Fidan: “Our Priority is Stability in Syria and Preventing Terrorist Control”
During the Fidan Blinken Meeting in Ankara, critical issues such as Syria’s stability and a Gaza ceasefire were discussed.
Following the meeting between Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, both officials addressed the media to provide updates on their discussions.
Key Topics from the Fidan Blinken Meeting
Minister Fidan highlighted that their talks primarily revolved around strengthening cooperation between Turkey and the United States. The agenda included restoring stability in Syria, preventing the region from becoming a haven for terrorism, and ensuring that neither ISIS nor the PKK gains dominance.
“Our priority is to establish stability in Syria and prevent the control of ISIS and the PKK,” said Minister Fidan.
Agreement on a Ceasefire in Gaza
The two leaders reached a consensus on the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza. Minister Fidan stated:
“We agreed on the importance of securing an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Both the U.S. and Turkey, along with other partners, are working intensively towards this goal. However, the violence in the region continues unabated. Israel persists in killing civilians, and we discussed potential measures to end this tragedy as quickly as possible.”
Blinken’s Visit to Turkey
Secretary Blinken arrived in Turkey for a two-day official visit. He was welcomed at Ankara’s Esenboğa Airport by Ambassador Ahmet Cemil Miroğlu, Director General of Foreign Affairs Protocol. According to the U.S. State Department, the visit’s agenda included discussions on the political transition in Syria following the potential fall of the Assad regime and efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
Meeting with President Erdoğan
Blinken also held a closed-door meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at Esenboğa Airport. The meeting was attended by prominent Turkish officials, including Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Presidential Communications Director Fahrettin Altun, Chief of Cabinet and Ambassador Hasan Doğan, and Foreign Policy and Security Advisor Akif Çağatay Kılıç. The discussions focused on recent developments in Syria, emphasizing Turkey’s priorities for maintaining the country’s territorial integrity and achieving a structured political transition.
A depiction of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on December 12, 2024.
Continuing Dialogue on Syria
Minister Fidan and Secretary Blinken had previously held phone discussions on December 7 and 10 to address the latest developments in Syria. During their meeting in Ankara, Minister Fidan reiterated Turkey’s stance on preserving Syria’s territorial unity and called for an internationally supported transition process. The outcomes of the Fidan Blinken Meeting could significantly shape the region’s future, highlighting the importance of Turkey-U.S. dialogue.
