Rubio Seeks Turkey’s Support for Ukrainian Peace Efforts
Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to discuss Turkey’s involvement in peace efforts in Ukraine, economic partnership, and regional stability in Syria and Gaza. Rubio raised concerns about Turkey’s human rights issues amid domestic protests, reflecting on the strained U.S.-Turkey relations. The meeting aims to bolster cooperation amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held his first meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, emphasizing Turkey’s potential role in peace efforts for Ukraine. During their discussions, Rubio urged Fidan to support initiatives aimed at achieving a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Fidan’s visit to Washington aimed to strengthen the increasingly strained Turkey-U.S. relations under President Joe Biden following a phone call between the leaders described as “transformational” by Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff.
Turkey has maintained close relationships with both Russia and Ukraine amidst the ongoing war, previously mediating talks but struggling to facilitate peace. Rubio also advocated for enhanced economic collaboration between the NATO allies, as reported by State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce. This dialogue comes alongside Turkey’s desire to lift U.S. sanctions and rejoin the F-35 fighter jet program, from which it was expelled in 2019 due to its procurement of Russian missile systems.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan faces domestic unrest following the imprisonment of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. Rubio expressed concerns over these arrests and ongoing protests while highlighting the challenges in Erdogan’s governance. Analysts suggest that former President Trump’s approach may have emboldened Erdogan’s actions against opposition figures, complicating the human rights dialogue between the two nations.
In addition, Rubio and Fidan discussed ongoing stability issues in Syria, where Turkey has a significant involvement and influence. Fidan highlighted Turkey’s commitment to ensuring security and rebuilding efforts in Syria post-conflict. Furthermore, Fidan emphasized the necessity of a permanent ceasefire in Gaza to enhance regional stability, reflecting Turkey’s long-standing support for Hamas and criticism of Israeli policies towards Palestinians.
In summary, Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s discussions with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan focused on peace efforts in Ukraine, economic cooperation, and regional stability issues, including Syria and Gaza. The meeting underscores the significance of Turkey’s role as a mediator in international conflicts and reveals the complexities of U.S.-Turkey relations under current geopolitical tensions. Rubio’s concerns regarding human rights issues and Erdogan’s internal challenges further complicate this relationship, suggesting a need for careful navigation in future diplomacy.
Original Source: apnews.com
