USA – Turkey: The joint statement on the Strategic Mechanism – What it says about the F-16s

The importance of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and the maintenance of diplomatic channels of communication are highlighted in the joint statement on the US-Turkey Strategic Mechanism issued by the two countries after the meeting that the US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, with his Turkish counterpart, Mevlut Cavusogluat the State Department. The two sides discussed strengthening US-Turkey defense cooperation, including the modernization of Turkey’s F-16 fleet.

In addition, they confirmed NATO’s open door policy and discussed the implementation of the tripartite memorandum signed by Finland, Sweden and Turkey to promote Finland’s and Sweden’s accession to the NATO alliance. Regarding Ukraine, the two countries underlined their strong support for its sovereignty and territorial integrity, expressing their solidarity against Russia’s unacceptable war and reaffirming their support for finding a solution to end the war.

Joint Statement on the US-Turkey Strategic Mechanism

The Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, and the Secretary of State, Mevlut Cavusoglu, held the fourth meeting of the US-Turkey Strategic Mechanism on January 18, 2023 in Washington. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland also met with Turkish Under Secretary of Foreign Affairs Sedat Onal under the auspices of the Strategic Mechanism. The two sides held extensive dialogue on a wide range of areas of bilateral cooperation and emphasized the importance of their partnership as NATO allies, according to the Athens News Agency.

Secretary Blinken and Minister Cavusoglu continued corporate and interagency discussions held by senior officials from the US State Department and the Turkish Foreign Ministry on January 17, 2023, in Washington.

Foreign Minister Blinken and Minister Cavusoglu reiterated their commitment to a results-oriented positive bilateral agenda. They discussed strengthening US-Turkey defense cooperation, including the modernization of Turkey’s F-16 fleet.

Minister Blinken and Minister Cavusoglu underlined their strong support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity against Russia’s unacceptable war and reaffirmed their support for finding a solution to end the war. The United States thanked Turkey for its role in brokering the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

The two ministers decided to increase coordination and cooperation to promote peace in the South Caucasus.

They discussed all aspects of the Syrian crisis and reiterated the commitment of the United States and Turkey to a political process in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2254. They welcomed the recent UN Security Council vote to extend the cross-border delivery of humanitarian aid to Syria. The two sides also discussed broader issues in the Middle East and Africa, including the need to build regional stability and connectivity through increased economic and security cooperation.

Minister Blinken and Minister Cavusoglu appreciated the continued development of US-Turkey bilateral trade relations. They reaffirmed the importance of economic cooperation and leveraging existing bilateral forums to support regional and global economic opportunities. Both sides agreed to a climate and energy dialogue to promote energy security and the transition to a cleaner energy future.

They decided to continue their cooperation under the auspices of the Strategic Mechanism to review progress and maintain momentum on the positive bilateral agenda. The two sides welcome increased bilateral meetings, including at the highest level, under the Strategic Mechanism.