Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan today in an effort to strengthen cooperation on key issues in security and trade. The Secretary requested Türkiye's support for peace in Ukraine and the South Caucasus, highlighting the importance of a stable region in achieving global stability.
Rubio expressed gratitude for Türkiye's leadership in the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS and emphasized the need for continued close cooperation to prevent Syria from becoming a hub for international terrorism or a catalyst for destabilizing Iranian activities. He also noted recent advancements in bilateral trade, encouraging further economic partnership moving forward.
However, Rubio also brought up concerns regarding recent arrests and protests in Türkiye, urging calm and stability within the country. The Secretary's visit aimed to build on existing ties between the two nations and explore opportunities for increased cooperation.
By strengthening ties with Türkiye, the United States hopes to enhance its presence in the region and address pressing global security challenges.