Although there is still some time left until the assumption of power by Donald TrumpAnkara appears to be in a hurry to clarify its relations with the new leadership of the White House. In particular, to convince Washington to remove the American force that is in Syria and that is working with the Kurdish forces in the region to drive out ISIS. Both President Erdoğan and his Minister of Foreign Affairs with consecutive statements emphasize that Turkey’s main concern is the elimination of terrorism in the region and the protection of its own security. The fact that the president-elect has not yet revealed his intentions towards Turkey creates irritation and concern in the Turkish leadership.

Full interview by Fidan

Speaking to journalists in Ankara yesterday, the TYPEX Hakan Fidan he addressed Trump’s potential policies after taking office and argued that he would continue the debate on some issues and let critical issues linger at first. He may not make many radical decisions, but he will do so on immigration because that issue has the least domestic and foreign policy costs, he argued. “It can follow a policy of waiting or a policy of postponement on geopolitical issues,” he said.

Regarding the question about Trump’s possible Syria policy and relations with Turkey, Fidan pointed out that as long as the US cooperates with the YPG/PKK in Syria, Turkey’s strategic problem will continue. However, Fidan believes that (the Trump administration) will review its relationship with the PKK/PYD because, he said, “we convey to them at every opportunity how serious we are on this issue.”

Trump’s relationship with Netanyahu

However, it is evident that Ankara cannot yet read the intentions of the new American leadership in the Palestinian. Stressing that the US president-elect’s cabinet nominations show a highly pro-Israel orientation, Fidan said there are indications that such a cabinet would support all of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s “expansionist ambitions.” Underscoring Trump’s statement that he wants to end wars, Fidan pointed out that the new cabinet appointments gave the opposite impression.

For Cyprus and Ukraine

Fidan also referred to the Cypriot issue, characterizing the accession of Cyprus to the EU as a “historical mistake”. He stated that the Turkish side is open and with good intentions and wants a solution that reflects the current reality on the island.

Regarding the possibility of a risk of nuclear war following Putin’s statements on the nuclear doctrine, Fidan recalled that this statement was something that Turkey had constantly warned about, and drew attention to the fact that the wars in both Ukraine and Gaza are deepening and polarization increases.

On Monday, Rute in Turkey

Just a few weeks after taking up his new duties as NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte is due to visit Turkey on Monday. He will meet with President Erdogan, as well as Deputy Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Deputy Defense Minister Yasar Guler. He will also visit the Turkish Aerospace Industry (TUSAŞ) facility in Ankara, the site of last month’s PKK attack.

It is noted that the new NATO Secretary General met yesterday with the newly elected President Trump in Florida. It was the president-elect’s first official meeting, and Trump and Rutte reportedly discussed the future of Ukraine and the growing threats from Russia, China and North Korea. After Turkey, Rutte will visit Greece.