Diplomatic Disagreements: Rubio's Controversial Turkey Talks

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's recent meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan sparked controversy over Rubio's statement on arrests in Turkey. A Turkish source claims Rubio's social media post misrepresented the discussion. The meeting aimed to improve defense cooperation despite political tensions.

In Washington, a recent interaction between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has drawn attention. Despite Rubio's online expression of concern regarding Turkish arrests, a diplomatic source stated that the issue was addressed differently during their discussion.

The meeting, which took place on Tuesday, sought to enhance defense industry cooperation between the NATO allies. This comes amid widespread protests in Turkey, sparked by the detainment of Istanbul's mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, a prominent rival to President Tayyip Erdogan.

Turkish opposition and Western leaders have criticized the legal action against Imamoglu as politically motivated, claims Erdogan's government refutes. Ankara, aiming to strengthen ties with the U.S. under President Donald Trump, hopes to resolve defense-related sanctions and rejoin a fighter jet program.

(With inputs from agencies.)