Historic White House Summit After 6 Years: Trump and Erdoğan Talk F-16, F-35 and Sanctions

A Long-Awaited White House Meeting

For the first time in six years, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and US President Donald Trump sat down at the White House. The meeting lasted two hours and twenty minutes behind closed doors in the Oval Office. Trump welcomed Erdoğan personally at the entrance, and the two posed for cameras before their talks began.

Trump’s Warm Words for Erdoğan

Before the private discussion, Trump praised Erdoğan, saying he respects him greatly, calling him a powerful and influential leader both in Turkey and globally. He underlined Turkey’s strong military presence within NATO and emphasized that the US-Turkey partnership is at one of its strongest points.

Trump also revisited the case of Pastor Brunson, noting that Erdoğan’s decision to release him marked an important step in bilateral relations.

Defense Deals and Sanctions on the Table

Trump confirmed that the leaders would discuss F-16 fighter jets, the suspended F-35 program, and CAATSA sanctions. He highlighted ongoing US-Turkey trade relations and said there was room for significant growth. Erdoğan, in turn, expressed confidence that talks would cover F-16s, F-35s, and the Halkbank issue in detail.

Erdoğan’s Message on Heybeliada Seminary

Erdoğan stated Turkey was ready to take responsibility on the matter of the Heybeliada theological school and would discuss the issue with Patriarch Bartholomew upon returning.

Regional Conflicts and Peace Efforts

Responding to questions, Trump praised Erdoğan’s neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine war, suggesting that he could play an effective role in mediating between Putin and Zelensky. Trump also remarked that despite the intensity of the war, Russia has gained little ground and that it is time for the conflict to end.

On Syria, Trump went as far as to credit Erdoğan for resolving a centuries-old conflict, declaring it a major success that ended long-standing tensions. He said lifting sanctions against Turkey was a recognition of this achievement.

Wrapping Up a “Great Meeting”

As Erdoğan left the White House, Trump described the summit as a “wonderful meeting” and continued chatting with him at the door before bidding farewell. The encounter underscored the complex yet strategically important relationship between Washington and Ankara.

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