Türkiye’s first floating gas platform arrives at Black Sea port
Türkiye’s first floating natural gas production platform, Osman Gazi, reached Filyos Port in Zonguldak on May 31.
Türkiye's foreign minister, Hakan Fidan, stated on the sidelines of a NATO meeting in Brussels that Ankara seeks to prevent any direct confrontation with Israel in Syria.
"We don't want to see any confrontation with Israel in Syria because Syria belongs to Syrians," Fidan said, warning that repeated Israeli strikes on military facilities in Syria are undermining the new government's ability to deter threats from enemies, including the Islamic State.
Fidan noted that Israel’s actions are fueling regional instability by targeting Syria, where President Ahmed al-Sharaa's transitional government, an ally of Türkiye, is trying to consolidate control after years of conflict. Türkiye, which shares a 911 km border with Syria, has emerged as a major power broker in the country, having long supported the rebel groups that now form the core of Syria's new Islamist administration. Israel, for its part, has accused Türkiyeof attempting to turn Syria into a Turkish protectorate.
When asked if Türkiye's plans for a joint defence pact with Syria were provoking intensified Israeli strikes on Syrian military bases, Fidan explained that Ankara is working with regional partners to build a joint platform with Syria. This platform aims to block the re-emergence of the Islamic State and combat shared threats, including those posed by the banned Kurdish Workers Party (PKK). He cautioned that undermining these efforts could plunge the region back into chaos.
Fidan also remarked on the broader regional dynamics. While Türkiye has vocally criticised Israel over its actions in Gaza—accusing it of committing genocide against Palestinians and even applying to join a World Court case against Israel—he emphasized that Türkiye's primary concern in Syria is preventing militant groups like ISIS and the PKK from exploiting the transitional period marked by reduced military capabilities.
Discussing Türkiye's regional role further, Fidan added that if Syria’s new administration decides to establish certain understandings with Israel, that is ultimately their own business. Ankara, however, remains committed to supporting Syria’s reconstruction—from rebuilding infrastructure to restoring state institutions—and has called for the full lifting of Western sanctions on Syria.
Fidan also touched on Türkiye's relations with the United States. After holding talks with U.S. officials in Washington last week, he said that the Trump administration was reviewing its policy and sanctions on Syria, noting, "Now we have a new Syria. I think that new Syria requires a different approach." He expressed optimism that Trump's "problem-solving techniques" could eventually resolve lingering disputes, including those related to U.S. sanctions on Türkiye's defence industry, even as any potential peace deal between Kyiv and Moscow remains difficult to accept.
Meanwhile, Türkiye continues to play a balancing act in its relations with both Kyiv and Moscow, maintaining its role as the second-largest army in NATO and as an important guarantor of security in the region. Fidan reiterated Türkiye's offer to host peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, following initial discussions hosted in 2022.
On the issue of U.S. threats against Iran, Fidan stressed the need for diplomacy, saying, "We need to bring the Americans and the Iranians together to have frank and sincere discussions. This should be the only way forward."
On May 28, the inauguration ceremony of Lachin International Airport was held.
Taxi drivers across France are protesting government plans to cut payments for driving patients to medical appointments. These cuts are part of a broader effort by Prime Minister François Bayrou to save €40 billion in the 2026 budget and reduce the country’s large deficit.
A car drove into crowds of Liverpool fans celebrating the club’s Premier League title in the city centre on Monday evening, injuring dozens including 4 children. A 53-year-old man believed to be the driver was arrested at the scene.
EU ministers have greenlit a massive €150 billion defense investment fund—dubbed the Security Action for Europe (SAFE)—as the bloc ramps up its military readiness in response to Russia’s aggression and growing uncertainty over U.S. security guarantees.
Brazil’s economy is expected to have regained momentum in the first quarter of 2025, driven by a surge in household spending and private investment, according to a Reuters poll of economists conducted from May 21–26.
Indonesian rescuers are continuing their efforts to locate eight people still missing after a quarry collapse in West Java left at least 17 dead and six injured, with authorities warning of ongoing landslide risks.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi spoke by phone with IAEA Director Rafael Mariano Grossi, warning that any political actions against Iran at next week’s Board of Governors meeting would have consequences.
Iran said on Saturday that it has officially received a new nuclear deal proposal from U.S. President Donald Trump, delivered by Oman during a diplomatic visit to Tehran.
Hamas said on Saturday it had officially responded to a ceasefire plan put forward by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, who represents President Donald Trump in Middle East diplomacy. The group said its reply includes a key demand: a complete end to the war.
Saudi Arabia and Qatar will provide joint financial support for Syrian state employees, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan announced during a visit to Damascus, as regional efforts to support Syria’s reconstruction gain momentum.
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