Fidan Calls on Israel to Pursue Peace

Fidan said Türkiye hopes Israel will adopt a foreign policy based on peace, respect and cooperation.

He argued that such an approach would serve both Israel's interests and those of the wider region. Otherwise, he warned, Israel could become increasingly isolated and the consequences could extend beyond Israel itself.

Fidan also said Türkiye would not respond to what he described as “cheap provocations,” stressing that Ankara would continue to approach regional developments according to its own interests.

Makkah Defence Alliance Moves Toward Institutionalization

Fidan said the Makkah Defence Alliance has reached an advanced stage and that there is strong political will among its members to put the agreement into practice.

Türkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement in August 2026. The three countries subsequently began establishing the alliance's institutional structure, including a permanent secretariat in Riyadh. A Pakistani official is expected to serve as the first secretary-general.

Fidan said detailed work on the secretariat and a related military headquarters is nearing completion.

He described the alliance as a potentially “game-changing” regional platform and said the members are working to turn their political agreement into practical cooperation.

Türkiye Says Saudi Arabia Should Stay Out of Iran-U.S. Conflict

Fidan said Türkiye does not want Saudi Arabia to become part of the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States.

He said Saudi Arabia itself does not want to become involved in the conflict and should therefore be kept outside the confrontation.

His comments came as Saudi Arabia faces security threats linked to attacks by Yemen's Houthi movement. Reuters reported that Türkiye has offered to help meet Saudi military needs under the Makkah Defence Agreement.

Türkiye Offers Support to Saudi Arabia

Fidan said members of the Makkah Defence Alliance are closely monitoring the situation in Saudi Arabia.

He acknowledged that Saudi Arabia could have military requirements in specific technical areas and said Türkiye would have no problem helping meet those needs.

Fidan also said recent attacks had targeted Saudi Arabia's territorial integrity, sovereignty and infrastructure.

Under the defence agreement, the three member states have committed themselves to collective defence, with an armed attack on one member treated as an attack on all.

Fidan Says Ukraine Peace Efforts Face Difficulties

Fidan also discussed diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine.

He said several initiatives are underway but suggested that they currently face difficulties in producing lasting results. He nevertheless argued that diplomatic efforts should continue and that hope for a settlement should not be abandoned.

Türkiye has also taken a specific initiative concerning maritime security. Fidan said both Ukraine and Russia are targeting ports and maritime activity, and that Ankara has sent both sides a proposal aimed at addressing the issue.

Recent reporting confirms that Türkiye has shared a draft proposal with Russia and Ukraine concerning attacks on civilian shipping in the Black Sea.

Fidan Warns Against Rising Tensions With Greece

Fidan also addressed relations with Greece, saying Türkiye does not support increased tensions in the Aegean Sea.

He said Ankara opposes the militarization of islands that have demilitarized status and argued that the region needs peace rather than further militarization.

Fidan also commented on Greek domestic politics, saying the Türkiye issue can be used by politicians seeking political support at home.

He expressed hope that statements by Greek politicians would remain rhetoric, but warned that Türkiye would respond seriously if what he described as “irrational” or “adventurous” steps were taken.

Türkiye and Greece Remain Focused on the Aegean

The Aegean remains an area of longstanding disagreement between Türkiye and Greece, including disputes involving maritime boundaries, airspace, islands and military deployments.

Fidan's comments emphasize Ankara's position that disputes should not lead to a wider escalation. His remarks also underline Türkiye's opposition to what it considers changes to the military status of demilitarized islands.

Fidan Discusses S-400 Issue

Fidan also addressed Türkiye's long-running dispute with the United States over its acquisition of the Russian S-400 air-defense system.

He said there are “creative ideas” for resolving the issue and expressed hope that positive steps could eventually be taken.

Türkiye's purchase of the S-400 system has been a major source of tension with Washington and previously resulted in U.S. sanctions and Türkiye's removal from the F-35 fighter program.

Key Points

  • Fidan called on Israel to pursue peace, respect and regional cooperation.
  • He warned that continued confrontation could increase Israel's isolation.
  • He said Türkiye would not respond to what he called “cheap provocations.”
  • Fidan said the Makkah Defence Alliance is moving toward institutionalization.
  • The alliance includes Türkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
  • He said work on its secretariat and military structure is progressing.
  • Türkiye does not want Saudi Arabia drawn into the Iran-U.S. conflict.
  • Fidan said Türkiye is prepared to help address Saudi military needs.
  • He said Ukraine peace initiatives currently face difficulties but should continue.
  • Türkiye has sent Russia and Ukraine a proposal concerning attacks on maritime activity.
  • Fidan opposed militarization of demilitarized Aegean islands.
  • He said there are possible ideas for resolving the S-400 dispute.

Source and Attribution

This article is based on remarks attributed to Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan concerning Israel, Saudi Arabia, the Makkah Defence Alliance, Ukraine, Greece and the S-400 issue.