‘Türkiye’s NATO contributions are numerous,’ says Trump’s nominee for ambassador Tom Barrack
Tom Barrack, former Deputy Interior Undersecretary in the Reagan administration, delivers a speech on the fourth day of the Republican National Convention at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. on July 21, 2016. (AFP Photo)
Speaking to the U.S. Congress, President Donald Trump’s nominee for ambassador to Türkiye, Tom Barrack, underscored the country’s vital strategic importance.
“Sitting at the most strategic crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, Türkiye’s NATO contributions are numerous,” Barrack told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee during his confirmation hearing, emphasizing the nation’s role in regional security.
The veteran businessman and longtime Trump associate highlighted Türkiye’s military capabilities, noting it maintains one of NATO’s largest militaries and naval fleets. He also praised Türkiye as a “valued” partner in the fight against Daesh terror group.
Barrack, who has visited Türkiye several times, mentioned various areas of Turkish regional influence, including its support for Ukraine through drone supplies and its mediation in the Black Sea Grain Initiative.
He also stressed the strategic importance of Türkiye’s control over the Istanbul and Çanakkale Straits under the Montreux Convention, which restricts the passage of warships during times of war.
Achieving $100 billion trade target
On economic ties, Barrack expressed confidence in achieving the $100 billion trade target set by Presidents Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Trump, stating the two nations “can easily reach” this goal.
Barrack emphasized the significance of strengthening U.S.-Türkiye energy partnerships, particularly in liquefied natural gas, as a countermeasure to China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
In response to a question about Syria, Barrack referred to the YPG as part of the PKK terrorist organization, a group both the U.S. and Türkiye have designated as a terrorist organization, though he acknowledged its role in fighting Daesh
The PKK has waged a terror campaign against Türkiye for over 40 years, responsible for the deaths of more than 40,000 people, including civilians such as women, children, and the elderly. The YPG, also known as the SDF, is the PKK’s Syrian offshoot.
When questioned about Türkiye’s growing role in Syria, Barrack admitted needing more information but promised close consultation with all involved parties if confirmed.
Throughout the hearing, Barrack maintained a positive tone regarding Turkish-U.S. relations, even as the NATO allies face recent tensions over policy differences.
