Türkiye's US ambassador outlines key cooperation areas with US: Ukraine, Gaza, Syria

Türkiye's Ambassador to the US, Sedat Onal, said on Friday that there are three areas of special importance for US-Turkish cooperation: ending the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, and helping Syria establish inclusive governance.

Speaking during a half-day conference on the of US-Turkish relations organized by the Atlantic Council in Washington, DC, Onal emphasized the importance of diplomacy, regional stability, and economic cooperation.

The ambassador described Türkiye as a “linchpin” for regional stability, surrounded by multiple sources of conflict, from Syria and Libya to Ukraine and Gaza.

“It takes regional ownership and alignment of positions of main stakeholders to resolve these conflicts in a sustainable manner,” he added.

“As Türkiye, we have come to advocate dialogue and diplomacy, rather than relying on kinetic means to determine the trajectory of conflicts,” he said.

- War in Ukraine

Onal stressed that Türkiye's position, from the very beginning, has always been not to rely on battleground dynamics but also to have a vision for the endgame and to come up with diplomatic means to address this issue.

"But after almost three years now, we do not find ourselves in a better place," said Onal. "The need for a diplomatic way out of this conflict remains as valid as it was then".

He also welcomed the Trump administration's focus on diplomacy.

“We are happy that new administration here in America is also putting the emphasis on diplomacy, finding diplomatic solution to this conflict,” Onal said.

“Türkiye is in a position to bring added value to all efforts to finding a diplomatic solution to this crisis,” he added.

- Gaza, Syria: Calls for sustainable solutions

Regarding Gaza, Onal called for a sustainable ceasefire and an end to the humanitarian crisis.

“Türkiye is ready to undertake responsibility in accordance with principle of regional ownership to pave the way for a two state solution. That is the only solution that can be sustainable,” he said.

Nearly 50,000 Palestinians have been killed by, mostly women and children, and over 112,000 injured in a brutal Israeli military onslaught on Gaza since October 2023.

On Syria, the ambassador urged the international community to engage proactively to help Syria have an inclusive political system.

“Proactive engagement of international community is essential to avoid chaos and help the Syrian people to establish a functional and inclusive political system,” he said.

“For this, sanctions have to be lifted. Otherwise the new government cannot deliver public services and security to its people, and the Syrian people would have been punished for the crimes committed by the Assad regime,” Onal said.

- Defense cooperation, CATSAA sanctions

In his remarks, the ambassador highlighted the importance of defense and security cooperation between the two NATO allies but noted that the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) remains a stumbling block.

“CATSAA sanctions remain an anomaly in our relationship. We are looking forward to work with the administration and the Congress for removing this irritant from our bilateral agenda and bolster defense cooperation," he said.

CAATSA sanctions were imposed on Türkiye in 2020 following its acquisition of the Russian S-400 missile defense system, which led to its removal from the F-35 fighter jet program.

- Economic ties, trade growth

Onal expressed satisfaction with the upward trend in US-Turkish trade, which currently stands at $34 billion annually with the US being Türkiye's second biggest export and fifth biggest import partner.

“We aim to reach a target of $100 billion in a gradual manner,” he said. “Both economies are well equipped in terms of their comparative advantages and complementarities to progressively get closer to these targets,” he added.

- Türkiye's geostrategic role

In his opening remarks, Gen. James L. Jones, executive chairman Emeritus, Atlantic Council, highlighted the role of Türkiye as an essential partner in tackling challenges including Ukraine, the Middle East and Syria.

"While the new administration's rhetoric and actions signal a period of change and transition in transatlantic relations, it does not change the critical role of Türkiye as a NATO ally,” he said.

“Türkiye has significantly enhanced its position as a multi-regional power in light of the evolving transatlantic dynamics and rising great power competition,” Jones said. “It's really critical that we reflect on Türkiye's rising geostrategic influence and we deepen our bilateral dialog between to successfully navigate this period of change.”

Jones added that the new US administration's focus on ending conflicts in Europe and the Middle East presents an opportunity to revitalize US-Turkish relations. “This is a timely occasion to take advantage of a new dynamism and energy in our bilateral relationships,” he said.

The conference highlighted the potential for strengthened US-Turkish cooperation in addressing regional conflicts, enhancing economic ties, and advancing shared security interests.