US President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan are currently holding a joint statement in Ankara, following their meeting on the sidelines of the NATO summit, which is being held against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, the escalation in the Middle East, and efforts to reshape the global security order.
1+Trump praised the Turkish president, saying: “You are a great and respected leader all over the world. We have good chemistry.” He also addressed the sale of F-35s to Turkey, stating: “That’s a decision we’re going to make. Why wouldn’t we do it? Turkey has been more loyal than other countries. It’s something we’re considering.”
The meeting takes place at a sensitive time in Washington-Ankara relations, amid reports in the United States that Trump is exploring the possibility of restoring Turkey to the advanced F-35 fighter jet program, after it was expelled in 2019 following its purchase of the Russian S-400 air defense system. If the move goes forward, it is expected to spark a sharp political controversy in the US Congress.
1+The talks between the two are also expected to focus on the war in Ukraine, the situation in the Gaza Strip and Syria, US-Turkey relations, expanding defense cooperation between the countries, and Trump’s demand that NATO nations increase their defense spending to 5% of their GDP.