Trump begins White House meeting by praising Erdoğan

AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met with US President Donald Trump at the White House for the first time in 6 years. Trump began his remarks by praising President Erdoğan, stating, "He is doing a great job."

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held a meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House.

Trump, who began the meeting by recalling the Pastor Brunson incident, shook Erdoğan's hand and turned the floor over to him.

Erdoğan stated, "We are experiencing a different era in US-Turkey relations with Trump. We hope to discuss the issues of F-16s, F-35s, and Halkbank. Regarding the Halki Seminary, we are ready to do what is necessary."

Trump remarked, "We have a great relationship with Turkey; they make extremely good products." When asked by a CNN Türk reporter about the S-400s and Turkey's potential re-inclusion in the F-35 program, Trump said, "I know Erdoğan wants some things. I think he will get what he wants."

Erdoğan said, "We are ready to work together to solve the problems in the Middle East." Trump replied, "Yes, Erdoğan has a lot of influence in the region. In the meantime, we will also discuss the lifting of sanctions on Turkey."

Trump continued, "Normally I don't like people who have opinions, but I like him. Erdoğan is a tough guy, he is also a man of strong opinions, but I like him. I hope they will stop buying oil from Russia." He also touched upon the ongoing war in Ukraine and the need for it to end.

When asked by a journalist, "What do you think about Erdoğan's views on Gaza?" he replied, "I don't know his views on this matter, but we had a good discussion about it and we are close to resolving the situation."

Responding to a journalist who asked a question regarding Syria, "There is a possibility of Syria being partitioned, what do you say about this? You had said that 'Erdoğan holds the fate of Syria in his hands.' What do you think?", Trump said, "Erdoğan ended a war that had been going on for 1,000 years. That place belongs to his proxies. We also lifted the sanctions. There might be some developments on this matter today."

"TURKEY WILL GET WHAT IT WANTS REGARDING THE F-35"

Touching upon the F-35 issue, Trump said, "We do a lot of business with Turkey. Turkey produces great products. We buy a lot from them, and they buy a lot from us. We will also be successful regarding the F-35. Turkey will get what it wants."

"WE ARE CLOSE TO REACHING A DEAL IN GAZA"

US President Trump noted that they had a very good meeting with President Erdoğan and other leaders at the UN regarding Gaza, saying, "I think we are close to reaching some kind of deal."

Trump added, "President Erdoğan is highly respected by both (Putin and Zelensky). Everyone respects Erdoğan. I do too."

"WE ARE EXPERIENCING A DIFFERENT PROCESS IN RELATIONS"

In his statement, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said, "We are experiencing a different process in Turkey-US relations, both during Mr. Trump's first term and his second term."

"WE WILL OVERCOME THE PROBLEMS IN THE REGION TOGETHER"

Stating, "I believe we will have the opportunity to discuss our relations in detail, including the F-35 and F-16 issues, as well as the Halkbank matter," Erdoğan added, "We will overcome the problems in the region together."

"I BELIEVE WE WILL OVERCOME THE PROBLEMS IN THE REGION HAND IN HAND"

Expressing that Turkey is ready to do whatever is necessary regarding the Halki Seminary, Erdoğan said, "Upon my return, I will have the opportunity to discuss this issue with His All-Holiness Bartholomew.

I also believe that we will overcome the problems in the region hand in hand."