US Ambassador Praises Türkiye’s Role in Gaza Cease-Fire Efforts
The US Ambassador to Türkiye, Jeff Flake, expressed Washington’s appreciation for Türkiye’s involvement in seeking a cease-fire deal in Gaza. Flake highlighted Türkiye’s valuable role in achieving lasting peace and emphasized the importance of a two-state solution. He also commended Türkiye’s ability to engage with groups that others cannot.
Flake welcomed the visit of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to Türkiye and the ongoing efforts to de-escalate the situation in Gaza. He also discussed the military buildup in the region and Türkiye’s successful prisoner swap operation led by MIT.
Flake underscored the strong bilateral relations between Türkiye and the US, emphasizing Türkiye’s importance as a member of NATO. He also addressed the F-16 fighter jet sale and F-35 issues between the two countries, highlighting the progress in Congressional approvals for the F-16 sale.
Overall, Flake praised Türkiye’s diplomatic efforts and mediation roles, including in talks between Somalia and Ethiopia. He also touched on the Montreux Convention’s impact on the Russia-Ukraine war and the importance of resolving the S-400 issue for Türkiye’s return to the F-35 consortium.