Rubio Appeals to Turkey for Support in Establishing Peace in Ukraine

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Turkey to support peace in Ukraine during a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The meeting, which aims to strengthen U.S.-Turkey relations, focused on ceasefire efforts and economic partnerships. Fidan’s visit also addresses U.S. sanctions and Turkey’s role in regional stability amid ongoing domestic protests and geopolitical tensions.

On March 25, 2025, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan at the State Department, where he sought Turkey’s support for establishing peace in Ukraine. This meeting is significant as it comes amid attempts to restore the strained relations between Turkey and the United States under President Biden. The discussions occurred after a recent transformative phone call between the leaders of both nations, facilitated by former President Donald Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff.

During the meeting, discussions focused on the ongoing war in Ukraine, particularly efforts to establish a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Turkey’s historical role in mediating negotiations was highlighted, as the country has maintained close ties with both Russia and Ukraine throughout the conflict. Additionally, Rubio voiced the importance of strengthening the economic partnership between Turkey and the United States, as stated by State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.

Fidan’s visit also aims to address U.S. sanctions on Turkey and advocate for its reinstatement in the F-35 fighter jet program, which it was expelled from in 2019 due to its acquisition of Russian military equipment. Furthermore, Fidan aims to resolve existing issues through technical discussions, although the U.S. statements did not cover defense-related topics.

In parallel, tensions are rising in Turkey due to nationwide protests concerning the imprisonment of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and other political dissenters. Rubio expressed concerns about these arrests and the resultant demonstrations during the discussions. Analysts suggest that the prior administration’s leniency towards Erdogan may have emboldened such actions against political opponents.

Rubio and Fidan also acknowledged the necessity for collaboration in maintaining stability in Syria, where Turkey plays a crucial role as a supporter of opposition forces during the Syrian civil conflict. Additionally, they discussed achieving lasting peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Fidan emphasized the importance of a permanent ceasefire in Gaza to promote regional stability, as Turkey has been a long-standing supporter of Hamas, which remains a contentious issue in U.S.-Turkish relations.

In conclusion, Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan underscores the importance of U.S.-Turkey collaboration on critical issues, including peace efforts in Ukraine and regional stability. Following a transformative communication between the leaders of both nations, this meeting aims to pave the way for renewed diplomatic ties amidst ongoing challenges, such as Turkey’s sanctions and domestic protests. As both nations seek to enhance their partnership, the importance of addressing these multifaceted concerns remains a priority.

Original Source: apnews.com