US ambassador praises Türkiye’s role in prisoner exchange

U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye Jake Flake made significant statements about increasing tensions in the Middle East and Turkish-American relations. Flake thanked Türkiye for the role it played in the largest prisoner exchange since the end of the Cold War between Russia and the West.

On Aug. 1, 2024, the largest prisoner exchange since the end of the Cold War was carried out between the U.S. and the Russian Federation. As part of this exchange, 36 people were released. Russia and Belarus released 16 individuals, while the U.S., Germany, Poland, Slovenia, and Norway collectively released eight detainees and two children. Flake commented, “At the beginning of August in Ankara, Türkiye played a useful role in the largest prisoner exchange since the Cold War.”

Flake emphasized that Turkish-American relations are improving, stating, “U.S.-Türkiye relations are in a better place than they appear.”

Additionally, Flake mentioned that Türkiye could play a key role in easing tensions between Iran and Israel. He said, “We ask Türkiye and our other allies to exert pressure on Iran to reduce the tensions.”