Rubio Seeks Turkish Support for Peace Efforts in Ukraine

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to discuss securing peace in Ukraine and reinforcing bilateral ties. Fidan’s visit aims to mend relations with the U.S., strained during Biden’s presidency. Key topics included economic partnerships, U.S. sanctions on Turkey, and regional stability in Syria and the Gaza Strip.

On March 25, 2025, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Washington, where he sought Turkey’s assistance in promoting peace in Ukraine. The meeting is part of Fidan’s two-day visit aimed at strengthening U.S.-Turkey relations that have strained under the Biden administration. This meeting comes after a significant conversation between the U.S. and Turkish Presidents, deemed as “transformational” by Steve Witkoff, a special envoy under Donald Trump.

Turkey has sustained significant connections with both Russia and Ukraine during the prolonged conflict and previously attempted to mediate peace talks. In 2022, Turkey hosted talks that ultimately did not result in a resolution. Under the current U.S. administration, Turkey’s trade interactions with Russia have caused concerns in Washington. During the discussions, Rubio and Fidan focused on the potential for a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict, with Turkey expressing its support for U.S. peace initiatives.

Rubio emphasized the necessity for enhanced economic cooperation between Turkey and the United States, as articulated by State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce. Fidan’s objectives also include lifting U.S. sanctions on Turkey and facilitating its re-entry into the F-35 fighter jet program, from which it was expelled in 2019 due to its procurement of Russian defense systems. The U.S. has previously imposed sanctions as a response to Turkey’s military actions.

Furthermore, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is currently facing domestic tensions following the arrests of opposition figures, including Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. Marco Rubio raised concerns regarding these political imprisonments and the resultant protests during his meeting. Analysts suggest that Trump’s previous disregard for human rights issues may have motivated Erdogan’s actions against his political opposition.

Cooperation on regional stability was also a topic of discussion, particularly related to Syria, where Turkey plays a strategic role, and the ongoing conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Fidan underscored the importance of a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip to enhance regional stability, despite Turkey’s controversial support for Hamas, which is labeled a terrorist organization by several countries, including the United States.

In summary, Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan underscores the critical diplomatic efforts aimed at fostering peace in Ukraine and enhancing economic ties between the United States and Turkey. The discussions also reflect the broader geopolitical complexities, including Turkey’s relationships with Russia and domestic political challenges faced by President Erdogan. The meeting signifies a pivotal moment in U.S.-Turkey relations, with potential implications for regional stability and security.

Original Source: apnews.com