During a significant meeting this week, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the importance of Turkey’s support for achieving peace in Ukraine. This discussion took place on Tuesday with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, marking an important step in re-establishing relations between the two nations.
Turkey’s Role in US-Turkey Relations
Fidan is currently on a two-day diplomatic visit to Washington, aimed at strengthening ties that have been strained in recent years, particularly during the presidency of Joe Biden. The meeting between Rubio and Fidan included discussions centered on implementing a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, with Turkey expressing its support for US-led initiatives in this regard.
Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Turkey has managed to maintain close relations with both Kyiv and Moscow. Ankara previously offered to mediate peace talks and hosted an unsuccessful round of negotiations in 2022. However, under the Biden administration, Turkey’s continued trade with Russia has sparked repeated warnings from Washington.
In a notable shift in policy, Rubio encouraged a deeper economic partnership between the NATO allies. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce remarked that this change reflects a new direction in US-Turkey relations.
Sanctions and Fighter Jet Program
In addition to discussing peace efforts, Fidan is expected to advocate for the lifting of sanctions imposed on Turkey and seek its reinstatement in the F-35 fighter jet program, which Turkey had contributed to alongside other NATO partners until its removal from the project in 2019.
Previously, during Donald Trump’s administration, sanctions were also applied to Turkey due to its acquisition of Russian S-400 missile defense systems. Further technical discussions are anticipated to address outstanding issues between the two nations, although the US statement did not elaborate on defense matters.
Fidan’s visit follows a significant telephone conversation between the US and Turkish presidents, which Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff described as “transformational,” indicating a potential thaw in relations.
Amid these diplomatic developments, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is contending with domestic unrest, exemplified by nationwide protests following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and other opposition leaders. Bruce noted that Rubio had expressed concerns regarding these arrests and the ongoing demonstrations.
In light of these circumstances, the Biden administration has opted not to comment on the internal political dynamics within Turkey. Additionally, Trump’s historically conciliatory stance towards Moscow appears to have heightened Ankara’s expectations for improved relations with the White House, underscoring the personal rapport between the two leaders. “It’s a good country and its leader is good,” Trump remarked during a reception for Tom Barrack, the new US ambassador to Turkey.