraine.

"On one hand, steps are being taken to end the war in Ukraine, while on the other, we see European countries making efforts to establish a broad consultation mechanism among themselves. So, what will the European security architecture look like in the future? We see that the European security architecture without NATO is already being raised and discussed by European leaders,” Fidan said.

- US stance on Ukraine

About the change in US stance and policy over the Ukraine war, the Turkish foreign minister said: "We understand that they are trying to find a basis for an agreement on reimbursement of the expenses they incurred in Ukraine.”

US President Donald Trump has advanced negotiations with Russia to improve relations and end the Ukraine conflict, in contrast to the administration of Joe Biden, which led a Western effort to isolate Russia through sanctions and aided Ukraine.

Referring to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's scheduled visit to Washington on Friday, Fidan said he believes an agreement will be finalized during the visit.

"What kind of assurances will be secured in return is also being discussed, as far as we understand," he added.

Fidan said Ukrainians are requesting some practical, concrete military support and guarantees, especially from the US, in the event of a ceasefire and peace agreement.

Fidan highlighted the deep humanitarian, historical, and cultural ties between Türkiye and Albania.

The minister also emphasized Türkiye and Albania’s strong military and defense industry collaboration as NATO allies. "We will continue working on joint projects that will further advance these efforts," he said.

Fidan reiterated Ankara’s expectation for stronger support from Albania in combating the FETO terror group. "We once again emphasized that we expect stronger support and concrete steps from Albania in the fight against FETO."

FETO orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016, in which 252 people were killed and 2,734 wounded.

Türkiye accuses FETO of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.

He said the Russian war in Ukraine and recent developments in Syria were among the topics discussed with Hasani.

Regarding the Ukraine war, he reaffirmed Ankara’s readiness to help achieve a lasting and just peace through diplomatic means.

Commenting on the EU’s decision to lift sanctions on Syria’s energy, transportation, and finance sectors, Fidan called it "a step in the right direction," adding: "The unconditional and irreversible removal of all sanctions is essential for Syria’s stability and development."

- Israeli genocide case at International Court of Justice

He recalled that the UN General Assembly had passed a resolution in December 2024 requesting an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Israel’s obligations toward UN agencies.

"As Türkiye, we supported this decision. The ICJ then requested member states to submit their opinions. We have prepared a dossier, and today we are submitting it to the ICJ in The Hague," he announced.

"Our dossier provides examples of Israel’s violations of international law. We explained that blocking humanitarian aid and targeting UN facilities is unacceptable. We will continue to follow the crimes committed by Israel and defend the rights of Palestinians.”