Fight against terrorism is key issue in US-Türkiye relations, says Turkish top diplomat

Türkiye’s top foreign diplomat, Hakan Fidan, said Friday that the country’s primary issue with the U.S. is its stance on terrorism, particularly the terrorist organizations PKK and FETO.

In a live interview on Turkish news channel A Haber, Turkish FM Fidan addressed current foreign policy issues and Ankara’s efforts to enhance cooperation in the fight against terrorism. He emphasized that the PKK and the hosting of FETO’s headquarters remain key obstacles in U.S.-Türkiye relations.

‘We will continue to fight until threat eliminated’

“Our problem with the U.S. is the terrorist organization PKK and the hosting of FETO’s headquarters,” Fidan said. “We will continue to fight until the direct threat to us is eliminated.”

Fidan also noted that in the past year, the U.S. has engaged in open discussions at the foreign ministry level regarding the fight against terrorism. He pointed to regular meetings concerning the YPG, PKK’s offshoot in Syria, and said the U.S. has acknowledged Türkiye’s position.

“They see that there is no rational explanation for preferring another actor other than Türkiye in the region,” he said.

“Other powers in the region have understood our seriousness. We are pursuing a strategy of eliminating the capabilities of the threat without showing it across the border. We will continue to work on this issue,” added Fidan.

In its 40-year terror campaign against Türkiye, the PKK — listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the U.S., and the EU — has been responsible for the deaths of over 40,000 people, including women, children, infants, and the elderly. The YPG is the PKK’s Syrian offshoot.

‘Pro-Israel stance is not a surprise’

Fidan also commented on Donald Trump’s re-election as U.S. President, stating that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan maintains good relations with Trump. He acknowledged there are ongoing issues with the U.S., but expressed optimism about managing them together.

“There are issues we need to take up with the U.S.,” Fidan said. “We will try to manage the problems together.”

Regarding Trump’s pro-Israel stance, Fidan noted that support for Israel has become a critical issue in U.S. domestic politics, adding that “Trump’s pro-Israel stance is not a surprise.” He also referenced past actions during the Democratic administration, criticizing the handling of the Palestinian issue.

“When the Democrats were in power, we witnessed open genocide. We assume that negative developments will also occur under Republican rule,” Fidan said. “If Trump focuses solely on the war in Ukraine and forgets about the Palestinian issue, he will cause serious damage. Trump must stand by his word.”