Blinken: Our Talks with Turkey on Important Global Issues Were 'Constructive'

Antony Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State, described his discussions with his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, in Ankara as 'constructive' regarding important global issues including the Gaza war, Ukraine, NATO, and the role of U.S. leadership. He noted ongoing U.S. efforts to send more humanitarian aid to those in need in Gaza and stated that the U.S. is working with other countries to do everything possible to free hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7 attack, including American hostages. Blinken identified one of the goals of his regional trip as ensuring that tensions do not escalate in the region. According to Blinken, Washington and Ankara discussed efforts to create conditions that would lead to a sustainable peace for Israelis and Palestinians. Blinken also mentioned discussions with Fidan about significant actions both countries are taking in support of Ukraine, highlighting Turkey's important role over the past two years, particularly regarding the Black Sea Grain Initiative aimed at facilitating food exports from Ukraine. During the press conference, Blinken expressed satisfaction with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's signing of the protocol for Sweden's accession to NATO, which Erdoğan had previously opposed. Blinken remarked on the necessity of U.S. leadership, diplomacy, and engagement with the world, noting that countries look to the U.S. for leadership. He emphasized that while there are disagreements, there are shared views on certain requirements for cooperation. Blinken stated that every country he speaks with seeks a leading role for the U.S. in advancing various aspects of the crisis. Before his visit to Turkey, Blinken had made an unannounced trip to Iraq on November 5 as part of his Middle East tour aimed at reducing regional tensions. He also met with Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank and Benjamin Netanyahu earlier in the week. The U.S. has intensified its diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and prevent the escalation of conflicts between Israel and Palestinian militants. Hamas killed at least 1,400 Israelis, mostly civilians, in the October 7 attack and took around 240 Israeli and foreign hostages, including children, women, and the elderly. The U.S., Canada, the European Union, Japan, Israel, and several other countries have classified Hamas as a terrorist organization.