Blinken to visit Turkey and U.S. allies

U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will embark on a major diplomatic tour from Feb. 16-22, with key stops in Turkey, Greece and Germany.

In Germany, Blinken's itinerary will begin on February 16 at the Munich Security Conference, according to the State Department. His engagement will revolve around key discussions on continuing assistance to Ukraine, expanding support to Turkey, and strengthening the transatlantic security framework within a rules-based international system.

In Turkey on February 19, Secretary Blinken will tour Incirlik Air Base to assess ongoing U.S. efforts to assist Turkish authorities with earthquake relief. Essential meetings with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and other senior officials will mark his subsequent visit to Ankara. Blinken will thank the Turkish government for facilitating cross-border humanitarian assistance to Syria.

The final leg of Blinken's trip will take him to Athens, Greece. Here, he will meet with Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis, Foreign Minister Dendias, and opposition leader Stephanos Kasselakis to discuss defense cooperation, energy security, and a shared commitment to upholding democratic values. The trip will culminate on February 21, when Blinken will inaugurate the fourth U.S.-Greece Strategic Dialogue, underscoring the enduring bilateral relationship between the two nations.