Minister Fidan: We Are Determined to Further Deepen Our Strategic Partnership with Italy
Minister Fidan: We Are Determined to Further Deepen Our Strategic Partnership with Italy
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated, “We are determined to further deepen our strategic partnership with Italy. Our President and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have expressed their commitment to this goal in the strongest possible terms.”
Fidan made these remarks during a joint press conference in Rome with Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.
Expressing his gratitude to Tajani for his hospitality, Fidan noted that he always engages in productive and comprehensive discussions with his Italian counterpart.
Highlighting that the meeting focused on enhancing cooperation on bilateral and regional issues, Fidan emphasized, “We are determined to further deepen our strategic partnership with Italy. Our President and Prime Minister Meloni have repeatedly demonstrated their strong commitment to this objective.”
Fidan underscored that both countries are taking concrete steps through various joint projects to contribute to mutual prosperity and security, noting that Italy and Turkey are also working on initiatives that benefit other countries in the region.
He pointed out that trade, energy, defense, migration, and combating organized crime are key areas in Turkey-Italy bilateral relations, with the trade volume between the two countries exceeding $32 billion.
Cooperation in the Defense Industry
Fidan stated that the goal is to raise this figure to $40 billion. He also highlighted the cooperation in the defense sector, noting, “We are very pleased with our collaboration in defense. Recently, Baykar’s acquisition of the historic Italian aerospace company Piaggio Aerospace, as well as its partnership with the Italian defense firm Leonardo, sets an example for our region.”
He added that the progress made regarding Eurofighter procurement is extremely important for both Turkey and Italy, and emphasized that the Mediterranean region holds a key position for Europe’s energy security and connectivity.
Minister Fidan noted:
“Enhancing our cooperation in these areas will bring significant benefits at both the bilateral and regional levels. At the same time, activities within our maritime jurisdictions must be conducted in full respect of the sovereign populations, in accordance with international maritime law, and in effective coordination. We highly appreciate Italy’s sensitivity on this matter.”
Fidan also stated that he and his Italian counterpart discussed irregular migration in the Mediterranean, emphasizing that Turkey is determinedly combating irregular migration. He noted that, thanks to Turkey’s efforts, pressures along the Eastern Mediterranean migration route have decreased, and he highlighted that joint efforts with Italy will continue in this regard.
Turkey’s Expectations from the EU
Regarding Turkey-EU relations, Fidan said, “Full EU membership remains a strategic goal for Turkey. In this process, our expectation from the EU is to avoid prejudiced attitudes driven by narrow political calculations and to develop a vision that includes steps to revitalize Turkey’s EU accession process.”
Fidan emphasized that Italy’s support for Turkey’s EU membership reflects a strategic and long-term perspective and expressed the hope that this approach will be adopted by all EU member states.
He underlined that both countries share a common vision on strengthening European defense, stating, “A sustainable and deterrent security architecture can only be achieved with the full participation of Turkey, which has NATO’s second-largest army.”
Fidan added that he had the opportunity to extensively discuss regional and international issues with his Italian counterpart. In this context, they reviewed their joint commitment to establishing a fair and lasting peace in Ukraine. He noted Turkey’s concrete contribution by hosting direct negotiation processes and emphasized that Ankara will continue to act as a facilitator and exert every effort to end the war.
Africa and Libya
Fidan mentioned that current developments in Africa were also discussed, highlighting the need to support prosperity and stability on the continent. Regarding Libya, he stated, “We reiterated our shared stance on maintaining the political process and encouraging field actors to engage in dialogue. Ensuring Libya’s unity, territorial integrity, sovereignty, stability, and security on a lasting basis is of great importance. Turkey and Italy will continue our efforts in this regard.”
Minister Fidan drew attention to one of the main issues on the international agenda: Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza and its expansionist policies in the region. He stated, “With its attack in Doha, Israel has violated the sovereignty of yet another country. I want to reiterate that we stand in full solidarity with Qatar in the face of this despicable attack.”
