FM Fidan addresses key issues in US

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with Turkish journalists in the U.S. capital, Washington.

Fidan said that during his meetings with various U.S. officials, including his counterpart Antony Blinken, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, and members of Congress, they discussed the U.S. support for the YPG/PKK, steps to be taken regarding FETO, bilateral and regional issues in a comprehensive manner.

Explaining that they exchanged views with U.S. officials on energy, economy, finance, counterterrorism, regional issues, Gaza, Syria, and Ukraine, Fidan said that they made Türkiye's position on these issues clear.

Türkiye will continue to fight terrorism

Underlining that U.S.' support for YPG/PKK extends beyond weapons to include capacity building, training and institutionalization, posing a threat to Türkiye, Fidan said: "The state of the Republic of Türkiye is fighting and will continue to fight all threats and terrorist that pose a threat to it within or outside its borders within the framework of legitimate national and international law. No one can stop us from this."

Once again emphasized strategic threat

"We once again underlined our dissatisfaction with their relations with the YPG in Syria and the strategic danger that this poses to Türkiye and the U.S., who are also NATO partners," Fidan said.

Minister Fidan stressed that he unequivocally communicated to his counterparts that FETO remains a significant threat, urging the U.S. to take decisive actions in addressing this issue.

Many topics related to Gaza discussed

Fidan said that during his meetings with his American counterparts, they discussed many topics, especially what should be done to stop the bloodshed in Gaza.

Explaining that Western countries and institutions must take some steps amid the diplomatic pressure and follow-up created by a group of countries, including Türkiye, Minister Fidan said, "We shared our views on the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza as soon as possible by the international community, especially as a result of the increasing humanitarian tragedy that has become unbearable in recent months, and we discussed what steps can be taken here. As Türkiye, we reiterated our expectations from the American side on this issue."

Emphasizing that a permanent political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can only be based on the establishment of an independent Palestinian state and a two-state solution, Fidan said: "No other event in the world has produced such a high level of consensus. There is agreement on a cease-fire; some refer to it as a humanitarian cease-fire, while others, including ourselves, view it as an uninterrupted permanent cease-fire, with humanitarian aid flowing in and the cessation of civilian casualties as a top priority, alongside the pursuit of a two-state solution. Almost the entire world has now come to a consensus on this approach."

Fidan noted that the U.S. administration's approach to establishing a temporary port in Gaza was influenced by international public opinion. Many countries felt obliged to act.

'Ukraine war must stop immediately'

Stating that they also discussed the war in Ukraine comprehensively, Fidan reminded that Russia and Ukraine have yet to reach a point where they would be willing to come to the table. He said, "As an external observer, it's evident that a neutral platform for dialogue is essential in this situation. Halting the conflict and initiating dialogue are crucial steps to mitigate the escalation of further risks."

Highlighting the war's occurrence in the heart of Europe, Fidan emphasized the significant risk it poses to the entire region. He underscored the multitude of environmental threats it brings, particularly concerning the security of the Black Sea and the stability of grain supplies.

'Positive agenda in Turkish-American relations'

Fidan expressed, "At this juncture, there exists an opportunity to forge ahead with a refreshed mindset and a more constructive agenda, turning over a new leaf." He stressed the longstanding history of Turkish-American relations and their reflex to address challenges.

Minister Fidan stated that they held talks on how to achieve the vision of increasing the trade volume between the U.S. and Türkiye from $30 billion to $100 billion.

Fidan said: " While it is important to find solutions to existing problems, it is also important to discover new opportunities and common grounds. Of course, this requires diplomatic flexibility and capability. In this regard, in line with the vision of our president, we are willing to advance our relations with our partners and friends as much as possible."

Latest situation in F-16 process

Fidan noted that the political process regarding the F-16s has concluded, with the Biden administration informing Congress accordingly. He added that the technical procedures concerning the production and delivery of the aircraft have commenced.

Fidan highlighted, "The American administration has informed Congress about this matter. After undergoing a certain process, it was approved by Congress, signifying the completion of the decision-making phase. The subsequent step primarily involves technical procedures, which will unfold between the ministries of defense and the relevant companies."

Touching on the F-35 issue, Fidan said: "We were removed from the F-35 program without a justified reason, using S-400 as an excuse. We maintain our stance that we have fulfilled our obligations and are entitled to procure the planes. Türkiye remains open to constructive discussions on these matters. We believe there is room for dialogue from different angles at this point. It's crucial for the U.S. to approach this issue with an open mind, and there have been some preliminary exchanges of views."

Source: Newsroom