Fidan holds talks with US envoy, EBRD president in Ankara

2026-03-03 - 16:12

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan conducted two significant meetings in Ankara on Tuesday, receiving the US ambassador to Türkiye and special envoy for Syria, along with the president of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), according to the Turkish Foreign Ministry. The diplomatic engagements come amid heightened regional tensions following US-Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent retaliatory actions across the Gulf. Fidan meets US envoy The meeting between Fidan and US diplomat Tom Barrack took place in the Turkish capital, though the Foreign Ministry did not immediately release further details about their discussions. Barrack serves as both US Ambassador to Türkiye and Special Envoy for Syria, giving him a dual portfolio covering bilateral US-Türkiye relations and the complex Syria file. The talks occur as regional conflicts multiply, with Washington engaged in a major military campaign against Iran while maintaining interests in Syrian stability. EBRD president in Ankara Fidan also met with Odile Renaud-Basso, president of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, in a separate Ankara meeting. The EBRD has been actively involved in Türkiye's economic development, investing in various sectors including green energy, infrastructure and private sector development. The discussion likely covered the bank's ongoing projects in Türkiye and potential areas for expanded cooperation amid global economic uncertainties. Diplomatic context Tuesday's meetings are part of Türkiye's broader diplomatic engagement as regional crises multiply. Fidan has conducted intensive consultations with over 15 foreign ministers since the US-Israeli strikes on Iran began Saturday, advocating for de-escalation and dialogue. The discussions with US and EBRD representatives reflect Ankara's multifaceted approach to diplomacy, addressing both security challenges and economic partnerships simultaneously.