Erdogan to Trump: We should maintain our friendship as first term
U.S. President Donald Trump (L) and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (R) leave the stage after the family photo to head to the plenary session at the NATO summit at the Grove hotel in Watford, London, UK, December 4, 2019. (AFP Photo)
During the press conference at the Turkish Presidential Complex, President Erdogan said, “It is very important for us to maintain the same friendship we had in the first term.”
Erdogan’s message to Trump came during a press conference with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.
Erdogan on Gaza cease-fire
All stages of the Gaza cease-fire deal between Israel and Palestinian group Hamas should be fully implemented and uninterrupted humanitarian aid must be delivered to the enclave, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said.
Regarding the three-phase truce, first phase of which took effect a day earlier, Erdogan said the international community must ensure that Israel fulfills its responsibilities.
Hamas released three Israeli hostages, while Israel set free 90 Palestinian prisoners on Sunday.
Türkiye is committed to the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state, based on 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, Erdogan added.
He said he also stressed the importance of lifting international restrictions on Syria to start the reconstruction work.
Fico’s visit
Fico arrived on Monday for an official state visit, where he was welcomed with full ceremonial honors by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The formal welcome began with mounted horsemen escorting Fico’s motorcade to the protocol entrance. President Erdogan personally greeted the Slovak leader at the main entrance of the complex.
During the ceremony, military bands performed the national anthems of both nations.
The event featured a traditional 21-gun salute and a special display of flags representing historical states, highlighting the ceremonial significance of the visit.
