Haley urges Trump to call Erdogan to weaken Iran, end Russia-Ukraine war
Then-U.S. President Donald Trump and then-US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley in the Oval Office of the White House, Washington, U.S. on October 9, 2018. (AFP Photo)
In a recent appearance on Fox News Live, former Republican presidential contender Nikki Haley emphasized the importance of Türkiye for U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, advising that the first thing he should do is to “call Turkey and Erdogan.”
Haley highlighted Türkiye’s strategic role, particularly in weakening Iran and resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
“If Trump wants to continue to weaken Iran and bring the Russia-Ukraine war to an end, the answer is to get on the phone and talk to Turkey and Erdogan,” she said.
Haley noted Erdogan’s support for Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia, underscoring Türkiye’s position as a key ally in these global challenges.
Haley has consistently advocated for strong U.S. foreign policy and the significance of strategic alliances in shaping global outcomes.
Also a former U.S. Permanent Representative to the U.N., Haley, is known for her anti-Türkiye rhetoric. In a statement on her social media account, Haley used the hashtag “Turkey is not our friend,” adding that the U.S. should always support the YPG terror group in Syria.
Meanwhile, Türkiye is continuing its efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war, which began in February 2022. Ankara has urged Kyiv and Moscow to end the fighting through negotiations, with Türkiye ready for any initiative, including mediation, to lay the groundwork for peace.
Türkiye first hosted a meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian foreign ministers in the Mediterranean city of Antalya in March 2022. Those efforts led to the landmark Black Sea grain deal in 2022, but Moscow did not extend the agreement after July 2023, citing restrictions on Russian grain exports.
As part of its ongoing diplomatic efforts, Türkiye remains committed to finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and cooperation in bringing stability to the region.
‘Middle East easier to solve’
Meanwhile, President-elect Trump, speaking to Time magazine, vowed to tackle the crises plaguing the Middle East, including the Israel-Gaza conflict, ongoing developments in Syria, and the fragile cease-fire between Hezbollah and Israel.
Trump expressed optimism about resolving these issues, stating, “I think the Middle East is going to get solved… I think it’s more complicated than the Russia-Ukraine situation, but I think it’s easier to solve.”
