‘UK, Europe, Türkiye poised to forge regional center of attraction': Turkish foreign minister

The Turkish foreign minister on Friday said a group comprising the UK, some European countries, and Türkiye could potentially establish its own sphere of influence in the region.

Speaking to TV100, a Turkish television channel, Hakan Fidan stressed that European leaders are confused about what to do if the world were to be divided into several spheres of influence.

“It is quite possible for a structure that includes the UK, certain European countries, and Türkiye to create its own center of attraction in the region,” he said.

"This capability exists; the opportunity is there. It's simply a matter of putting forth the will and pursuing it," Fidan said.

He highlighted that if Türkiye had joined the EU in 2007-2008, the UK would likely not have exited the EU.

"A structure that includes Türkiye and the UK within the EU would inevitably have developed its own foreign policy and security architecture much earlier," he argued.

Fidan underscored that there are not many armies in Europe that are as strong as the Turkish army and whose tools have been tested on the battlefields.

Emphasizing that the threats should be defined, and the possibilities and how much the parties will protect each other should be seen, Fidan noted that the Ukraine issue will serve as a test for European countries, including Türkiye.

Stating that Türkiye's one-to-one relations with European countries are in good condition, Fidan said: “We have a total trade volume of more than 200 billion dollars with the whole of Europe. It is the most balanced trade volume in the world, for both sides.”

Stressing that repairing the relations with the EU institutions, which were cut to a certain extent in 2019, is challenging, Fidan said that EU membership is still a strategic priority, but the EU does not address the issue in the same way.

Noting that they will adopt a constructive approach that takes into account the interests of both parties during the negotiation process, the Turkish foreign minister stated that the negative atmosphere that has formed within the EU since 2019 has dissipated.

Regarding defense spending, Fidan highlighted that the EU has put forward a sum of 800 billion euros with the "ReArm Europe" program, stressing that some European countries are trying to increase their defense spending.

He underscored that cooperation with Türkiye is extremely important in terms of the project of having a strong defense industry and meeting defense capabilities and said that discussions on what will happen if the US "pulls down its security umbrella" continue both in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.

Fidan stated that if major powers such as the US, Russia, and China do not clash and reach an agreement to "define interests," it becomes more important for countries to come together in terms of the European security architecture.

- Russia-Ukraine war

Commenting on the difference of opinion on how to end the Ukraine war, Fidan said: "The start of the war in Ukraine divided parties, and its end is dividing them as well. Statements of Türkiye from the beginning are now being voiced by the US."

Ankara has, from the beginning, called for an end to the over three-year-long war between Russia and Ukraine through negotiations. The approach has now been adopted by the US under President Donald Trump.

"Türkiye is ready to increase the role it has played so far in this regard (mediation between Russia and Ukraine). We will continue to do whatever we can, politically, technically, and militarily," Fidan said.

Stressing that in order for a ceasefire or peace to occur, the parties must agree on many issues, he stated that Türkiye has been the only country within NATO that advocated a ceasefire in Ukraine for a long time.

Fidan noted that "genuine" peace talks could be held if all parties were at the table.

Expressing hope that the calm brought by the expected ceasefire between the parties will lead to a more permanent and long-term peace, he emphasized that the foundations of negotiations must be solid.

Highlighting that Türkiye has extended an open invitation to host the peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, Fidan said: "We will be involved in every activity, from hosting to other constructive contributions."