Turkish foreign minister to visit US for high-level talks on regional crises, trade expansion

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will embark on an official visit to the United States on March 25-26, where he is scheduled to engage in discussions with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other senior officials.

According to diplomatic sources, the visit is poised to focus on strengthening strategic ties between Ankara and Washington, as well as laying the groundwork for upcoming state-level visits, Caliber.Az reports per Turkish media.

The meetings are expected to cover a broad spectrum of issues, with particular emphasis on regional matters of mutual interest, including the ongoing crises in Ukraine, Palestine, and Syria. Both sides are also set to explore avenues for enhanced cooperation in these areas.

A key aspect of Fidan’s agenda will be to outline Türkiye’s stance on several crucial regional challenges. He is expected to reaffirm Ankara’s commitment to Syria’s stability and territorial integrity, stressing the need for a coordinated approach to the country’s ongoing crisis. Furthermore, the Turkish delegation is anticipated to advocate for the lifting of sanctions against Syria, with an emphasis on fostering greater humanitarian cooperation and supporting the region’s reconstruction.

The talks will also delve into the issue of Türkiye’s exclusion from the US-led F-35 program, with Fidan expected to press for a review of this matter as well as for the removal of obstacles hindering defence procurement processes. Additionally, the Turkish delegation will call for the initiation of efforts to lift sanctions imposed under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), a move that could serve to enhance bilateral defence industry cooperation.

One of the overarching goals of the visit will be to chart a course for a significant expansion in trade relations, with both sides aiming to reach a target of $100 billion in bilateral trade. The discussions are likely to focus on aligning defence cooperation issues with the evolving geopolitical landscape, ensuring that both nations are positioned to advance shared strategic interests.

By Vafa Guliyeva