The US Secretary of State is worried about the political turmoil in Turkey
Washington, D.C.: Political instability in Turkey has alarmed U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who has cited the country’s effects on regional stability and American interests.
“We don’t like the way things are going. It is an ally. “It is a NATO partner,” Rubio said.
Given its position as a bulwark against Russia in Ukraine and the South Caucasus and as a challenger to Iran in the Middle East, rebuffing its influence in Syria and other places, Turkey is a very significant nation from a geopolitical standpoint. Although it is in conflict with Israel, it may potentially be involved in any future agreement to pursue regional peace.
After visiting Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Washington, Rubio expressed concerns about the government crackdown and continuing demonstrations. “We’re observing it. We have voiced our concerns. In comments released by the State Department, Rubio said, “We don’t like to see instability like that in the governance of any country that’s such a close ally.”
Protests in Turkey after the arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu, the mayor of Istanbul and a major political opponent of President Erdogan, resulted in hundreds of arrests. More than a dozen cities, including Istanbul and Ankara, have seen protests.
“The fate of those who try to stir up trouble in the streets and support hate speech will be to melt away in the face of our nation’s sagacity, and this disgrace will definitely be brought to account before the law,” Fidan said on his X account.
Rubio emphasized Turkey’s significance as a NATO member.
“During the first administration, President Trump and President Erdogan had a very positive working relationship. “I believe they want to resume that,” Rubio said.
Turkey is requesting that the 2020 U.S. restrictions on military acquisitions be lifted in response to Turkey’s acquisition of Russia’s S-400 missile defense system, which the U.S. said violated U.S. law and threatened NATO.
“The political desire of both parties to eliminate the barriers to collaboration in the military sector was made abundantly evident. To address current problems, technical discussions will be convened,” Turkish Foreign Ministry officials told Anadolu Agency.
“I think it’s possible to raise concerns while also understanding that we have a lot of other things to partner on,” said Secretary of State Marco Rubio. That is the equilibrium of carrying out a responsible foreign policy.
“Fidan visited the US to meet his American counterpart Marco Rubio to discuss a range of bilateral and regional issues, including the need for a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry of Affairs told Anadolu Agency.
U.S. officials are keeping a careful eye on the situation and its effects on regional stability and security interests as protests in Turkey continue. To address concerns about defense collaboration, technical discussions between the two parties are anticipated.
