Lavrov's EU exit made Minister Fidan laugh.

18.06.2026 16:12

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov during his official visit to Russia. At the joint press conference of the two ministers, Lavrov's remark, "It wouldn't be bad at all if Ukraine joined the European Union; then the EU would fall apart," drew attention in the hall. The moment Hakan Fidan laughed at Lavrov's outburst was captured on camera.

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan went to Russia for official contacts. Fidan met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and after the meeting, the two ministers held a joint press conference.

STRIKING DIALOGUE AT JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE

The two ministers, who appeared before the cameras after the meeting, made assessments regarding regional and international developments on the agenda. During the press conference, the comment made by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov about the European Union drew attention.

LAVROV: IF UKRAINE JOINS THE EU, THE EU COLLAPSES

Lavrov said during his speech, "It wouldn't be bad at all if Ukraine joins the European Union; then the EU would collapse." Minister Fidan was seen laughing at the Russian minister's words.

THOSE MOMENTS CAUGHT ON CAMERA

After Lavrov's statement, Hakan Fidan's smile was captured on camera. These moments at the joint press conference of the two ministers were among the most striking images of the meeting.

US-IRAN AGREEMENT

Fidan spoke at the joint press conference held after his meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow.

Fidan stated that he sees the agreement reached between the US and Iran as an extremely valuable diplomatic threshold for breaking the climate of conflict in the region and welcomes it with satisfaction, saying, "As our President (Recep Tayyip Erdoğan) also emphasized, it is our greatest wish that this step, which gives breathing room to our region and the entire world, turns into a structural and permanent security architecture rather than a temporary calm."

Expressing his hope that this agreement will be successfully carried through to the final signing process, implemented completely, and turned into a permanent diplomatic ground, Fidan said, "It is essential to absolutely avoid rhetoric that could poison the peace climate and possible sabotage attempts by Israel aimed at derailing the process during the sensitive period until the final signatures are made."

"KEEPING THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ OPEN IS VITAL"

Fidan said he finds the political will demonstrated by the US and Iranian leaders in achieving this outcome very important, stating, "We appreciate Pakistan's mediation efforts and also note with satisfaction the support provided by Qatar and Saudi Arabia to diplomatic initiatives."

"Keeping the Strait of Hormuz open for the safe, free, and uninterrupted passage of all ships, as before the war, is vital not only for regional stability but also for global energy security and international trade," said Fidan, noting that Turkey's desire in the coming period is for this agreement to open the door to a broader regional peace perspective and that Turkey is working towards this.

TURKEY-RUSSIA RELATIONS

Recalling that he last met with Lavrov at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Fidan stated that they have been in constant telephone communication as conditions arise.

Fidan noted that the intensity in Turkish-Russian relations and the regional agenda necessitate more frequent and detailed consultations, and he conveyed that many issues concerning bilateral cooperation were discussed in detail during today's meetings.

Emphasizing that Turkey-Russia relations are based on deep historical ties, strong economic foundations, high-level political dialogue established between leaders, and mutual trust, Fidan stated that despite the dangers posed by multiple conflicts and structural challenges threatening global peace and prosperity, the positive course of bilateral cooperation has been maintained.

"OUR PRIORITY IS FOR RUSSIA AND UKRAINE TO RETURN TO THE DIPLOMACY TABLE"

Fidan explained that they discussed steps to be taken in the coming period on many topics on the bilateral agenda, from energy to trade, and noted the following:

"Undoubtedly, ending conflicts in our region is of great importance for us to reach the true potential in our bilateral relations. In this context, we conveyed our desire to end the war in Ukraine, which is entering its 5th year, as soon as possible and through peaceful means. I also expressed that we are ready to host subsequent rounds of negotiations. Our country's main priority is for Russia and Ukraine to return to the diplomacy table. If the parties agree, we are prepared to discuss how negotiations could be advanced in a more results-oriented manner."

