Turkish foreign minister to engage in key talks during U.S. visit

This visit comes at a time when bilateral relations appear to be on the mend, following the advancement of a fighter jet agreement and collaborative efforts in NATO diplomacy.

For years, the alliance between these NATO members has faced tensions over various disputes, including Turkey's acquisition of the Russian S-400 missile defense system and the U.S.'s backing of a Kurdish militia in Syria, which Ankara considers a terrorist organization.

Nonetheless, the dynamic between the two countries has seen a notable improvement with the U.S.'s agreement to sell F-16 fighter jets to Turkey after Ankara endorses Sweden’s membership in NATO.

During his visit, at the behest of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is slated to participate in a meeting focused on the "strategic mechanism"—a bilateral cooperation initiative agreed upon by the leaders of the two nations in 2021.

In addition to meeting with Blinken, Fidan is expected to conduct discussions with Jake Sullivan, the White House National Security Adviser. The agenda for Fidan’s visit includes a range of topics, notably the potential lifting of sanctions against Turkey's defense industry, the F-16 jet sale, and the Black Sea grain deal. Discussions will also cover the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.

"The aim is to vocalize the necessity of halting the violence in Gaza, achieving an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire, and pursuing a two-state solution aligned with international standards," the source noted.

Last week, the U.S. Senate rejected a proposal to block the sale of F-16 fighter jets and modernization kits to Turkey, valued at $23 billion. This decision followed the Biden administration's approval of the sale, recognizing Turkey's consent to Sweden's NATO accession.