Russia–Türkiye Talks Focus on Bilateral Cooperation and Regional Issues

Kathmandu. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held talks in Moscow on June 16, 2026, focusing on bilateral cooperation and key regional and international issues.

In his opening remarks, Lavrov welcomed Fidan and his delegation, noting that Russia and Türkiye maintain regular contacts at different levels, including between their Presidents. He recalled that he and Fidan had recently held a lengthy and productive bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum.

Lavrov said cooperation between the two countries also extends to interparliamentary ties. He noted that Valentina Matviyenko, Chairwoman of Russia’s Federation Council, had recently visited Istanbul to attend the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union.

Trade and economic cooperation were also discussed as an important part of Russia–Türkiye relations. Lavrov said Moscow expects the 20th meeting of the Mixed Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation to be held before the end of 2026. The mechanism is seen as an important platform for advancing practical economic cooperation between the two countries.

Beyond bilateral relations, Lavrov said Russia and Türkiye have a broad and substantive agenda on regional and international issues. He mentioned the Middle East, the Transcaucasus and Central Asia as key areas where both sides continue regular consultations.

The situation around Ukraine was also included in the talks. Lavrov said Russia values what he described as the sincere interest of its Turkish partners in helping to find a fair, sustainable and long-term settlement. According to Russian state media reports, Türkiye has expressed readiness to continue facilitating dialogue between Russia and Ukraine.

Lavrov said the discussions in Moscow were expected to address major bilateral issues in line with the agreements and understandings reached by the two Presidents, as well as the international and regional agenda regularly discussed between the two Foreign Ministries.

The Moscow talks are being presented by the Russian side as part of continued diplomatic coordination between Russia and Türkiye on political dialogue, economic cooperation and regional affairs.