The “cold” Blinken-Fidan meeting on the subject of the developments in Gaza ended today at the Turkish Foreign Ministry without joint statements.

The US Secretary of State left the ministry without the customary joint press conference with his Turkish counterpart. However, he did statements at Ankara airportshortly before departing for Tokyo.

“We continue to work“, said the American minister, emphasizing that “we know the concerns here. In Gaza, we see the terrible cost. We see the cost to innocent citizens. We are in contact with the Israelis. We have talked about steps that can reduce civilian casualties.”

He said that important steps will be taken in the coming days to ensure the arrival of large amounts of aid to Gaza. “We are working on the details every day. We put a lot of effort into it humanitarian aid“, he added.

“The fact that the conflict did not spread to the region is also a success,” Mr. Blinken emphasized, among other things, noting that important talks were held with the countries of the region to create conditions of justice and peace.

Also referred to issue of hostages, which he described as criticalsaying “we’re intensely focused on that.”

“We have been clear about extremist violence. The Israelis have made promises, we will be watching closely,” concluded the US Secretary of State.

Also referring to issue of Sweden’s accession to NATO, Antony Blinken described as important the fact that President Erdoğan sent the accession protocol to the National Assembly for approval. “I believe that Sweden will join NATO. Turkey has the same opinion,” he said.

The US Secretary of State then left for Tokyo.

In the morning, members of the Turkish Youth Union gathered near the Foreign Ministry building to protest Antony Blinken’s visit to Turkey. Dozens of peopleholding Palestinian and Turkish flags, they were shouting “Killer Blinken, get out of Turkey”. The Police intervened in the demonstration to break it up.

Sources from Ankara: Civilians priority

Diplomatic sources in Ankara reported that, during their meeting today, Turkey’s Foreign Minister Jaqan Fidan has pointed out to his American counterpart Anthony Blinken that the targeting of civilians by Israel and the displacement of people in Gaza must be preventedwhile underlining her need to urgently declare a complete ceasefire.

According to the same sources, the two sides confirmed that they agree to protect civilians and ensure the continuous and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid.

“Today’s meeting also emphasized the need to work together for the two-state solution”according to the Turkish Foreign Ministry.

The Turkish foreign minister pointed out to his American counterpart that the bombing of civilian targets and the destruction of infrastructure in Gaza is unacceptable.

During the meeting it was also discussed and the NATO enlargement process with the inclusion of Sweden.