Turkish FM Fidan reaffirms Türkiye's support for Crimean Tatars during Kyiv visit
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan reaffirmed that protecting the rights of the Crimean Tatars and preserving their cultural identity remain a priority for Türkiye during an official visit to Kyiv.
Fidan met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday as part of talks aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, supporting efforts toward a lasting peace in Ukraine and enhancing regional security.
Following the visit, Fidan said Türkiye and Ukraine were continuing to deepen their strategic partnership despite the ongoing war. He said discussions with Zelenskyy, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and other senior Ukrainian officials focused on bilateral cooperation and the latest developments in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Fidan also welcomed the Ukrainian parliament's recent ratification of the Türkiye-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement, describing it as a major step that would expand economic cooperation and create new opportunities for businesses in both countries.
Reiterating Ankara's position on the conflict, Fidan said Türkiye continued to support Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and remained ready to back initiatives aimed at bringing the parties back to the negotiating table.
During the visit, Fidan also met Crimean Tatar leaders Mustafa Dzhemilev and Refat Chubarov to discuss the situation of the Crimean Tatar community.
Fidan said he was honoured to receive a state medal from President Zelenskyy, thanking the Ukrainian authorities and pledging that Türkiye would continue to strengthen its longstanding friendship and strategic partnership with Ukraine.
