Turkish parliamentary delegation in Washington aims to bolster US legislative ties

2026-02-11 - 09:15

A delegation from the Turkish Parliament, led by Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Fuat Oktay, is conducting a series of meetings in Washington this week to enhance diplomatic relations at the legislative level. Oktay emphasized that while communication between the two governments and heads of state is "extremely positive," building similar momentum within the US Congress has proven more challenging due to its focus on domestic affairs. Focus on High-Level Congressional Engagement The delegation's agenda through Friday includes talks with the chairs of the US Senate and House of Representatives foreign relations committees. The primary objectives are to clearly convey Türkiye's foreign policy positions and establish robust, direct channels of communication between the two legislatures. Key discussion points are expected to include Türkiye's role in European security within the transatlantic framework and the ongoing issue of US sanctions imposed on Türkiye. Call to Lift Sanctions and Principles of Turkish Policy Oktay argued that the immediate removal of US sanctions would significantly benefit both regional stability and bilateral relations. He outlined the principles guiding Turkish foreign policy, describing it as based on respect for territorial integrity, sovereignty, and the independence of other nations. This principled approach, he noted, informs Türkiye's stance on critical issues such as the Russia-Ukraine war, its relations with Syria and regional actors, and developments between the US and Iran. Bridging the Legislative Gap The visit underscores a strategic effort to bridge the gap between strong executive relations and more complex legislative dynamics in the US. By engaging directly with key committee leaders, the Turkish delegation aims to foster a deeper mutual understanding and address specific points of contention, thereby creating a more stable and cooperative foundation for the long-term Türkiye-US partnership.