James Jeffrey: Erdogan will continue to act independently

The panel organized by the Atlantic Council discussed Turkish-American relations and Turkish foreign policy in the new post-election period. In addition to former Ambassador Jeffrey, Atlantic Council experts Rich Outzen and Brenda Shaffer attended the panel as speakers.

Commenting on Turkey’s foreign policy and relations with the United States in the new term, Jeffrey said he hopes relations between Washington and Ankara will improve.

Noting that relations between the two countries have already improved to some extent compared to last year, Jeffrey said US President Joe Biden’s call to congratulate President Erdogan was “a big step in repairing relations.”

Jeffrey stated that, apart from the US and the UK, Turkey is the country that makes Russia’s war in Ukraine the most difficult within NATO.

“I HAVE NO IDEA what to do”

Referring to the fact that some in the US say Turkey is close to approving Sweden’s NATO membership, Jeffreey said: “I have no idea what he (Erdogan) will do this week.” He said that these rumors did not go beyond accusations.

Jeffrey said that during President Erdogan’s time in power, especially in 2009-2010, he maintained close relations with Western countries, that for the first time a Turkish leader was ready to agree on Cyprus, made reforms upon joining the Union Union (EU) , but the Annan problem in Cyprus. He said his plan was rejected by the Greeks and that some countries within the EU did not want Turkey as a member.

Expressing that President Erdogan’s efforts have not been rewarded, Jeffrey said: “Therefore, he will continue to act independently (in foreign policy), and this is a rational decision considering the size and capabilities of this country.” he said.

Referring to the tensions between Greece and Turkey, Jeffrey stated that being obsessed with Turkey is one of the main elements of Greek foreign policy, saying: “Whatever the hostilities and riots, the Turks are not obsessed with Greece. They have much bigger problems.” saying

Jeffrey said the US administration should also pay attention to its relations with the YPG/PKK terrorist organization in Syria.

“UNFORGETTABLE PURCHASE OF THE F-16 AND SWEDEN’S MEMBERSHIP IN NATO”

Atlantic Council expert Outzen noted that President Erdogan will maintain a balance in his relations with the West in the new period.

Stating that Erdogan has always taken a multi-axial approach, Outzen said: “In foreign policy, 51 percent invest in the West and 49 percent in other portfolios. He feels that it has been a success and will continue to do so. he performed the assessment of it.

Outzen also criticized the US reconciliation of Turkey’s F-16 purchase request with Sweden’s approval of NATO membership.

Emphasizing that it is “unfortunate” to reconcile the two issues, the US expert said that Turkey might not accept this and look for other options.

“Reconciling the two issues will directly undermine the talent and credibility of everyone making this deal,” Outzen said. used his statements.

ENERGY DEVELOPMENTS IN 3 YEARS ARE HIGHLIGHTS

Regarding Turkey’s natural gas exploration and exploitation in the Black Sea, Atlantic Council expert Shaffer said: “Judging the pace of developments in the last three years, from exploration to operation is something extraordinary in this industry.” saying.

Affirming that it does not matter if the extracted gas is destined for the internal or external market, Shaffer pointed out that the speed in the preparation of this infrastructure is admirable. (AA)