President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met with US President Trump

 

Prior to their bilateral meeting, the two leaders made remarks to the press and answered reporters’ questions.

Highlighting the importance of U.S. President Trump’s visit, President Erdoğan said: “The fact that the NATO Leaders’ Summit is taking place in Ankara today, and all leaders are convening in our country at the moment, and that my esteemed friend is here with us gives strength to us. I would like to welcome him once again.”

IRAN-U.S. NEGOTIATION PROCESS

A reporter asked: “You have made efforts for the war in Iran to end. The negotiation process is ongoing, but a final agreement has not been reached. How will Türkiye proceed in the period ahead for the negotiation process to result in a favorable outcome?” President Erdoğan, in response, said: “I and my colleagues are working together to take a step toward world peace by doing everything we can.”

A reporter asked: “Nearly 80 thousand people lost their lives in Gaza. There is grave destruction. A ceasefire has been reached, but there are occasional violations. Will you discuss possible joint steps to prevent violations, to ensure delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, and to rebuild Gaza?” President Erdoğan replied as follows: “With regard to Gaza, we attach great importance to the Leaders’ Summit to ensure peace in the region and to discuss these points with my esteemed friend. Also, we would view the adoption of a resolution at this Leaders' Summit as a positive development. I think it's possible that this could happen.”

“I BELIEVE THAT A FAVORABLE DECISION ON THE F-35 ISSUE WILL COME OUT OF THIS SUMMIT”

In answer to a question about the delivery of F-35s and jet engines, President Erdoğan said: “The F-35 issue is not a new issue for us. We have discussed it with the U.S. before. We have been promised 5 planes. President Trump also made us a promise.” Underlining that President Trump always keeps his promises, President Erdoğan said: “I believe that, Inshallah, a favorable decision on the F-35 issue will come out of this Leaders’ Summit.”

Recalling Türkiye’s mediation efforts, a reporter asked whether there was any progress in ending the Ukraine-Russia war. President Erdoğan replied as follows: “We will also discuss these developments between Russia and Ukraine here with my dear friend. We will take the necessary steps accordingly.”

“Can we expect a result about the delivery of F-35s and KAAN jet engines?” a reporter asked. President Erdoğan replied as follows: “I discussed this issue with my esteemed friend before. We will discuss once again the issue of KAAN engines with my dear friend at the Leaders’ Summit. I believe that he will reiterate here the good news he has already shared with us. Following this good news, I believe we will thank him at the Leaders’ Summit.”

“Türkiye has become under President Erdoğan a very powerful country militarily,” President Trump said. Noting that he has a lot of respect for President Erdoğan, President Trump said: “It is really to the benefit of both countries.”

Stating that their relations with Türkiye is better than ever at the moment, U.S. President Trump said to President Erdoğan: “You are a respected leader all over the world.”

U.S. PRESIDENT TRUMP: “WE'RE GOING TO BE TAKING THE SANCTIONS OFF”

In answer to a question about the sale of F-35s to Türkiye, U.S. President Trump said: “Türkiye has been in many ways much more loyal than other countries that we think would be loyal. It is something certainly we will consider. It is a great plane. It is the best currently, the best plane by far. And, it is certainly something we will consider.”

“I was very disappointed with NATO,” U.S. President Trump said. “Frankly, if it were not held in Türkiye, where my friend happens to be a very strong leader, a very strong person, it is possible that I would not have attended.

In answer to a question about the CAATSA sanctions, U.S. President Trump said: “We're going to be taking the sanctions off.”

Following their tête-à-tête, President Erdoğan and U.S. President Trump also co-chaired a meeting between their delegations.