Türkiye's foreign minister received by Russian president

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan was received by Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday during a visit to Russia.

According to Turkish diplomatic sources, Putin received Fidan in the Russian city of Kazan.

In a statement on the US social media platform X, Fidan said he held numerous meetings in Moscow and Kazan to discuss bilateral relations and regional issues.

Regarding his meeting with Putin, Fidan said he conveyed messages from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, adding: “We had the opportunity to hear his assessments on regional issues.”

Fidan said his talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, as well as meetings with senior Russian officials, focused on areas where the two countries can further expand cooperation and exchange views on regional matters.

"As Türkiye, we wish to see the war between Russia and Ukraine conclude at the diplomacy table," he said, adding that Ankara reiterated its readiness to provide any support necessary, including hosting subsequent rounds of negotiations.

Fidan said he also reaffirmed Türkiye's support for efforts aimed at establishing peace and prosperity in the South Caucasus, adding that Ankara believes the 3+3 Regional Cooperation Platform carries significant potential.

The minister said he also met with Turkish business representatives in Moscow and discussed their vision and attended a ceremony at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), where he was awarded an honorary doctorate.

"Türkiye-Russia relations, which are rooted in history and today rest on the political will demonstrated by our President and President Putin, as well as strong economic cooperation and people-to-people ties, are of critical importance for international security, stability and prosperity," he said.

"We will continue our joint efforts to strengthen cooperation between our countries," he added.

A transcript of the opening remarks at the meeting was released by the Kremlin, in which Putin was quoted as saying that ties between Moscow and Ankara are “developing steadily.”

“We are very pleased about this,” Putin said in the meeting also attended by Lavrov and presidential aide Yury Ushakov.

Putin said contacts between their countries have long ceased to be purely formal and are “truly friendly, constantly gaining new meaning.”

He said this is largely due to the position taken by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and asked Fidan to convey his best wishes to him, as well as express that they are always happy to see him in Russia.

“I am pleased to have the opportunity to meet with you on the sidelines of today's event and discuss current issues of interest to both our countries,” Putin added.

Fidan conveyed Erdogan's “warmest greetings” to Putin and added: “Indeed, our region and the world have a very busy international agenda, and your experience in this regard is invaluable. There are many issues we need to discuss.”