Rubio Seeks Turkey’s Collaboration for Peace in Ukraine

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called on Turkey to support peace in Ukraine during a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The meeting also addressed U.S. sanctions against Turkey, cooperation on Syria, and the situation in Gaza. Concerns over human rights violations in Turkey were raised amidst ongoing protests against President Erdogan’s government.

On March 25, 2025, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, urging Turkey’s support for peace efforts in Ukraine. This meeting comes as Fidan visits Washington to reinforce the increasingly strained Turkey-U.S. relations under President Biden. The two nations have previously engaged in discussions, with Turkey offering mediation during the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

During the discussions, Rubio and Fidan focused on establishing a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine and the economic partnerships between NATO allies. The State Department emphasized that Ankara is supportive of U.S. initiatives, as Rubio highlighted the potential for enhanced economic collaboration. Fidan’s visit also seeks progress on issues related to U.S. sanctions and Turkey’s re-entry into the F-35 fighter jet program.

The backdrop of these talks includes Turkey’s ties with both Russia and Ukraine and successive U.S. warnings regarding Turkey’s trade with Russia amidst the conflict. Furthermore, Fidan aims to address sanctions that were imposed when Turkey procured Russian military systems. The discussions were characterized by a mutual recognition of the need for further technical talks to solve existing defense-related challenges.

The political landscape in Turkey complicates the meeting, with President Erdogan facing protests regarding the imprisonment of opposition figures including Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. Rubio expressed concerns over these developments, reflecting U.S. apprehensions about human rights under Erdogan’s administration. Analysts suggest that the U.S. administration’s past approach towards human rights may have emboldened Erdogan’s actions.

Additionally, Rubio and Fidan discussed stability in Syria, where Turkey has played a vital role in the ongoing conflict and fostered close ties with the new Syrian administration. Turkey’s role is also significant in aiding regional stability and rebuilding efforts post-war. Fidan indicated Turkey’s advocacy for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, citing impacts on broader regional stability, amidst Erdogan’s historical support for Palestinian causes against Israeli policies.

The meeting between Secretary Rubio and Minister Fidan underscores the intricate diplomatic ties between Turkey and the U.S. Amidst ongoing conflicts, particularly in Ukraine and Syria, both nations aim to cooperate on issues of peace and regional stability. Challenges such as Turkey’s relationship with Russia, ongoing protests in Turkey, and previous sanctions highlight the complexities of these diplomatic engagements. Continued dialogue between the U.S. and Turkey will be crucial for addressing defense, economic, and humanitarian issues in the region.

Original Source: apnews.com