Turkish President Erdogan expresses hopes that Trump’s second term could strengthen US-Turkey relations and resolve key security issues.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan shared his hopes on Friday for a positive shift in Turkey’s relationship with the United States if Donald Trump wins a second term as president. Erdogan expressed optimism that Trump’s return could address longstanding issues and ease tensions between the two nations.
Will Erdogan discuss military deals and defence systems?
Erdogan indicated that, under Trump’s leadership, Turkey would prioritize discussions on acquiring F-35 fighter jets and resolving disputes surrounding its previous purchase of Russian-made S-400 air defense systems, a point of contention between the two NATO allies.
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Erdogan said. He recalled his prior close working relationship with Trump and mentioned extending an invitation for Trump to visit Turkey next year.
How could phone diplomacy help manage regional issues?
A unique aspect of Erdogan’s remarks was his mention of “phone diplomacy” with Trump, a strategy he believes could be useful for addressing sensitive regional topics, including ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, as well as the possibility of the US withdrawing its forces from Syria. Erdogan noted that Trump had once shared his personal phone number with him, a symbol of their close communication.
Will Trump deliver on his promises to support peace efforts?
“We were able to establish contact within 24 hours previously and sought results through phone diplomacy,”
Erdogan explained. He added,
“I don’t expect any issues in this area during Trump’s term if he returns to office.”
Although Turkey remained neutral in the recent US presidential race, Erdogan reached out to Trump in July after an assassination attempt, conveying his good wishes.
Is there potential for improved dialogue between the nations?
On Friday, Erdogan urged Trump to follow through on his campaign pledges and play a role in stopping the violence in Gaza and Lebanon. He specifically called on the US to pause arms shipments to Israel as a crucial step towards peace.
“There wasn’t exactly a celebratory atmosphere in Ankara, but we believe there’s a strong potential for better dialogue with Trump in office,”
a Turkish official told Middle East Eye.