Fidan noted that Qatar is a country successfully carrying out mediation efforts through a peaceful foreign policy. He added that Israel’s expansionist policies reaching Qatar should serve as a wake-up call to those who have turned a blind eye to Benjamin Netanyahu.
The minister also said, “We call on the international community to take the necessary measures against Israel. We welcome the recent announcements by many Western countries that they will recognize the State of Palestine during the UN General Assembly.”
Fidan stated that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will participate in the high-level week of the UN General Assembly, where Turkey will continue its efforts to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people and seek a lasting solution to the Palestinian issue. He added that, as two NATO allies, Mediterranean countries, and strategic partners, Turkey and Italy will further strengthen their friendship through future steps.
Libya Agenda
Answering journalists’ questions, Fidan said Turkey and Italy follow the same policy regarding Libya. He added, “In recent years, Turkey has balanced its relations with the West and the East regarding Libya. In this context, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aguila Saleh, visited Ankara. Various visits and meetings of Saddam Haftar and Bilqasim Haftar in Turkey have also taken place. Currently, there is no visit by General Khalifa Haftar planned to Turkey, but such a visit would also be a normal matter.”
Israel’s Genocide in Gaza
Fidan emphasized that international pressure on Israel has been insufficient and not deterrent. He stated, “As of today, genocide created through systematic starvation continues in Gaza. Israel’s expansionism and threat in the region are steadily increasing.”
He highlighted that, although delayed, a major awakening has occurred in the international community, which is making progress faster than expected under the international system. “We are witnessing the gradual dismantling of the illusion Israel created before the eyes of the international community over the years. Its true face and intentions are becoming apparent,” Fidan said.
The minister pointed out that the world has seen how Israel flagrantly violates every principle considered sacred by humanity. “The world, especially Western societies, is in conflict with its own values,” he stated.
Fidan warned that the clash between Israel’s occupation and Western values could lead to more significant consequences. He stressed that the international community and system must make greater efforts, calling on the European Union (EU) and the United Nations (UN) to take stronger measures to stop Israel; otherwise, the already heavily eroded international system could completely collapse.
Russia’s Violation of Polish Airspace
Regarding developments related to Russia’s violation of Polish airspace during strikes on targets in Ukraine, Fidan recalled that an extraordinary meeting was held with NATO permanent representatives under Article 4. “I hope we do not see this repeated,” he said.
Fidan emphasized that since the start of the Russia-Ukraine War, Turkey has repeatedly stressed the risk of escalation and the urgent need to end the conflict. He added that Turkey has hosted peace and ceasefire talks and prisoner exchanges and continues to engage at various levels to facilitate resolution.
The minister highlighted Turkey’s capacity and responsibility as a regional actor, noting that, as with the conflict in Gaza, Turkey can foresee the types of dangers that exist and that each of these risks has materialized. He stressed that peace and ceasefire talks between Russia and Ukraine must resume, stating, “Turkey and Italy share the view that this war must end as soon as possible.”
Minister Fidan on the War and NATO Efforts
Minister Fidan emphasized that the war poses a threat to both regional and global security, noting that NATO member countries have fulfilled their responsibilities and engaged in consultations. He stressed that greater efforts are needed to end the war as soon as possible.
Italian Foreign Minister Tajani on Cooperation with Turkey
Host Minister Tajani highlighted that Turkey and Italy are strategic partners, noting that the Turkey-Italy Intergovernmental Summit held in Rome in April demonstrated this partnership. He added that the signing of a cooperation document this evening to strengthen the fight against irregular migration would be highly beneficial in preventing departures from the Mediterranean, especially from Libya.
Tajani underlined that irregular migration is a critical issue for Italy, stating, “Cooperation with a key country like Turkey in the Mediterranean enables us to strengthen our fight against human traffickers. This initiative represents a concrete action by the Italian government to combat irregular migration, drug trafficking, and terrorism in collaboration with a key partner.”
