Ankara: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan affirmed that his country looks to the United States to use its influence over Israel to end policies that harm regional and global peace and stability.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, in a speech delivered on Monday during a seminar titled “Turkish-US Relations at the Dawn of the Centennial,” Fidan stated that Turkish-US relations are currently experiencing strong, renewed momentum. He noted that “the exceptional relationship between President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and US President Donald Trump plays a central role in this development.”
He emphasized the need to translate this momentum into tangible gains-not only for the two countries but also for maintaining peace and stability in the region-and to work toward institutionalizing cooperation between them. He added: “Our relationship has proven its enduring value over time. Two geographically distant nations have become partners and allies with an impact that extends far beyond our borders. Our relationship has endured despite disagreements, crises, and dramatic changes in the international order.”
He further noted that the two countries have managed to overcome challenges due to their recognition of the vital value of their partnership. Fidan stated: “As we enter the second century of our diplomatic relations, we are determined to realize the full potential of our cooperation and resolve the issues that hinder it. To this end, we need to assess our current standing and define clear goals for what we can achieve together.”
He noted that the international system is undergoing one of its most profound transformations, pointing to shifting global power balances, intensifying economic competition, and the way technology is reshaping the world as we know it. He added that global security and governance institutions are struggling to respond to these developments, stating: “Unresolved conflicts impact other regions through energy prices, migration, trade, terrorism, and food security. Addressing these challenges requires effective partnership and shared responsibility.”
He continued: “Turkey and the United States possess the experience, capacity, diplomatic reach-and, most importantly, the political will-to respond to all these crises together.”
Fidan also addressed the situation involving Iran, the conflict in Yemen, and Israel’s policies and destabilizing actions in the region, remarking: “These threats reinforce one another and obstruct the path of diplomacy.” “…and combating it requires effective regional responsibility and close cooperation with the United States.”
He added: “We particularly expect the United States to exercise greater influence over Israel to end policies that undermine regional and global peace and stability.” Fidan explained that the genocidal war Israel is waging in Gaza and the ongoing suffering endured by Palestinian civilians have inflicted deep damage on the global conscience and irreparably shaken confidence in the international order.
He emphasized that reaching a lasting solution to the Palestinian issue remains crucial for the stability of the Middle East and beyond. He added that Turkey supports President Trump’s efforts to end the Gaza crisis, noting the necessity of fully implementing the commitments outlined in the peace plan and stressing that Gaza remains a pivotal test of the collective capacity to achieve security, cooperation, and prosperity in the region and beyond.
Fidan stated that Turkish-American cooperation could contribute to fostering peace and stability through joint action in neighboring regions. He added that Turkey supports dialogue and diplomacy to achieve lasting peace in Ukraine, noting that communication channels with both Kyiv and Moscow remain open to pursue this goal.
Regarding the situation in Syria, Fidan explained that his country aims to strengthen national institutions so they can govern effectively and deny any opportunity to terrorist organizations. He added, “A Syria free from terrorism and with its territorial integrity preserved would represent significant progress for regional security and prosperity.”
Fidan noted that one must consider that opportunities for implementing local solutions are greater when advancing shared goals toward enhanced regional security. He added, “Therefore, we believe it is essential for the region’s nations to assume greater responsibility for their own security and stability.” “Therefore, we must embrace and strengthen regional ownership.”
He continued, “Based on this understanding, we established the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. This alliance provides an institutional foundation to support regional peace and security through regional ownership and security cooperation. We welcome President Trump’s support for this initiative.”