The United States and Türkiye have not too long ago developed widespread floor and improved protection and commerce relations, a senior official stated on Sunday.
“Especially in recent months, the two countries have developed shared areas. We observe improvements in defense, trade, and interpersonal relations,” U.S. Ambassador to Ankara Jeff Flake informed personal broadcaster NTV.
Flake’s remarks got here after the NATO allies launched complete talks to debate efforts to maneuver past deep coverage disagreements and enhance cooperation in different areas.
The conversations got here on the sidelines of Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s journey to Washington final week and a gathering with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Talks centered on matters spanning Syria, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, protection cooperation, vitality, counterterrorism, and the Israel-Palestine battle.
Türkiye and the U.S. boast an extended historical past of navy and financial cooperation. However, their ties have drifted away from a strategic partnership lately as disagreements between the 2 long-standing treaty allies have widened.
The disputes embody the U.S.’ cooperation with the PKK terrorist group’s Syrian wing, the YPG, its stance towards the Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ), disagreements over Ankara’s buy of Russia’s S-400 air protection system and Washington’s sanctions towards Türkiye.
The U.S. Congress not too long ago permitted the $20 billion sale of F-16 fighter jets to Türkiye, lengthy sought by the Turkish authorities, after Ankara formally ratified Sweden’s bid to affix NATO.
Since then, U.S. officers have begun describing a want on either side to deepen conversations in areas the place the 2 sides can cooperate.
Flake voiced help for the sale of F-16 warplanes to Türkiye and stated the problem of F-35 fighter jets was additionally on the agenda throughout final week’s talks.
Türkiye sought to purchase F-35s earlier than requesting to buy F-16s, however the U.S. eliminated it from the multinational program to purchase and assist develop and construct the warplane in 2019 after it acquired S-400s from Russia.
Washington argued the air missile protection methods posed a threat to the superior fighter jet, whereas Ankara insisted they’d not be built-in into NATO methods.
Türkiye had ordered about 100 F-35s, and its corporations have been constructing some 900 elements of the fighter jet.
“As previously discussed, the issue of the S-400s remains unresolved. We want to find a solution,” stated Flake.
He recalled a latest go to by U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland, who stated Washington was open to welcoming Türkiye again into the F-35 fighter jet program if the problem over the S-400 air protection system is resolved.
Flake stated Nuland had “proposed a solution.”
“We are keen on overcoming the issue; we just haven’t been successful yet,” he added.
Flake stated the commerce relations between the 2 nations are “truly progressing well.”
The two governments had set a aim to achieve a bilateral commerce quantity of $100 billion within the coming years.
“There has been a 60% increase from a few years ago, reaching a volume of $35 billion,” the ambassador famous.
“Although the goal of reaching $100 billion is ambitious, I would like to say that it is achievable with this momentum.”
Flake stated whereas Türkiye and America could not all the time see eye to eye on Syria, each nations are in search of cooperation for peace in Syria and the area.
“Türkiye is a significant ally in the fight against Daesh. While Türkiye and America may not always see eye to eye, especially regarding northern Syria, the two countries are exploring avenues for collaboration to achieve peace in the region and eradicate Daesh,” he added.
Source: www.dailysabah.com
