President Erdogan, Trump discuss bilateral ties, regional issues in phone call
U.S. President Donald Trump (L) and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (R). (Collage by Mehmet Akbas/Türkiye Today)
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and U.S. President Donald Trump held a phone conversation to discuss bilateral relations and key regional and global issues, including the situation in Syria, U.S. sanctions, and security cooperation.
Erdogan calls for closer Türkiye-US cooperation
According to a statement published by the Republic of Türkiye Directorate of Communications on X, Erdogan emphasized that Türkiye and the U.S., as allies, should advance their partnership in a spirit of solidarity, with a results-oriented and sincere approach during the discussions.
He stated that regional and global developments necessitate increased consultation between the two nations.
Support for ending Russia-Ukraine war
President Erdogan expressed Türkiye’s support for Trump’s initiatives aimed at ending the war between Russia and Ukraine.
He reiterated Türkiye’s commitment to working toward a fair and lasting peace, emphasizing that Ankara has been engaged in diplomatic efforts since the start of the conflict.
Our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, held a telephone conversation with the President of the United States, Donald Trump. During the meeting, bilateral relations between Türkiye and the US, regional and global issues were discussed.
During the meeting, President Erdogan expressed his full belief that Türkiye and the US, as two allies, will advance their cooperation in the new period in a solidarity-oriented, result-oriented and sincere manner.
President Erdogan stated that regional and global developments necessitate increasing consultations between Türkiye and the US on all issues, that they support US President Trump’s determined and direct initiative steps to end the war between Russia and Ukraine, and that Türkiye has been striving for a just and lasting peace since the very beginning of the war and will continue to do so.
President Erdogan stated during the meeting that it is important for them to contribute together to the restoration of stability in Syria, the functioning of the new administration and the lifting of sanctions against Syria for normalization, and that this will allow Syrians to return to their homeland.
President Erdogan stated that steps are expected from the US in the new period regarding the fight against terrorism with an understanding that considers Türkiye’s interests, and that in order to develop cooperation between the two countries in the field of defense industry, it is necessary to end CAATSA sanctions, finalize the F-16 procurement process and finalize Türkiye’s re-participation in the F-35 program.
Republic of Türkiye Directorate of Communications
Syria sanctions and stability
Regarding Syria, Erdogan underscored the importance of restoring stability and ensuring the functionality of a new administration.
He called for lifting U.S. sanctions on Syria, arguing that this would contribute to normalization and facilitate the voluntary return of displaced Syrians to their homeland.
Türkiye’s defense and security concerns
President Erdogan raised Ankara’s security expectations from the U.S., emphasizing the necessity of counterterrorism measures that align with Türkiye’s interests.
He also addressed key defense industry issues, urging the removal of CAATSA sanctions, the completion of the F-16 procurement process, and Türkiye’s reinstatement in the F-35 program.
