Hakan Fidan and his US counterpart Marco Rubio met: They discussed the İmamoğlu protests

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held an important meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington. According to diplomatic sources, the meeting addressed recent developments in Turkey, defense industry cooperation, regional crises, and bilateral relations in detail.

THE US IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE PROTESTS

US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated in a written statement after the meeting that Rubio conveyed his concerns to Fidan regarding the recent protests and arrests in Turkey.

The protests, which flared up following the detention of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, turned into widespread demonstrations across the country and led to the detention of more than a thousand people.

DEFENSE COOPERATION WAS ON THE AGENDA

Turkey-US defense cooperation and sanctions in this field were also discussed during the meeting. According to sources, both sides clearly demonstrated their political will to remove obstacles in the defense industry.

Turkey's removal from the F-35 program and exposure to CAATSA sanctions following its purchase of S-400 air defense systems from Russia had created tension in relations. Although the US gave the green light to the F-16 sale after Turkey approved Sweden's NATO membership, the F-35 embargo still continues.

REGIONAL ISSUES: SYRIA, GAZA, AND UKRAINE

Fidan and Rubio also discussed ensuring stability in Syria and counter-terrorism efforts. Sources stated that Turkey emphasized the importance of engagement with the Damascus administration.

While Fidan emphasized that achieving a permanent ceasefire in Gaza is of critical importance for regional peace, he expressed that Turkey supports US efforts for a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia.

The meeting also addressed the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and expected diplomatic contacts at the level of heads of state.

News Source: 12punto