In a significant diplomatic meeting held in Ankara on Friday, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed joint efforts to combat terrorism and achieve lasting stability in Syria, while also calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
“Our priorities include ensuring stability in Syria and preventing the dominance of terrorist organizations such as IS (Islamic State) and the PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party),” Fidan stated during a joint press conference. Emphasizing the shared objectives between Türkiye and the United States, he highlighted the need for collaborative solutions to address Syria’s ongoing crisis and other pressing regional challenges.
Blinken acknowledged Türkiye’s crucial role in influencing Hamas toward a hostage ceasefire agreement in Gaza. “We agreed that a ceasefire in Gaza should be reached as soon as possible,” Fidan noted. Blinken added, “There’s broad agreement on expectations for the interim government in Syria—one that is inclusive, protects minority rights, rejects extremism, and poses no threats to its neighbors.”
The discussions also reinforced both nations’ commitment to ongoing efforts against the Islamic State. “We discussed Gaza, and we discussed the opportunity to get a ceasefire in place,” Blinken said. “What we’ve seen in the last couple of weeks are more encouraging signs that this is possible.”
Blinken arrived in Ankara after a visit to Jordan, signaling the U.S.’s renewed focus on the stability of the Middle East region. Upon his arrival, he met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to further discuss the situation in Syria.
The meeting between Fidan and Blinken underscores the importance of cooperation between Türkiye and the United States in addressing geopolitical tensions and fostering peace in the region.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
