Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan described the signing of a memorandum of understanding securing a ceasefire between the United States and Iran as an important step. Speaking at a joint press conference in Ottawa with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, Fidan commented positively on expanding the ceasefire to include Lebanon.
Stating that they hope the parties will maintain their constructive approach and reach an agreement on remaining issues as soon as possible, Fidan said, "Ensuring uninterrupted and permanent freedom of navigation and passage through the Strait of Hormuz has become extremely important at this stage."
Message of support for negotiation process from Turkey
Fidan reiterated that Turkey is ready to contribute to the negotiation process between the US and Iran. Emphasizing that Israel should not be allowed to sabotage the talks in this process, Fidan stated, "The international community must be extremely careful on this matter, and all parties must act cautiously and wisely."
Emphasis on strategic cooperation with Canada
Pointing out the great potential for cooperation between Turkey and Canada that has not been adequately utilized for many years, Fidan said global developments necessitate a closer partnership between the two countries. He stated that they had agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a strategic level.
Fidan announced that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Foreign Minister Anand, and Defense Minister David McGuinty will visit Turkey in the coming days for the NATO summit to be held in Ankara.
Free trade agreement and nuclear energy talks
Announcing that initial talks on a free trade agreement between the two countries have begun, Fidan stated that cooperation opportunities in the energy sector are being examined from a strategic perspective. He said that together with Minister Anand, they visited the Darlington Nuclear Facility as well as the Darlington small modular reactor whose construction has just begun in Toronto.
Fidan stated they discussed Turkey's potential to benefit from Canada's nuclear energy technology. Noting their interest in the heavy water reactor operating without the need for enriched uranium, Fidan emphasized that this unique Canadian technology has been operating smoothly for many years with the highest safety standards.
Stating that the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources is following this issue with great interest and conducting continuous talks, Fidan added that there is also serious potential for cooperation in critical minerals, liquefied natural gas, and the defense industry.
Situation in Gaza remains sensitive
Stating that the Gaza Strip continues to go through an extremely sensitive and fragile phase, Fidan said, "We are not diverting our attention away from Gaza. Despite the efforts of the entire international community, Israel is not fulfilling its obligations. The Netanyahu government's obstruction of the entry of humanitarian aid makes the situation even more dangerous."
Fidan said Israel continues to expand its military presence in violation of ceasefire provisions and increases pressure on civilian life, adding that rising settler terrorism in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, seriously undermines the establishment of lasting peace. He stated that the two countries' common stance on resolving the Palestinian issue justly and permanently based on a two-state solution was reaffirmed once again during the talks.
Mediation offer in Russia-Ukraine war
Noting that the Russia-Ukraine war is another issue threatening global security and stability, Fidan said he also discussed this with his Canadian counterpart. He emphasized that Turkey wants the war to end as soon as possible through diplomacy based on international law.
Drawing attention to the deadlock in the diplomatic process despite the intensification of clashes on the ground, Fidan stated: "As we have conveyed to the relevant parties, I would like to bring to the attention of the international community that we are ready to host Russian and Ukrainian delegations again in our country and bring them together around the negotiation table."
