FM Fidan meets senior US diplomat Bass in Ankara

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan conducted discussions with the U.S. Under Secretary of State John Bass on Monday.

The ministry did not disclose further details about the private meeting held in Ankara with Bass, who previously served as the U.S. ambassador to Türkiye from 2014 to 2017.

Bass is currently on a two-day visit to Türkiye upon the invitation of Deputy Foreign Minister Burak Akcapar, focusing on discussions related to bilateral and global matters.

During his visit, Bass will engage with high-level Turkish government officials to build upon the progress made during the successful March 7-8 meeting of the US-Türkiye Strategic Mechanism in Washington, as per a statement from the State Department released last week.

The agenda of the discussions will include the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, the conflict in Ukraine, and preparations for the upcoming NATO summit in Washington.

Türkiye as a pivotal ally

Bass stated after his meeting with Fidan that Türkiye is a pivotal ally and partner with whom the US engages in communication and cooperation on crucial regional and global issues.

The discussion topics between Bass and Fidan included the paramount importance of ensuring the safety of civilians and aid workers in Gaza, supporting Ukraine’s democratic processes and freedoms, enhancing cooperation in counterterrorism efforts, and highlighting the role of NATO in ensuring security and unity.

Talks also delved into the preparations for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s forthcoming visit to the U.S.

Additionally, they exchanged viewpoints on energy matters and the joint efforts in combating terrorist organizations, including the PKK/YPG, Daesh, and the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO).

The PKK, recognized as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the U.S., and the EU, has carried out a nearly 40-year-long terror campaign in Türkiye, resulting in the loss of over 40,000 lives, including women, children, and infants. The YPG is the PKK’s Syrian affiliate.

FETO, led by Fethullah Gulen from the US, orchestrated the failed coup attempt on July 15, 2016, in Türkiye, resulting in the deaths of 252 people and injuries to 2,734 others.

Source: Newsroom

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