UK Foreign Secretary Commends Türkiye's Role in Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks

(MENAFN) British Foreign Secretary David Lammy lauded Türkiye’s pivotal role in the region on Monday, underscoring the country’s steadfast efforts to counter Russian aggression against Ukraine and broker a long-sought ceasefire.

After meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Ankara, Lammy addressed the media.

Reflecting on his year as foreign secretary, Lammy remarked, “I can safely say that in those 12 months in office, there has not been one month in which I have not met or spoken, often more than once, with Minister Hakan Fidan."

He emphasized the significance of these frequent meetings, which he said reflect the strong cooperation between Türkiye and the UK, noting the deep cultural bonds that unite the two nations.

Lammy pointed out that an estimated five million UK nationals are expected to visit Türkiye this year, highlighting the country's appeal and famed hospitality. He also mentioned that a significant number of Turkish citizens regularly travel to the UK.

Lammy further remarked that his constituency is home to well-established Turkish-speaking communities, emphasizing, “the relationship between the UK and Türkiye is underpinned by the strongest of strategic partnerships.”The Foreign Secretary also stressed both countries’ shared commitment to enhancing their partnership, pointing to the Free Trade Agreement as a major step forward. “We look forward to the negotiations over the coming weeks and months to get to that Free Trade Agreement,” Lammy said, noting that the agreement would build on the existing £28 billion ($38.4 billion) trade relationship. “Having Turkish industry and business working in partnership, often located in the United Kingdom, is a testament to that strong business relationship, as well as that strong people-to-people relationship,” he added.

Lammy took a moment to comment on the timing of his meeting with Minister Fidan amid a geopolitically challenging period. “I have been hugely grateful to the work that Türkiye has done to try and to broker a peace, to try and put an end to (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's aggression against Ukraine, working together to bring about peace in the surrounding Black Sea area and to get to that ceasefire, which we have long wanted to see and to end the tremendous loss of life," he said.

He also addressed the devastating human toll of the conflict, which has seen over a million Russian soldiers killed, and mentioned ongoing attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and civilian population.

On the Gaza crisis, Lammy expressed the shared concern of both nations for the suffering there, saying, “Neither of us forget the suffering that we have seen.” He reaffirmed their mutual commitment to alleviating the humanitarian crisis and securing a two-state solution for the Palestinian people.

Syria was also discussed during the meeting, with Lammy noting the strong UK-Türkiye collaboration on the matter. “I'm very grateful to you, Minister Fidan, for all of that important work that you do with us,” he said. “We have such a close working relationship, and I think you're going to see in the coming months more joint working between the United Kingdom and Türkiye at this very tough, challenging geopolitical moment.”

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