Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is reportedly seeking a meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House, possibly in late April. According to Turkish officials, Erdogan sees the strengthening of a strategic partnership between Ankara and Washington as crucial for regional stability.
Erdogan is said to have discussed the lifting of US sanctions on Turkey’s defense industry, as well as the resumption of Turkey’s participation in the F-35 fighter jet program, during a phone call with Trump on Sunday. The Turkish president also requested the continuation of F-16 fighter jet deliveries to Ankara.
In a statement, the Turkish presidency said that Erdogan expressed his full confidence in the solid, result-oriented and sincere cooperation between Turkey and the US in the new period. The statement also emphasized the need for consultations between the two countries on all issues.
Erdogan and Trump reportedly discussed efforts to end the conflict between Moscow and Kiev, as well as the stabilization of Syria. Turkey is said to support the “decisive initiatives” of the US president to end the conflict in Ukraine and will continue to work towards a “just and lasting peace.