FM Fidan, Rubio highlight political will to remove defense industry barriers
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio meets with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in the Treaty Room of the State Department in Washington, DC, on March 25, 2025 (AFP Photo)
In a high-level meeting in Washington, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized their mutual political commitment to eliminate obstacles to defense industry cooperation.
In a post on his social media account on X, Rubio shared details from his last meeting with FM Fidan and said:
Met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan today to discuss collaboration on trade and security benefiting both our countries.
The U.S. is building on recent trade advancements made with Türkiye. We’re also partnering together on key issues, from peace in Ukraine and the South Caucasus to supporting Syria against destabilizing Iranian activities. I expressed concerns regarding recent arrests and protests in Türkiye.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio
Türkiye-US defense cooperation under focus
According to diplomatic sources, the discussions between Fidan and Rubio followed the March 16 phone call between President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and U.S. President Donald Trump, which the White House described as “great” and “transformative” for bilateral relations.
Sources reported, “Both parties clearly expressed their political will to remove the barriers to cooperation in the defense industry and agreed to initiate technical talks to resolve ongoing issues.”
CAATSA sanctions and F-35 program reentry
The issue of sanctions and defense cooperation remained central.
One of Türkiye’s main demands is the immediate lifting of CAATSA sanctions. Fidan is believed to have stressed the importance of “taking immediate steps to end these sanctions and reconsidering Türkiye’s reentry into the F-35 program.”
Last week, U.S. media reported that President Trump instructed his team to work on potential pathways to lift the sanctions imposed because of Türkiye’s purchase of the S-400 missile system.
The potential sale of F-35s to Türkiye, if resumed, would be reported to Congress by Rubio.
Broader regional issues discussed
The ministers also addressed the situation in Syria. Sources said, “Both sides emphasized the importance of engaging with the Syrian regime. They reiterated their commitment to ensuring stability in Syria and continuing efforts in counterterrorism.”
On Gaza, Fidan conveyed to Rubio, “A permanent ceasefire in Gaza must be established,” highlighting its critical role in ensuring regional peace.
Efforts to achieve a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine were also discussed. Sources noted, “Türkiye supports the efforts the U.S. has put forth on this matter.”
High-level visits and regional stability
Discussions included potential future presidential-level visits and regional peace efforts. Sources noted that “the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia and the stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina were also reviewed, with emphasis on the latter’s importance for the Balkans.”
