Strategic diplomacy in motion: Lavrov-Fidan dialogue sets the stage for Putin-Erdogan summit

By Fatima Davis

In a whirl of anticipation, Moscow prepares to host a paramount diplomatic dialogue between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, from August 31 to September 1. This instrumental meeting is tactically designed to pave the way for the imminent summit between Putin and Erdogan, scheduled for September 4 in Sochi, Russia. The backdrop to this meeting is entangled in complex geopolitical nuances, underscoring its significance.

Russian and Turkish media have fervently speculated about the potential Putin-Erdogan summit, drawing myriad conclusions and forecasts. It's customary for preliminary meetings between the foreign ministers of respective nations to preface high-level summits. Such preparatory dialogues serve to hash out and finalize the specifics of upcoming accords. Intriguingly, the Lavrov-Fidan dialogue was announced a mere day before the scheduled meeting.

The Moscow meeting marks Hakan Fidan's inaugural official visit as Turkey's Foreign Minister. The Russian Foreign Ministry's official communique states that the ministers plan to broach an extensive spectrum of issues, encompassing Ukraine, Syria, Libya, and Transcaucasia developments. Topics will also touch upon progress in bilateral ties, notably within the ambit of strategic energy projects.

Moreover, the ministers will deliberate on orchestrating high-level bilateral engagements and discuss Russia's further aidto Turkey battling forest fires.

Hakan Fidan's Moscow visit follows his trip to Ukraine on August 25. Here, conversations centered around President Zelensky's Peace Formula, preparations for the Global Peace Summit, and potentially reviving the Grain Deal. Fidan's engagements included discussions with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba and President Zelensky. Notably, the Russian daily Izvestia pointed out that news of Fidan's Moscow visit surfaced only after his rendezvous with Zelensky, even though his Ukrainian visit had been pre-announced.

Russian media channels have also accentuated the potential rejuvenation of the Grain Deal during the Lavrov-Fidan discourse. This hints that this matter might hold center stage in the subsequent Putin-Erdogan talks.

Rumors surrounding the Putin-Erdogan summit have been rife, with Turkish outlets suggesting an impending Putin visit to Istanbul. Despite some supporting claims from official Ankara and contrasting views from Russian sources due to Putin's hectic agenda, Turkish media (Hurriyet, Haberturk) finally confirmed the Sochi meeting on September 4. Dmitry Peskov, the spokesperson for the Russian President, validated this announcement, stating that the summit details were being ironed out. Official Ankara also revealed Erdogan's plan to visit Turkey before the G20 meeting in India from September 7-9.

Analysts surmise that the crux of the Putin-Erdogan dialogue will orbit around the Grain Deal's potential revival. Yet, Tural Kerimov, an analyst affiliated with the "Russia Today" media group, posits that the agenda might be more expansive, covering mutual interests spanning both nations. He underscores evolving scenarios in Africa, where Turkey and Russia hold divergent strategies yet shared interests.

Sergey Savchuk, a "Ria Novosti" columnist, further projects that the Putin-Erdogan discourse will touch upon constructing the "Akkuyu" nuclear power plant, a cornerstone in Turkey's quest for energy autonomy.