He further explained that both countries will cooperate on law enforcement training. Tajani said, “Our goal is to dismantle criminal networks in the Mediterranean and strengthen cooperation between our coast guards to prevent irregular migration. This topic was also discussed in August in Istanbul between Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Libya’s Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dibeybe, as well as the Interior Ministers of Turkey and Italy. We are therefore working to enhance dialogue between Italy, Turkey, and Libya, and aim to extend this cooperation to other regional actors, as stability in North Africa and the Mediterranean is vital for us.”
He added, “The Mediterranean should no longer be a cemetery for migrants; it should serve to promote prosperity and growth.”
On the Russia-Ukraine War
Tajani also addressed the Russia-Ukraine War, stating, “We can work effectively with Turkey to build peace in Ukraine. We are well aware of Ankara’s significant role in facilitating dialogue. I also reiterated to Minister Fidan Italy’s proposal that, once peace is achieved, Ukraine should be provided with a security guarantee modeled on NATO’s Article 5.”
Tajani, taking into account Turkey’s role in the security of the Black Sea, stated that they are also open to discussing the idea of clearing naval mines, saying,
“We have a long history and significant experience in this field, and I believe we can work to ensure the safety of maritime transport.”
Turkey-Italy Economic Relations
Tajani emphasized that they see economic relations between the two countries progressing in the right direction:
“We have decided to work harder to strengthen cooperation in this area. In 2024, total trade volume reached 32 billion dollars. Turkey is our largest trade partner in the Mediterranean and the second largest in Europe. Consequently, our exports to Turkey have more than doubled in recent years. Therefore, we are ready to make further investments and, of course, welcome investments into our country as well.”
Tajani also addressed recent defense industry partnerships between the two countries, saying:
“We are ready to work together on efforts for peace. I reiterated to the Minister our stance on the defense industry. Our goal is to strengthen our defense sector not only with EU member states but also with countries like the U.S., U.K., and Turkey. We also agreed on reinforcing stability in Syria, Lebanon, and the broader Middle East. We place great trust in Turkey’s role as a friendly country in promoting peace and stability and believe we can take important steps together.”
“There is a limit to the reaction that must not be crossed. Unfortunately, Israel has crossed this limit.”
In response to a question from an AA reporter regarding whether the international community has shown sufficient reaction to Israel’s attack on the Hamas negotiation delegation in Doha, Minister Tajani replied:
“We condemn the attacks in Doha because this is a violation of airspace. These attacks violate the airspace of a country that is an important part of the peace negotiations aimed at achieving a ceasefire in Gaza.”
Tajani added, referring to Israel’s claim to the right of self-defense:
“However, there is a limit to the reaction that must not be crossed. Unfortunately, Israel has crossed this limit. International law and humanitarian law rights have been violated many times. We have told Israel that the bombings and attacks must stop and that it is time to reach peace. Of course, Hamas must also immediately and unconditionally release all hostages.”
Tajani reiterated Italy’s belief in a two-state solution, stating:
“We believe it is correct to establish a Palestinian State. I also told my Turkish friend and counterpart, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, that Italy supports an international mission under the UN, led by a Muslim country, aimed at uniting Gaza and the West Bank for the sake of Palestinian unity. This unification is an essential condition for the establishment of a Palestinian State. We said that we would sign the relevant document being prepared in New York on September 22.”
Tajani noted that at the recent informal meeting of EU Foreign Ministers, together with Germany, they supported new sanctions against new Israeli illegal settlers who attack Palestinian civilians and occupy parts of the West Bank, adding:
“Additionally, we are ready to evaluate the sanctions proposed yesterday in Strasbourg by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and once these proposals are submitted to the Council, we will carry out the necessary evaluations together with our European allies.”
Regarding the question of whether Russian UAVs violating Polish airspace constituted a test for NATO, Tajani responded:
“Italy has clearly condemned this. It is evident that Russia wanted to test its intervention capabilities, even militarily. I hope this does not happen again. This is not new. When I was an Air Force officer, we observed Warsaw Pact MiGs approaching NATO borders to test intervention capabilities. This is normal but very worrying. I hope there will be no escalation. Even the slightest mistake could worsen the situation. We must work for peace, but Italy and NATO must defend territorial integrity.”