Physical Address
Indirizzo: Via Mario Greco 60, Buttigliera Alta, 10090, Torino, Italy
U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday praised President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as a respected leader who plays a crucial role in resolving regional and global crises, underscoring Ankara’s importance as a NATO ally.
Calling Erdoğan a “tough” figure with “clear ideas” who “is doing great work,” Trump highlighted the Turkish president’s role in Syria. “Erdoğan solved the problem in Syria. This is a big victory for Türkiye, and I wanted him to take credit for it,” Trump said, adding that Erdoğan was responsible for the success in efforts to oust Syria’s dictator, Bashar Assad.
He noted that Erdoğan was one of the people behind his decision to lift “very strong” U.S. sanctions on Syria.
“I took sanctions off in order to let them breathe, because those sanctions were very strong, but I think we should have a major announcement today,” Trump said in response to a question on Syria.
Trump also said Erdoğan commands respect from both Russian and Ukrainian leaders, stressing that he too holds deep respect for his Turkish counterpart. “Erdoğan is a respected leader by both Russian and Ukrainian leaders. I also respect him,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.
The two leaders met at the White House to discuss a wide range of issues, from regional crises to defense cooperation. Trump said he would consider lifting U.S. sanctions on Türkiye’s defense sector, imposed over Ankara’s purchase of Russian missiles. “Could be very soon. If we have a good meeting, almost immediately,” Trump said, hinting at a possible thaw in defense ties.
Trump suggested the U.S. could lift sanctions and allow Türkiye to buy U.S. F-35 jets, but said he wanted Ankara to stop purchases of Russian oil.
Trump also noted that discussions with Erdoğan would cover Ankara’s procurement of F-16 and F-35 fighter jets as well as tariffs. “They’re in great shape,” Trump said of the talks.
Erdoğan, sitting alongside Trump in the Oval Office, voiced optimism for closer cooperation. “I believe that together, hand in hand, Türkiye and the U.S. will overcome issues in the region,” he said, adding that he would also raise the issue of Halkbank during the talks.
The meeting underscored Trump’s consistent praise of Erdoğan, who has emerged as a pivotal figure in regional diplomacy while Türkiye continues to play a key role in addressing conflicts and balancing ties across the region.
Trump formally welcomed Erdoğan at the White House for groundbreaking Türkiye-U.S. discussions on Thursday.
