The United States and Türkiye have not too long ago developed frequent floor and improved ties in protection, commerce and interpersonal relations, a senior official mentioned 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 advised 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 subjects spanning Syria, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, protection cooperation, power, counterterrorism and the Israel-Palestine battle.
Ties between Türkiye and the U.S. boast a protracted historical past of army and financial cooperation, however their ties have drifted away from a strategic partnership in recent times as disagreements between the 2 long-standing treaty allies have widened.
The disputes embrace 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 in opposition to Türkiye.
The U.S. Congress not too long ago accredited 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 need on each side to deepen conversations in areas the place the 2 sides can cooperate.
Flake voiced assist for the sale of F-16 warplanes to Türkiye and mentioned 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 purchase 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 danger to the superior fighter jet, whereas Ankara insisted they might not be built-in into NATO methods.
Türkiye had ordered about 100 F-35s and its corporations had been constructing some 900 components for the fighter jet.
“As beforehand mentioned, the problem of the S-400s stays unresolved. We wish to discover a answer,” mentioned Flake.
He recalled a latest go to by U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland, who mentioned 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 mentioned Nuland had “proposed a solution.”
“We are eager on overcoming the problem; we simply have not been profitable but,” he added.
Flake mentioned the commerce relations between the 2 international locations are “truly progressing well.”
The two governments have set a objective 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 objective of reaching $100 billion is bold, I wish to say that it’s achievable with this momentum.”
Flake mentioned whereas Türkiye and America might not at all times see eye to eye on Syria, each international locations are searching for 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