US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan had a telephone conversation about Gaza, developments in the Middle East, and two significant crises on the African continent.

The head of US diplomacy underscored the importance of Hamas returning to the negotiating table for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages.

According to a State Department statement, “Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke today with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan about the importance of Hamas returning to negotiations on August 15 to finalize the framework for achieving an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages.”

In this context, Antony Blinken expressed his gratitude for Türkiye’s support on two key issues. The first concerns sustainment for the joint US-Egypt-Qatar statement urging the resumption of talks on Gaza. The second relates to Türkiye’s contribution to the release of American detainees on August 1.

Additionally, the two ministers discussed the urgent need to stop the violence across Sudan and the importance of the participation of the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces in the talks on August 14 in Switzerland.

Furthermore, the head of US diplomacy expressed his support for Türkiye’s mediation between Ethiopia and Somalia.