Turkish, French top diplomats to meet in Ankara, focusing on trade, security, and Gaza peace efforts

2026-01-26 - 13:03

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is scheduled to meet his French counterpart, Jean-Noël Barrot, in Ankara on Tuesday for high-level talks aimed at advancing bilateral relations and addressing pressing international issues. Diplomatic sources indicate the discussions will seek to maintain recent positive momentum and apply a strategic lens to all areas of cooperation between the two NATO allies. Strengthening Economic and Security Cooperation Minister Fidan is expected to emphasize expanding economic and trade ties, including joint projects in third countries, and highlight the upcoming eighth meeting of the Joint Economic and Trade Commission in Istanbul on February 17. Bilateral trade, which reached $24 billion in 2025, reflects steady growth. The talks will also cover defense industry collaboration, counterterrorism efforts, and the welfare of the large Turkish community in France. EU Relations and Regional Diplomacy The agenda includes Türkiye’s relationship with the European Union, with Fidan anticipated to advocate for a strategic approach to ties independent of individual member states' domestic politics and to stress Türkiye’s inclusion in EU industrial strategy. Regionally, the ministers will exchange views on diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war and achieve a lasting peace, with Türkiye reiterating its readiness to support mediation. Focus on Gaza and Syria Regarding the Middle East, Fidan is set to discuss the next phase of Gaza peace initiatives, underscoring the need for coordinated international action to ensure security, stability, and uninterrupted humanitarian aid. On Syria, he will reiterate the importance of the country’s territorial integrity and Türkiye’s security concerns, closely monitoring implementation of the January 18 Ceasefire and Full Integration Agreement.