01.11.2026 02:00
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, noting that the Russia-Ukraine War, which has been ongoing for about five years, has caused great damage to the world economy, said that the two countries must now reach an agreement. Emphasizing that relations between Europe and Russia must also be reconsidered after the war, Fidan stated that the disruption of grain shipments in the Black Sea threatens global food security and that Turkey is carrying out efforts to restart the shipments.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan made statements to members of the press after the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting. Noting that the meeting was held at an important time in terms of global crises, Fidan said, “This year's G20 meeting was truly a very timely and appropriate meeting when we consider the global crises we face. I hope it has contributed, even a little, to the solution of the problems in terms of both the topics discussed and the performance demonstrated by the participants.”
“AS TÜRKİYE, WE ATTACH IMPORTANCE TO TAKING A CONSTRUCTIVE AND PROBLEM-SOLVING POSITION”
Reporting that the energy crisis and disruptions in supply chains were addressed at the meeting, Fidan spoke as follows: “In three sessions, we addressed global crises, the energy crisis and the congestion in supply chains. Especially when we consider the blockage and deadlock we are currently experiencing in the Black Sea and the Red Sea, these are very important issues. Türkiye is also closely interested in all of these issues. As Türkiye, we attach importance to taking both our mediator role and, beyond that, a different, more constructive and problem-solving position. We attach importance to taking a position in international and regional crises not in order to be different, but in order to be truly useful.”
Stating that he held bilateral meetings with representatives of many countries within the scope of the meeting, Fidan said, “We met with the authorities of the host country and the US Secretary of State, Mr. Marco Rubio. We also met with representatives of Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Mexico, Germany, the European Union and Saudi Arabia. I probably met with more than half of the participants.”
“RUSSIA AND UKRAINE MUST REACH AN AGREEMENT”
Referring to the effects of the Russia-Ukraine War on the global economy, Fidan noted that the war has been ongoing for approximately 5 years and said the following: “The war that has been ongoing between Ukraine and Russia for nearly five years has caused very deep wounds. At the same time, it has caused great damage to the world economy. These costs must now be stopped. Five years have passed since the war began. These wars are no longer sustainable. Therefore, Russia and Ukraine must reach an agreement. After the war ends, relations between Europe and Russia must also be reconsidered. Beyond that, after peace, a constructive relationship between Europe and Russia must be redefined. Because a peace to be made between Ukraine and Russia will not be only between the two countries. Europe and Russia also need, in a sense, to reconcile and restart some relations.”
Stating that the dispute between the United States and Iran must also be resolved, Fidan said, “The dispute between the United States and Iran, which has caused the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, must also be eliminated as soon as possible. In this way, critical trade routes can be reopened.”
Emphasizing that the disruption of trade in the Black Sea creates a serious problem for food security, Fidan said, “Russian grain, Russian energy, Ukrainian grain and Ukrainian energy cannot reach world markets. This is an extremely serious problem, especially in terms of food security. This must be ended as soon as possible.”
Reporting that Türkiye is carrying out efforts to ensure grain shipments again, Fidan said, “We are carrying out serious efforts, in particular, so that grain can be shipped out through the Black Sea and reach international markets. I hope this war will also end. Because many people are losing their lives and the cost is very high.”
“TÜRKİYE'S CANDIDATE FOR UN SECRETARY-GENERAL IS SİNİRLİOĞLU”
Fidan announced that Türkiye has officially nominated Feridun Sinirlioğlu as its candidate for UN Secretary-General. Noting that geographical distribution is an important custom in the UN Secretary-General election process, Fidan said that this time it was Latin America's turn, but no progress could be achieved among the candidates. Fidan said, “This time, in terms of geographical rotation, it was Latin America's turn. We respect this greatly. However, during the election process that has continued for about a year, very respected candidates from Latin America were nominated and competed. But the candidates could not make progress, and a deadlock occurred.”
Drawing attention to Sinirlioğlu's diplomatic experience, Hakan Fidan said, “He is a very experienced figure. He previously served as our permanent representative to the United Nations. He also served briefly as Minister of Foreign Affairs. He is a career diplomat. He has a broad international circle and great experience. For many years, we have worked very closely with him both at MİT and here.”
“THE AIM IS TO CONTRIBUTE TO OVERCOMING THE DEADLOCK IN THE ELECTION PROCESS”
Stating that the candidacy decision had been taken in advance, Fidan said, “It was normal for Türkiye to have a plan for this possibility. We had also considered this and carried out the necessary initiatives informally. When the deadlock became clear, we officially submitted our candidate to the United Nations with a letter signed by our President.”
Fidan said, “At present, Mr. Feridun Sinirlioğlu is the official candidate of the Republic of Türkiye for the United Nations Secretary-General. We have a process ahead of us. Votes will be held again. This is a race. We will see which candidate comes to the fore as a result of the votes.”
Stating that the purpose of Türkiye's nomination was to contribute to overcoming the deadlock in the election process, Fidan said, “Our President attaches exceptional importance to the United Nations functioning in a true and fair manner. Türkiye will continue to make every possible contribution at this point. Our nomination is just one of these contributions.”