Türkiye to launch diplomatic summer campaign against US policy on YPG: FM Fidan

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan reportedly announced plans for a broad diplomatic campaign in summer 2025 to address the U.S. administration’s approach toward the PKK/YPG, a group designated as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the U.S., and the European Union.

The PKK’s Syrian offshoot, the YPG, plays a dominant role in the SDF — a group long supported by Washington in the fight against Daesh in Syria.

The PKK has waged a four-decade terror campaign against Türkiye, claiming the lives of more than 40,000 people, including women and children. Ankara expects the he first phase of Türkiye’s “A Türkiye Without Terror” roadmap is expected to conclude by June, with the PKK terrorist group scheduled to hold a key congress in early May, according to Türkiye Daily.

According to details obtained by Turkish media outlet Hurriyet, Fidan told ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) lawmakers that the U.S. continues to follow a Middle East policy centered around Israeli security, which complicates regional dynamics.

“The U.S. maintains an ambiguous stance on the PKK/YPG issue. In response, we will launch a comprehensive diplomatic campaign in the summer of 2025,” Fidan reportedly said during a closed-door meeting.

He added that Türkiye would also deepen defense industry cooperation with Gulf nations in the second half of 2025.

Fidan criticizes US and Israel over Palestinian relocation efforts

Commenting on developments related to Gaza, Fidan criticized U.S. and Israeli efforts to relocate Palestinians to other countries.

“No one wants the so-called voluntary departure program redirected to Egypt or Jordan. They have clearly stated from the beginning that they will not accept these people,” Fidan said.

He added that Israel and the U.S. have approached African and Asia-Pacific countries with proposals.

“The President of Indonesia recently told us that the Americans asked them to accept Palestinians and offered financial incentives. We are discussing these offers with our counterparts. So far, no significant support has been given, but due to pressure and individual choices, there have been limited departures,” he added.

Trade tensions between US and China could benefit Türkiye

Fidan also addressed the ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions, describing them as a strategic competition beyond tariffs.

“These trade wars have evolved into a broader contest over technology, supply chains, and global logistics hubs,” Fidan noted.

“Türkiye is closely monitoring the developments in coordination with our Trade and Treasury Ministries. This situation could become an opportunity for Türkiye. Considering our proximity to Europe, manufacturing capacity, and logistics advantage, many Western companies are evaluating moving their supply chains to Türkiye,” he said.

He added that efforts are underway with the private sector and trade attachés to turn this interest into concrete investments.

Minister defends Türkiye’s judicial standards amid Western criticism

Fidan also touched on the arrest of former Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu over corruption charges. He said that a diplomatic note had been circulated to foreign missions explaining the legal process.

“Some European countries, such as Finland, say they raise the issue as a matter of principle,” Fidan stated.

“In France, a female party leader was jailed over corruption — did you criticize it? No. In Romania, a candidate who won the election was banned before the second round. In Moldova, an elected regional head was imprisoned. Did you condemn these? No,” he continued.

Fidan said that when these examples are cited, critics usually remain silent, and he emphasized the issue of double standards.

“If you don’t evaluate this case using the same standards as the others, I won’t take your criticism seriously,” he added.