'Türkiye will always remain important,' US ambassador says
US Ambassador Flake emphasizes Türkiye's pivotal role amid the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, emphasizing its support for Palestinian interests and its strategic position in regional diplomacy
Ambassador Flake, appearing on a program on MSNBC News, remarked on Türkiye's relations with the United States, its position in the Russia-Ukraine War, and its stance on Israel's attacks on Gaza.
Flake stated, "There is war in Ukraine to the north, war in Gaza to the south, and Türkiye is right in the middle. As a country with a 97% Muslim population, they clearly feel a deep affinity for the Palestinians. That's why they heavily criticize Israel's actions in entering Gaza."
Referring to Türkiye's offer of guarantorship, Flake said, "They have expressed willingness to act as a guarantor and work with other regional partners for a lasting peace. They also support a two-state solution like us. So, I think we will work together. It's difficult to reach a solution in Gaza without regional powers like Türkiye playing a role."
'Türkiye will always remain important'
Flake also commented on Türkiye's position in the Russia-Ukraine War.
Flake noted that Türkiye supports Ukraine's sovereignty and highlighted the significant role played by the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) supplied to Ukraine by Türkiye in the war.
Flake stated, "(Türkiye) invoked the Montreux Convention to keep Russian warships away from the Black Sea."
Referring to Türkiye's role in negotiating a grain deal for Ukraine to export grains from the Black Sea and in the exchange of prisoners, Flake said Türkiye has relations with Russia, particularly in the energy sector, but also showed determination in not allowing Russia to bypass sanctions through Türkiye.
'Congress immediately approved $23B F-16 sale to Türkiye'
Flake also touched upon Türkiye's approval of Sweden's NATO membership.
"Regimes may change in the world, but geography does not. Türkiye will always remain important," said Flake, reminding that Türkiye was one of the countries that opposed Sweden's entry into NATO.
Flake said, "There were some issues they had to resolve, and they did. Later, Congress immediately approved a $23 billion F-16 sale to Türkiye, which is important for Türkiye to remain capable of working with us. They have the largest army and air force outside of us in NATO."
Source: Newsroom
