US President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a phone conversation on Monday that both leaders described as “very good and productive,” covering a wide range of pressing international issues including the war in Ukraine, the conflict in Gaza, and the situation in Syria. The call also featured mutual invitations for future visits, signaling a potential warming of ties between the two nations.
A Comprehensive Dialogue on Global Conflicts
During the call, Trump emphasized the importance of ending the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, describing it as a “ridiculous but deadly” conflict. He expressed his eagerness to collaborate with Erdogan to bring the hostilities to a swift conclusion.
“I look forward to working with President Erdogan on getting the ridiculous, but deadly, War between Russia and Ukraine ended — NOW!”
Trump stated on his Truth Social platform.
The conversation also touched on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with Erdogan highlighting the grave situation there and Turkey’s readiness to support efforts to establish a ceasefire and lasting peace. Erdogan’s office underscored Ankara’s commitment to providing humanitarian aid and facilitating peace in the region. Both leaders discussed the broader Middle East context, including developments in Syria, where Erdogan stressed the importance of preserving the country’s territorial integrity and stability. He also welcomed US efforts to ease sanctions on Syria, which he believes would contribute to regional stability.
Mutual Invitations Signal Diplomatic Engagement
A significant outcome of the call was the exchange of invitations for official visits. Erdogan invited Trump to visit Turkey at a future date, and Trump reciprocated by inviting Erdogan to Washington, D.C. Although no specific dates were announced, these invitations mark a step toward strengthening bilateral relations.
Trump recalled his previous close working relationship with Erdogan during his first term as president, noting their cooperation on multiple issues, including the high-profile case of American pastor Andrew Brunson, who was released from Turkish detention following Trump’s direct intervention.
“We worked together closely on numerous things, including the fact that he helped return Pastor Andrew Brunson, who was imprisoned, back to the United States — Immediately upon my request,”
Trump said.
Context of US-Turkey Relations
The relationship between the United States and Turkey has experienced strains over the past decade, largely due to divergent policies on Syria and Turkey’s growing ties with Russia, especially following Ankara’s acquisition of the Russian S-400 missile defense system. Under the Biden administration, relations became more transactional, moving away from the values-based partnership that had characterized the NATO alliance for years. Trump’s return to office has sparked optimism in Ankara for a more cooperative and amicable relationship with Washington, despite past sanctions imposed during his previous term.
Turkey, as a NATO member, has maintained a delicate balance by fostering good relations with both Russia and Ukraine since the outbreak of the conflict in 2022. Ankara has also played a mediating role by hosting talks aimed at resolving the war. Erdogan’s support for Trump’s approach toward ending wars was explicitly noted by Turkey’s Directorate of Communications, which also appreciated efforts to maintain negotiations with Iran and halt the fighting in Ukraine.
Erdogan’s Vision for Regional Stability
Erdogan underscored the importance of peace and stability not only for Turkey but for the entire region. He stressed that a stable Syria would contribute to both regional and global peace. Erdogan expressed Turkey’s readiness to provide all kinds of support to establish peace and security in the Middle East. He also conveyed hope that his upcoming meeting with Trump would bring beneficial outcomes for both countries.
The Turkish president’s office highlighted the comprehensive nature of the conversation, which also covered global trade and ongoing negotiations between Iran and the United States. Erdogan reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening ties with the US, particularly in defense industry cooperation and trade.
Looking Ahead: Potential Impact of Renewed US-Turkey Engagement
The renewed dialogue between Trump and Erdogan comes at a critical time when multiple conflicts and humanitarian crises demand coordinated international responses. The mutual willingness to engage diplomatically and work together on ending the Ukraine war, addressing the Gaza crisis, and stabilizing Syria could pave the way for more constructive US-Turkey relations.
Trump’s emphasis on ending the Russia-Ukraine war aligns with Turkey’s role as a mediator and its strategic position in the Black Sea region. The planned visits, when finalized, could further solidify cooperation on defense, trade, and regional security issues.
In sum, the phone call between Trump and Erdogan represents a significant step toward re-engagement between the two leaders and their countries, with the potential to influence key geopolitical challenges in Europe and the Middle East.