Pointing out that the recent escalation in the Russia-Ukraine War and the danger of the war spreading geographically are seriously worrying, Fidan said that particularly the increase in attacks on targets behind the front lines and attacks threatening navigation safety in the Black Sea, which have effects that harm the interests of third parties, necessitate some de-escalation measures.

"INCIDENTS THAT COULD HARM OUR INTERESTS IN THE BLACK SEA MUST BE PREVENTED"

Regarding navigation safety in the Black Sea, Minister Fidan stated, "I also conveyed to my esteemed colleague our expectation to prevent incidents that could harm our country's interests in the Black Sea in recent times. In this framework, we exchanged ideas on what could be done to ensure navigation safety in the Black Sea."

Stating that they also comprehensively discussed current developments in the South Caucasus in his meeting with Lavrov, Fidan said they affirmed the importance of the stability and regional cooperation that the ongoing peace and normalization processes will provide to this geography.

Fidan expressed satisfaction with the progress made in the peace and normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, stating, "The steps taken in the process show that the peace factually established in the region is now reflected on the ground. Increasing economic interaction, developing transportation and trade routes, and collaborations to be established on the basis of mutual benefit in energy and logistics fields will ensure regional stability. We believe that the issues of the South Caucasus should be addressed on the basis of dialogue and cooperation by the regional countries and close neighbors."

Emphasizing that they reiterated Turkey's stance on resolving the Palestinian issue within the framework of regional peace, stability and justice, Fidan underlined that the Palestinian issue lies at the center of all conflicts in the Middle East.

"IT IS NECESSARY TO PREVAIL AN APPROACH THAT STRENGTHENS THE POSSIBILITIES OF SOLUTION IN OUR REGION"

Stating that they continue to contribute to diplomatic initiatives for maintaining the ceasefire in Gaza, ensuring uninterrupted access to humanitarian aid, and initiating reconstruction activities to establish stability, Fidan noted the following:

"It is clear that international efforts must be increased to prevent Israel's destructive actions aimed at undermining the two-state solution, ceasefire violations in Gaza, settler terror in the West Bank, and provocations in East Jerusalem. Israel's attacks and occupations in Lebanon and Syria are a continuation of the project to weaken these countries and destabilize the region. An approach that strengthens the possibilities of solution, not one that expands areas of conflict, must prevail in our region. The principle we have defended from the beginning as Turkey is clear. This geography must no longer be an arena for external interventions and destructive geopolitical rivalries. Regional countries must take ownership of their own future with common sense, prudence and a sense of responsibility. This is exactly the essence of our vision of regional ownership."

Emphasizing that lasting security in the Middle East can only be established by addressing the legitimate security concerns of all regional countries together, Fidan said that with this understanding, they will continue to support strengthening confidence-building mechanisms among regional countries, keeping political dialogue channels open, and managing crises through diplomacy.

Fidan underlined that Turkey will never hesitate to take initiatives to strengthen peace and stability in the region in this direction.

"STABILITY AND SECURITY IN SYRIA IS A SOURCE OF HOPE"

Pointing out that one of the important topics of the regional stability perspective is Syria, Fidan stated that the progress made in establishing and consolidating stability, security and unity in Syria continues to be a source of hope in a period when the world is being tested by many regional and global crises.

Fidan stated that Turkey will continue to act in cooperation with all parties that want to make constructive contributions to the establishment of stability, security and economic development in Syria on the basis of its territorial integrity and unity.

Minister Fidan said that Turkey and Russia will continue to work together for the common interests of the two countries and the security, stability and prosperity of the region.

Answering the questions of the press members, Fidan used the following statements regarding the targeted regions in the Russia-Ukraine War:

"As you know, there have been many wars and conflicts around us for years. We are doing our best to stop these wars and conflicts, but while these wars and conflicts continue, we pay close attention to one issue. It is an issue that our President emphasizes with sensitivity. Regardless of the reason, we have never approved of targeting civilians and civilian settlements in a war, and we have always condemned such acts as a matter of principle from the beginning. We have reacted to every issue brought to our attention and we will continue to do so because it is something we have found wrong from the beginning."

