Turkish President Erdogan and U.S. President Trump discussed Ukraine and Syria in a recent phone call. Erdogan affirmed support for Trump’s initiatives for peace in Ukraine and highlighted the need to lift sanctions on Syria. The Turkish President also called for enhanced U.S.-Turkey defense cooperation amid ongoing tensions related to terrorism and military procurement.
On Sunday, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan engaged in a phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump, addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the situation in Syria. Erdogan expressed Turkey’s support for Trump’s initiatives aimed at bringing an end to the war between Russia and Ukraine, emphasizing Turkey’s commitment to fostering a “just and lasting peace.”
Additionally, Erdogan highlighted the significance of collaboratively lifting sanctions on Syria to facilitate stability, enhance the functionality of the new administration, and encourage the return of displaced Syrians. He underscored that such actions would be pivotal in restoring peace and returning stability to affected regions.
Turkey expects the United States to consider its interests in the ongoing fight against terrorism, especially given the alliance between the U.S. and a Syrian Kurdish militia that Turkey classifies as a terrorist organization. This relationship has led to Turkish complaints of betrayal against a fellow NATO ally.
In discussions about defense cooperation, Erdogan urged an end to the CAATSA sanctions and the finalization of Turkey’s procurement of F-16 aircraft, as well as its reinstatement in the F-35 program. He asserted that strengthening defense industry ties between Turkey and the United States is vital for both nations’ security interests.
Erdogan’s prior acquisition of Russian S-400 air defense systems resulted in U.S. sanctions and Turkey’s ejection from the F-35 program in 2019, highlighting ongoing tensions in U.S.-Turkish relations concerning defense initiatives.
The conversation between Presidents Erdogan and Trump underscores the critical diplomatic efforts undertaken by Turkey regarding the Ukraine conflict and the stability in Syria. Erdogan reiterated Turkey’s pivotal role in these matters and expressed the need for enhanced defense cooperation between the two nations. The response to terrorism and the recent U.S. sanctions on Turkey’s defense procurements were also key discussion points, reflecting the complexity of U.S.-Turkish relations.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
