Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan regarding the importance of Hamas' return to negotiations on August 15 to finalize a framework for achieving an immediate and durable ceasefire in Gaza and securing the release of all hostages.
"Secretary Blinken expressed gratitude for Turkiye’s partnership in securing the freedom of detained U.S. citizens on August 1 and support for the United States-Egypt-Qatar Joint Statement urging to resume Gaza ceasefire talks," stated Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel.
The discussion also covered the urgency for a nationwide cessation of violence in Sudan and emphasized the importance of both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces attending talks on August 14 in Switzerland. Secretary Blinken further expressed support for Turkiye’s mediation efforts between Ethiopia and Somalia.