"THERE IS PRESSURE FROM INTERNATIONAL ACTORS IN THE US-IRAN AGREEMENT"

Regarding the agreement reached between the US and Iran and the possibility of Israel accepting or not accepting this agreement, Fidan stated that almost all international actors not only have the desire but also open or hidden pressure for this peace to be achieved as soon as possible.

Stating that with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the world understood that this issue is not a regional matter between Iran and the US or Iran and Israel, but a matter for the whole world, Fidan emphasized that a tremendous price increase was seen in sectors related to energy, food and petrochemicals, serious problems occurred in supply chains, and this situation triggers economic instability in the long term, which in turn triggers many problems in governance instability and security.

Fidan said that all the states they are in contact with demand the implementation of this agreement as soon as possible and that everyone supports it, and added that under the leadership of President Erdoğan, they have done their best with incredible pace from the beginning.

"ISRAEL'S ATTITUDES IN THE REGION ARE A PROBLEM FOR THE WHOLE WORLD"

Noting that with the resolution of this issue, they can focus on other pending problems, Fidan stated the following:

"The problem in Gaza, the problem in Ukraine, so we can work with America on those issues as well. Now, as you mentioned, could Israel have a role of destabilizing and sabotaging? It could. That's why we always say, Israel's attitudes in the region are not just a problem for a few countries, but a problem for the whole world, and the whole world is aware of this. For the first time, a consensus is forming worldwide towards the dissolution of the illusion created by Israel. This consensus now needs to be transformed into unity of action by applying the necessary diplomatic methods. It is not possible for Israel to take a step when it sees that the whole world is making a diplomatic effort against it. Countries need to be sincere, call wrong wrong, and when they come together and take a wrong step, they need to give the necessary response. When this happens, Israel will not take a step. Otherwise, such and such country will protect me, such and such country will not say anything because of the past, I have tied up such and such country behind regarding trade, such and such for elections. If there are such agreements on many issues, of course Israel's destabilizing game it is trying to establish in the region will continue, but countries will continue to suffer together. For this reason, we will continue to institutionalize diplomacy that calls wrong wrong and takes a stand against wrong with an international transparent and open diplomacy."

"IT IS NECESSARY TO ESTABLISH AN ORDER THAT PRODUCES STABILITY FOR THE WORLD, NOT JUST THE REGION"

Answering a question about Turkey's role in the agreement reached between the US and Iran, Fidan stated that Turkey is important and strong in its region and spoke as follows:

"Our stabilizing and peace-prioritizing policy put forward by our President also showed itself in the Iran War in our region."The efforts we have made in this regard have not only produced a result of our own personal endeavors but have also prompted other partners and brotherly countries who value our stance, view, and action to take steps on this matter.

Fidan, stating that there were "ups and downs" in the process, said, "We were in constant communication with our Pakistani brothers, Qatari brothers, Americans, and Iranians day and night. Our Pakistani and Qatari brothers made very significant and serious efforts."

Emphasizing that the gathering of regional leaders for a teleconference with US President Donald Trump was an important turning point, Fidan stated, "Because the regional countries have now developed a reflex to express our common stance and common diplomatic language regarding our region."

Fidan conveyed that Trump demonstrated will, ignored Israel's objections on this matter, and Iran responded positively to this will, leading to a result, adding, "Our hope is that, without being affected by any sabotage, these technical negotiations will conclude as soon as possible in the remaining 60-day period, and peace will be established in our region."

Stating that after the war, by coming together with regional countries and other influential actors outside the region, a system should be established that everyone can agree on, takes everyone's interests into account, and produces stability not only for the region but also for the world, Fidan said, "The conditions are favorable for this, the ground is suitable. It only requires vision, courage, and a bit of a push. Turkey is hopefully capable of doing this."