Fidan discusses regional tensions with Azerbaijani, South Korean counterparts

2026-03-09 - 20:42

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan intensified diplomatic efforts Monday, holding telephone discussions with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, according to Turkish diplomatic sources. The calls focused on identifying measures to de-escalate the worsening security situation across the Middle East as the conflict between US-Israeli forces and Iran expands. Azerbaijan talks focus on regional stability During the conversation with Bayramov, the two ministers exchanged assessments of the current crisis and explored potential avenues for reducing tensions that threaten to destabilize the broader region. The discussions between Ankara and Baku, close partners with deep cultural and strategic ties, underscored the importance of coordinated approaches among neighboring states facing spillover effects from the widening war. Seoul consultations reflect global concerns Fidan's discussion with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun highlighted the international dimensions of the conflict, which has drawn concern from nations far beyond the immediate region. As a major economy with significant interests in global energy security and maritime trade routes, South Korea joins other nations monitoring the situation closely and seeking diplomatic pathways to contain the crisis. Conflict continues to spread The diplomatic outreach occurs against the backdrop of ongoing hostilities that began Feb. 28 with US-Israeli attacks on Iran, which have reportedly killed more than 1,200 people including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and senior military commanders. Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and other regional countries hosting American military assets, expanding the conflict's geographic scope and raising the risk of further escalation. Türkiye, maintaining dialogue with multiple parties while protecting its own territory and citizens, continues to advocate for diplomatic solutions amid the deteriorating security environment.