Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan travelled to Russia for a two-day visit to attend the BRICS+ meeting of foreign ministers in Nizhny Novgorod. The meeting, which included BRICS members and 15 other countries, focused on regional issues such as Gaza, Ukraine, Syria, Libya, and the South Caucasus, alongside discussions on economic cooperation and global governance.
During the meeting, Fidan reiterated Turkey’s commitment to peaceful conflict resolutions and economic cooperation, emphasizing efforts to increase trade volumes. He held bilateral talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and met with Turkish business representatives in Russia. Fidan also engaged in discussions with counterparts from other countries, highlighting Turkey’s role and interests in regional stability and economic partnerships.
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed strong support for Turkey’s interest in joining the BRICS bloc, highlighting the potential for closer ties between Turkey and BRICS nations. “We welcome Turkey’s interest in the work of BRICS and will fully support this aspiration,” Putin stated during a meeting with Fidan.
Fidan’s participation in the BRICS+ session underscored Turkey’s strategic pivot towards diverse international alliances. Addressing the meeting, Fidan highlighted the importance of BRICS’ diversity and their valuable cooperation. He also reiterated Turkey’s call for reforms in international bodies like the United Nations to better address global challenges.
This visit came as part of Turkey’s broader diplomatic efforts, following Fidan’s recent visit to China, where he explored new cooperation opportunities. The Turkish minister’s engagements in Russia reflect Ankara’s multifaceted foreign policy strategy, balancing relations with Western and Eastern powers.