Turkish FM to address CAATSA sanctions with US Secretary of State in Washington PHOTO

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is set to travel to Washington on March 25 for key discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The primary focus of the talks will be the CAATSA sanctions imposed on Türkiye, as well as the F-35 fighter jet programme, Caliber.Az reports via the message of SavunmaSanayiST.com on X.

Hakan Fidan’dan Washington’da F-35 ve CAATSA zirvesi https://t.co/i6bFne9XRF pic.twitter.com/E9mGO3KHqQ

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The two officials will also discuss a variety of pressing topics, including the situation in Syria, Türkiye’s stance on Israel, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, and counterterrorism efforts. In addition to Fidan’s meeting with Secretary Rubio, Türkiye’s Chief Adviser on National Security and Foreign Policy, Akif Çağatay Kılıç, is scheduled to meet with US National Security Advisor Michael Waltz on the same day.

A statement from the US Department of State confirmed that the meeting between Fidan and Rubio will also serve as an opportunity to assess the state of Türkiye-US relations. The two ministers are expected to discuss the preparations for the Turkish president’s upcoming visit to the US in the coming months.

One of the key issues during the talks will be the CAATSA sanctions imposed on Türkiye. Minister Fidan is anticipated to call for a reassessment of these sanctions and emphasise the importance of Türkiye's reintegration into the F-35 programme. Additionally, the discussions will focus on the current situation in Syria, where Fidan is expected to push for stronger actions against PKK/YPG elements and discuss enhancing cooperation on counterterrorism efforts.

The talks will also address Türkiye's ongoing efforts in the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS) and the management of camps holding ISIS members in Syria. Türkiye is expected to highlight the importance of coordinated action on this front. 

Other topics on the agenda will include lifting sanctions on Syria, providing humanitarian aid, and supporting reconstruction efforts in the region.

By Naila Huseynova