Erdogan Hopes for Meeting with Trump Amidst Complex US-Turkey Relations
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is seeking a meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House, potentially as soon as late April, Bloomberg reports, citing Turkish officials familiar with the matter.
Sources indicate that Erdogan views a strengthened strategic partnership between Ankara and Washington as crucial for regional stability. He hopes to position Turkey as a key player in addressing challenges from Ukraine to Syria. The officials, speaking anonymously, emphasized Turkey’s role as a critical NATO member, particularly as the United States reconsiders its commitment to Europe.
Despite its strategic importance, US-Turkey relations have been strained by a number of issues, including Ankara’s purchase of a Russian S-400 missile-defense system and Washington’s support for Syrian Kurdish militias, which Turkey views as a threat.
In a recent phone call with Trump, Erdoğan reportedly urged the former president to lift sanctions imposed during his first term related to the Russian missile system acquisition. He also requested the US to reinstate Turkey’s participation in the F-35 warplane program and finalize the sale of new F-16 fighter jets.
Erdogan’s communications office issued a statement:
“Turkey and the US, as two allies, will advance their cooperation in the new era with solidarity. Regional and global developments necessitate increasing consultations between Turkey and the US on all matters.”
This push for closer ties with the US comes as Erdoğan also seeks increased defense and economic cooperation with the European Union, potentially offering security assistance in return for closer collaboration. This could include the participation of Turkish troops in a potential future peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, according to sources familiar with the matter, amidst ongoing international discussions for a potential peace settlement between Moscow and Kyiv.
Turkey is strategically leveraging its geographical position, acting as a bridge between East and West, as well as utilizing its NATO membership and Muslim identity to enhance its influence in both Europe and the Middle East. In a recent move, Turkey established a joint operation mechanism with Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Iraq aimed at preventing a resurgence of Islamic State, which remains a significant concern for the United States.
Fighter Jet Acquisition Remains Key
The acquisition of new F-16 fighter jets to modernize Turkey’s air force, the second largest within NATO, remains a top priority for Erdoğan. Turkey has been seeking to purchase 40 new Lockheed Martin Corp. F-16s since 2021. While Turkey ultimately aims to develop its own aircraft, the modernization of its existing F-16 fleet is considered a crucial stopgap measure as its aging F-4 planes are due for retirement.
The procurement of the F-16s is seen as a necessary step after the US blocked Turkey from purchasing the advanced F-35 fighter jet due to the S-400 missile system purchase.
Should Trump lift the defense sanctions, he would be required to request Congress to waive legislation that restricts Turkey’s top defense procurement agency from accessing US financial institutions, military hardware, and technology. This could potentially allow Turkey to purchase fifth-generation F-35 jets, ensuring interoperability with other NATO members and strengthening its defensive capabilities on its southeastern flank.
Kurdish Forces in Syria: Point of Contention
Another long-standing issue is the US support for and training of Kurdish forces in Syria. Turkey views these groups as a national security threat due to their links to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which has waged a decades-long insurgency for autonomy in Turkey’s southeast.
Sources suggest that Turkey is cautiously optimistic that a recent agreement to integrate US-backed Kurdish forces into state institutions could ease some of its security concerns, contingent on the PKK declaring a ceasefire and laying down its arms.
