President Donald Trump indicated that the U. S. might lift sanctions on Turkey and allow it to purchase F-35 jets as he began discussions with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan. He emphasized the need for Turkey to stop buying oil from Russia amid its ongoing war in Ukraine. Erdogan’s visit marked his first to the White House in about six years, and Trump expressed a friendly relationship with him, describing Erdogan as a “very tough man” and highlighting their connection during Joe Biden’s presidency.
Erdogan aims to strengthen Turkey’s interests by taking advantage of the U. S. administration’s willingness to make deals related to arms and trade. Trump urged Erdogan to halt oil imports from Russia, pressing the need to cut off Russia’s funding for the war in Ukraine. Trump suggested he could lift sanctions on Turkey “very soon” if their meeting went well.
With a warmer U. S. relationship under Trump, Turkey hopes to improve ties after Biden’s more distant approach due to Turkey’s close relationship with Russia. Both leaders had a complicated relationship previously but share common interests now, particularly in Syria, where they support the central government. Nonetheless, they disagree sharply regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza, which Turkey condemns.
The shift in U. S.-Turkey relations raises hopes for Turkey to bypass sanctions imposed by Trump in 2020, which blocked Turkey’s access to F-35 fighter jets previously, as it had acquired Russian S-400 defenses. Erdogan stated that discussions would focus on defense, regional conflicts, energy, and trade, as Turkey seeks to enhance its air power against perceived threats.
Erdogan also mentioned discussing the reopening of an Orthodox Christian seminary that the Turkish state closed in 1971. He expressed readiness to work on this issue, which has been contentious with Greece and the EU.
With information from Reuters
