Statement from Fidan following meeting with Blinken

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Istanbul today. According to information obtained from diplomatic sources, relations between the two countries were discussed in detail during the talks. Minister Fidan conveyed to Blinken that they expect the F-16 procurement process to be concluded. Furthermore, Minister Fidan emphasized that the final decision regarding Sweden's NATO membership process belongs to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey.

The two ministers also evaluated the ongoing war in Gaza. Minister Fidan pointed out that Israel's increasing aggression poses a threat to the entire region. Emphasizing that a ceasefire must be declared and uninterrupted humanitarian aid must be delivered to Gaza, Fidan also called for the immediate commencement of negotiations toward a two-state solution.

While stating that they do not desire tension in the Black Sea, Minister Fidan also touched upon the efforts Turkey has made to ensure that food products produced in Russia and Ukraine are safely delivered to world markets. During the meeting, negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as regional issues such as Syria and Iraq, were discussed in detail.

News Source: İHA