Official press releases from the US Department of Defense or the Turkish Ministry of National Defense

Blinken Urges Turkey to Help Achieve Gaza Cease-Fire, Discusses Syria's Future with Erdoğan and Fidan

Dec 13, 2024, 08:28 AM

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Ankara to discuss regional issues, including Syria and Gaza. The officials focused on efforts to stabilize Syria and combat terrorism, particularly the threats posed by ISIS and the PKK. Blinken noted that there is broad agreement between the US and Turkey on the desired future for Syria, emphasizing the need for a government that promotes stability, dismantles chemical weapons, and does not threaten its neighbors. Fidan stated that Turkey's priorities are to ensure stability in Syria and prevent terrorist organizations like ISIS and the PKK from gaining a foothold in the region. They discussed the possible roles of Turkey and the US in Syria's future. Blinken urged Turkey to use its influence on Hamas to achieve a cease-fire in Gaza and expressed that there are encouraging signs that a cease-fire is possible. Both sides agreed on the urgency of achieving a cease-fire. Blinken highlighted the importance of continued US-Turkish collaboration to suppress ISIS in Syria.