Putin Meets Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan Ahead of Russia–ASEAN Summit in Kazan

Kazan, — Russian President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Kazan ahead of the Russia–ASEAN Summit, highlighting the positive development of relations between Russia and Turkiye.

Welcoming Fidan to Russia, Putin said he was pleased to meet the Turkish foreign minister and noted that Fidan had already held a series of useful meetings and contacts in Moscow. These included talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, as well as meetings with representatives of various Russian agencies.

Putin said relations between Russia and Turkiye were developing on an upward trajectory, adding that Moscow was satisfied with the current state of bilateral cooperation.

According to the Russian president, contacts between the two countries have long moved beyond purely formal exchanges and have become genuinely friendly. He said the relationship was increasingly being filled with practical substance, largely due to the position taken by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Putin also asked Fidan to convey his best wishes to President Erdogan, saying Russia was always pleased to welcome the Turkish leader.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the two sides to discuss current issues of mutual interest. Although detailed outcomes of the discussion were not immediately disclosed, the talks reflected the continuing dialogue between Moscow and Ankara on bilateral, regional, and international matters.

Russia and Turkiye have maintained active engagement in recent years despite differences on several regional issues. Both countries have continued cooperation in areas such as energy, trade, diplomacy, and regional security, while also maintaining channels of communication on sensitive international developments.

The meeting in Kazan came as Russia was hosting events connected with the Russia–ASEAN Summit, which brought together officials and representatives for discussions on cooperation between Russia and Southeast Asian countries.

Putin’s remarks indicated Moscow’s continued interest in strengthening ties with Turkiye and maintaining high-level political dialogue with Ankara.