Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan evaluated the future of Turkey-US relations and regional crises at the “Turkey-US Relations Entering the 100th Year” panel organized by the Presidency’s Directorate of Communications in New York.
Reminding that the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Turkey and the US is approaching, Fidan said that the partnership between the two countries has persisted despite crises, disputes, and transformations in the international system. Stating that a “strong and renewed momentum” has been captured in relations recently, Fidan expressed that the relationship between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and US President Donald Trump has played a central role in this process.
Fidan emphasized that the two countries should further advance their cooperation in the economic and defense fields. Noting that the bilateral trade volume has reached approximately 40 billion dollars, Fidan pointed to the 100 billion dollar target set by President Erdoğan and said that obstacles, especially additional tariffs, should be removed.
Touching upon defense cooperation, Fidan expressed that ongoing problems should be resolved and restrictions limiting cooperation should be lifted. Fidan stated that such restrictions “should have no place between two allies.”
REGIONAL CRISES AND EMPHASIS ON GAZA
In his speech, Fidan touched upon a broad agenda extending from the Middle East to the Caucasus and the Balkans, stating that Turkey and the US can act together for regional peace and security. Fidan emphasized that strengthening national institutions in Syria and Iraq, preventing space for terrorist organizations, and protecting Syria’s territorial integrity are critical for regional security.
Fidan stated that regional countries should take more responsibility for the security and stability of their own geographies, pointing to the importance of a “regional ownership” approach. In this context, Fidan mentioned that the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement was established with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, and said that they welcomed the support given by US President Trump to this initiative.
Foreign Minister Fidan called on the Washington administration, stating that the Iran War, conflicts in Yemen, and Israel’s policies in the region could disrupt joint diplomatic efforts.
We especially expect the US to use its influence more over Israel to end its policies that damage both regional and global peace and stability.
Fidan said that Gaza continues to be a central challenge in terms of regional security, cooperation, and the capacity to establish prosperity. Stating that what is happening in Gaza has deeply wounded the global conscience, Fidan expressed that finding a permanent solution to the Palestinian issue remains important for the stability of the Middle East.
Noting that Turkey supports President Trump’s efforts to end the Gaza crisis, Fidan stated that the commitments in the peace plan must be fully implemented.
Fidan said that they support the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia in the Caucasus, and that they attach importance to reducing the risk of escalation in the Black Sea and keeping diplomatic channels open for lasting peace in Ukraine. He stated that close coordination and preventive diplomacy are necessary to maintain fragile stability in the Balkans as well.
Explaining the goal for the second century of Turkey-US relations, Fidan said they want to use the Turkish-American partnership “for the greater good of global peace and stability.”
News Source: 12punto
