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Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will travel to Paris on April 2 for an official visit, where he will meet with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot.
The talks, confirmed by sources from the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will focus on strengthening bilateral ties, Türkiye’s relationship with the European Union, and pressing regional and global security challenges.
The visit aims to reinforce the positive momentum in Türkiye-France relations, emphasizing high-level diplomatic engagement. Key priorities include boosting trade and investment—valued at $22.5 billion in 2024—and deepening cooperation in energy, transportation, tourism, technology, culture, and education. Fidan is also expected to push for enhanced defense industry collaboration, including the removal of export restrictions, and advocate for a united front against terrorism.
A significant portion of the agenda will address the Turkish diaspora in France, numbering nearly 800,000. Fidan will urge French authorities to take a firm stance against racist and extremist movements targeting this community. The visit coincides with ongoing cultural exchanges, such as the Türkiye Expo festival held in Paris last October, which showcased Turkish traditions and cuisine.
On the Türkiye-EU front, Fidan will call for a strategic approach to relations, free from the influence of domestic politics in certain EU states. He is expected to press for the removal of barriers to cooperation and emphasize Türkiye’s vital role in European security, particularly amid evolving threats on the continent.
Regional conflicts will also feature prominently. Fidan will reiterate Türkiye’s readiness to support a just resolution to the Russia-Ukraine war, stress the need for international action on Israel’s operations in Gaza, and demand an end to the PKK/YPG presence in northern Syria while maintaining joint efforts against Daesh. Additionally, he will advocate for increased engagement with Syria’s government and the lifting of sanctions to foster stability.
The talks underscore a shared interest in tackling global challenges, from counterterrorism to energy security, as both nations seek to navigate a complex geopolitical landscape.
Fidan’s visit follows recent displays of Türkiye’s military prowess, such as its participation in NATO’s Exercise Dynamic Mariner / Flotex 25 off Spain’s coast last week, highlighting its strategic significance to European allies. (ILKHA)
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