Trump and Erdoğan Meet in Ankara as F-35, CAATSA and Brunson Dominate Talks

Trump Receives Official Welcome in Ankara

US President Donald Trump arrived in Ankara on his first official visit to Turkey, where he was welcomed at Ankara Airport by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Following the airport reception, the two leaders traveled together to the Presidential Complex in Beştepe, where an official welcoming ceremony was held.

During the ceremony, the national anthems of both countries were played and Trump greeted the Turkish honor guard in Turkish by saying, “Merhaba asker” (“Hello, soldiers”).

Senior Turkish officials attending the ceremony included Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek, Defense Minister Yaşar Güler, National Intelligence Organization (MIT) Director İbrahim Kalın and several presidential advisers.

A Brief Conversation at the Airport

Television cameras captured a short conversation between Trump and Erdoğan before leaving the airport.

Trump spoke about the aircraft he had arrived on, explaining that it was making its first flight and describing it as brand new. According to the conversation, the aircraft had been received as a gift from Qatar and was valued at approximately 800 million dollars.

Erdoğan responded that he was already aware of the aircraft and noted that it had come from Qatar.

Brunson Case Returns to the Spotlight

Following the official ceremony, Trump and Erdoğan held a joint press conference.

Trump recalled the 2018 case of American pastor Andrew Brunson, saying it had been a major and traumatic issue during his first presidency.

Trump stated that previous diplomatic efforts had failed but claimed that after he personally called Erdoğan, Brunson was released immediately. He said he had always believed the pastor was innocent and praised Erdoğan’s decision to release him.

Erdoğan Renews Expectations on the F-35 Program

President Erdoğan said Turkey continues to expect progress regarding its return to the F-35 fighter jet program.

He noted that discussions on the issue had already taken place between the two countries and said Turkey had previously received commitments concerning five aircraft.

Erdoğan expressed confidence that the summit could produce a positive outcome and added that he believed Trump has always honored his commitments.

Defense Cooperation and the KAAN Fighter Project

Erdoğan also highlighted future defense cooperation between Turkey and the United States.

He said discussions would continue regarding Turkey’s indigenous KAAN fighter aircraft, particularly its engine program, and expressed hope for further positive developments following his talks with Trump.

Trump Signals Possible End to CAATSA Sanctions

One of the most closely watched topics was the future of US sanctions imposed on Turkey under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, commonly known as CAATSA.

When asked about the issue, Trump replied that he could say the sanctions could be lifted.

He also described Turkey as a militarily strong country under Erdoğan’s leadership and said relations between Washington and Ankara were better than ever.

Trump praised Erdoğan as a respected leader and emphasized that strong relations between the two countries benefit both allies.

Gaza and Ukraine Among Foreign Policy Topics

The two leaders also discussed regional conflicts.

Erdoğan said the summit represented an important opportunity to work together toward peace in Gaza and stressed the importance of continued dialogue between Turkey and the United States.

On the Russia-Ukraine war, Erdoğan said both NATO allies would continue consultations and seek coordinated steps that could contribute to regional stability.

Trump Criticizes NATO

During the press conference, Trump also criticized NATO, saying the alliance had disappointed him in the past.

He remarked that if the meeting had not been held in Turkey under Erdoğan’s leadership, he might not have attended the summit. Trump described Erdoğan as a friend and said their personal relationship had played an important role in his decision to participate.

Erdoğan Comments on Iran

Responding to a question about relations between the United States and Iran, Erdoğan said Turkey would continue working to encourage dialogue between the two countries.

He added that Turkey remains committed to supporting diplomatic efforts aimed at strengthening international peace and stability.

Following the press conference, Trump and Erdoğan chaired a meeting between their respective delegations, where discussions continued on defense cooperation, regional security and broader bilateral relations.