US thanks Türkiye for mediation role at inaugural Gaza peace board meeting

2026-02-20 - 08:42

The United States extended formal thanks to Türkiye during the inaugural meeting of the Gaza Peace Board in Washington on Thursday, recognizing Ankara's crucial mediation role alongside Qatar and Egypt. US President Donald Trump's Special Envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, delivered the appreciation during the gathering at the US Institute of Peace, where Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan represented President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Special Envoy's Praise for Turkish Leadership "There has been great cooperation between the presidents of the mediating countries—Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye—in this process," Witkoff said in his address. He added directly to Fidan, "Hakan Fidan, you are a great person, and President Erdogan as well." The envoy emphasized that cooperation between the United States and the three mediating nations had paved the way for progress in Gaza, acknowledging their indispensable role in achieving and maintaining the fragile ceasefire that took effect October 10. Recognition of Türkiye's Diplomatic Engagement Witkoff's remarks highlight Türkiye's sustained diplomatic engagement in the Gaza file, building on years of Ankara's advocacy for Palestinian rights and its active mediation efforts throughout the conflict. Türkiye, together with Qatar and Egypt, has served as a key intermediary between parties, leveraging its relationships across the region to facilitate dialogue and humanitarian access. The public acknowledgment at the inaugural peace board meeting underscores Washington's appreciation for Ankara's constructive role and the personal investment of Turkish leadership in seeking resolution. Board's Inaugural Session The Gaza Peace Board, established under President Trump's initiative, held its first meeting with representatives from more than 45 countries. The body aims to consolidate the ceasefire and coordinate reconstruction and stabilization efforts in the war-ravaged enclave. Witkoff's explicit thanks to Türkiye, delivered in the presence of international representatives, signals Ankara's elevated status as a trusted partner in Middle East peace efforts and recognition of its growing diplomatic influence in regional affairs.