Türkiye, US forge strategic alliance as cooperation and shared objectives renewed

In a significant move highlighting the renewed cooperation between Türkiye and the United States, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan recently presided over the seventh meeting of the U.S.-Türkiye Strategic Mechanism in Washington.

The meeting, held on March 7-8, 2024, featured open, collaborative discussions led by senior-level officials from the U.S. Department of State and Türkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Secretary Blinken and Minister Fidan reaffirmed their commitment to a "results-oriented, forward-looking bilateral agenda" that advances shared objectives and addresses emerging global challenges.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken reaffirmed American condemnation of terrorist groups that attack Türkiye and its interests, such as the PKK, DHKP-C, and Daesh, in a joint statement released after high-level negotiations. The nations pledged to work together to eradicate ISIS from Syria and Iraq for good.

A detailed analysis of the conflict's many facets was conducted by Secretary Blinken and Turkish Minister of National Defense Hulusi Akar during the talks, which also touched on the Syrian issue. Ministers Akar and Blinken stressed the necessity to maintain communication links and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean while discussing the region's significance.

The statement also emphasized how important it is to strengthen military trade partnerships on a bilateral basis in order to improve collective security. In order to investigate prospects for strengthening military sector collaboration, plans for the Türkiye-US military Trade Dialogue in 2024 were revealed.

Ministers also noted that bilateral commerce has grown to almost $30 billion, and they emphasized the need to continue advancing economic cooperation. Through already-existing bilateral venues, such as the most recent Digital Dialogue hosted in Türkiye, they underlined the need to strengthen commercial relations.

Recognizing that a peaceful settlement between Azerbaijan and Armenia in the South Caucasus has the potential to improve regional security and development, the joint statement reaffirmed both countries' commitment to working toward a fair and protracted peace accord.

In addition, Ministers Akar and Blinken spoke about the prolonged crisis in Gaza, stressing the need to resolve the conflict and take immediate action to alleviate the humanitarian situation. Their stance on the two-state solution was reaffirmed.

The ministers have reiterated their steadfast support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Russia's aggressive actions.

Lastly, the US praised Türkiye for its actions in the Black Sea, especially the newly formed Mine Countermeasures Task Group, which aims to provide safe passageways vital to global commerce.

Source: Newsroom