Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is traveling to the United States for strategic talks, his first visit since the start of President Donald Trump's second term, Hurriyet Daily News reports.

During Fidan's visit to Washington, strategic talks are scheduled with Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Unnamed interlocutors among Turkish diplomats said Fidan will be in Washington on March 25-26.

“The talks are expected to focus on strategic steps that can be taken in Turkey-U.S. bilateral relations and preparations for future visits at the level of heads of state,” they said.

Key topics of conversation are expected to include efforts to end Russia's war against Ukraine, recent developments in Syria and bilateral issues, particularly the development of defense industry cooperation. In particular, Fidan will raise the issue of lifting US sanctions under CAATSA, applied in 2020, and Turkey's return to the F-35 program - from which it was excluded after the purchase of S-400 air defense systems from Russia.

Asking for the US to lift sanctions and fighter jets was a key reason why Turkey has long withheld consent for Finland and Sweden to join NATO.

According to sources, on the issue of the Russia-Ukraine war, Fidan plans to recall Ankara's peacemaking initiatives over the years and convey the message that Turkey is ready to facilitate U.S. efforts for a cease-fire followed by an open-ended peace agreement.

Fidan will call on the U.S. to lift sanctions on Syria, where the government has changed hands, and to cooperate with Turkey on humanitarian aid for Syria and support for reconstruction. It will also talk about cooperation in countering ISIS and controlling detention centers and camps in eastern Syria. The Turkish minister will also call on the U.S. to “use influence with Israel” for a sustainable ceasefire in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.