The long-anticipated meeting between US President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has opened a new chapter in bilateral relations. While no immediate agreements were announced, both leaders indicated that significant developments are expected in the near future.
Energy at the center of talks
Touching on diversification from Russian oil, during their joint statements, Trump emphasized the need for Turkey to halt purchases of Russian oil, urging Ankara to turn instead to alternative suppliers. “I believe he will stop, yes. You know why? Because he can buy it from many others,” Trump said of Erdogan.
Just days earlier, Turkish companies signed a major agreement for the import of US liquefied natural gas (LNG), a move seen as a step toward diversifying Turkey’s energy sources.
When speaking on Russia and Ukraine, Trump stated that Erdogan is respected by all leaders such as himself, while highlighting that Erdogan could play a pivotal role in the diplomatic peace efforts between Russia and Ukraine.
@cbsnews President Trump said Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is “very respected” by both Russia’s Vladimir Putin and Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and that he “could have a big influence” in ending the war in Ukraine, “if he wants to.” Trump’s remarks came during an Oval Office meeting with the Turkish president. “The best thing he could do is not buy oil and gas from Russia,” Trump also said of Erdogan. #news #turkey #ukraine #russia #politics ♬ original sound – cbsnews
Defense negotiations: F-35s, Patriots, and S-400s
Another major issue on the table was Turkey’s participation in the F-35 fighter jet program, which was frozen in 2019 after Ankara acquired Russian S-400 missile systems. Trump suggested that an agreement could be reached quickly, but only if Turkey makes concessions.
“We can easily make a deal for the F-35s, but Erdogan will have to do something for us first,” Trump said. Analysts believe Washington’s demand is clear: Turkey must abandon the S-400 systems before any deal can move forward.
Erdogan reportedly arrived at the meeting with proposals worth over $10 billion in defense production. However, US officials have stressed that Turkish access to American defense systems is incompatible with continued use of Russian hardware.
Diplomatic responses
Tom Barrack, the US ambassador in Ankara and special representative for Syria, told CNN Turk that the talks were “vital,” adding: “It is crucial for the parties to meet at such moments. We are proud of all those who participated.” On the issue of the F-35s, he hinted that announcements would follow soon.
In Ankara, initial reactions were positive. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan described the talks as “productive and successful,” stressing Turkey’s commitment to strengthening ties with the US on the basis of mutual respect. Presidential communications director Burhanettin Duran echoed this, noting “significant progress on several issues,” from defense and trade to energy and global challenges.
