Washington, D.C. — A spokesperson confirmed that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Tuesday at the State Department. The two were photographed shaking hands during the visit, voicing concerns over recent arrests and crackdowns on protests in Turkey.
State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said Rubio “expressed concerns regarding recent arrests and protests in Turkey” while also recognizing positive steps in bilateral relations. “He noted recent advancements in U.S.-Turkey trade and encouraged even greater economic partnership moving forward,” Bruce added in a statement.
Rubio’s message underscored a firm stance: while trade and security cooperation are valued, they do not exempt Turkey from adhering to democratic norms. The talks reflect Washington’s effort to balance economic interests with calls for accountability on human rights issues.