Ankara: Turkiye's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan expressed hope on Friday that the administration of President Donald Trump would address outstanding issues, including lifting sanctions, and recognize the importance of bilateral cooperation. According to Kuwait News Agency, Fidan emphasized at a joint press conference with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas that the new US administration should resolve sanctions imposed under the Countering America's Adversaries through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). These sanctions were introduced by the previous administration as a response to Turkiye's acquisition of the Russian-made S-400 missile defense system. Fidan pointed out that resolving security concerns could enhance the strategic relationship between Turkiye and the US. He noted that political dynamics in the US sometimes impeded bilateral relations, expressing confidence that these challenges could be overcome. He also highlighted Turkiye's readiness to support the US in combati ng terrorism in Syria and managing camps in northeastern Syria, while expecting an end to US relations with PKK affiliates in the region. The CAATSA was signed into law by President Trump on August 2, 2017, despite his reservations about the legislation. The act led to sanctions on Turkiye following its $2.5 billion deal to acquire the S-400 system from Russia.
