Bloomberg: Erdoğan is trying to arrange a meeting with Trump... Claim that he 'could send troops to Ukraine'
According to claims in the foreign press, Erdoğan has made attempts to hold a meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House. It was noted that Turkish officials are working to ensure the meeting takes place within the month of April.
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In a report citing Turkish officials familiar with the matter, Bloomberg claimed that AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan wants to hold a meeting with Donald Trump at the White House by the end of April. Officials familiar with the matter stated that Erdoğan requested this meeting to consolidate Turkey's growing influence on regional issues ranging from Ukraine to Syria. The officials emphasized that strengthening the strategic partnership between Ankara and Washington is critical for regional stability.
Bloomberg's report noted that the Presidential Office refrained from making an official statement on the matter. The report pointed out that US-Turkey relations have been going through a tense period due to disagreements such as Ankara's purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defense system and Washington's support for the SDF.
In a statement made by the Presidential Communications Directorate, it was reported that regional and global developments necessitate increased consultations between the two countries, and the following expressions were used:
'Turkey and the US, as two allies, will advance their cooperation in solidarity in the new era. Regional and global developments make increased consultations between Turkey and the US on every issue necessary.'
Erdoğan and Trump held a phone call on March 16. It was claimed that in addition to the situation in Syria, the CAATSA sanctions imposed by the US on Turkey due to the S-400 purchase were also discussed during the call.
'TURKEY COULD TAKE AN ACTIVE ROLE IN UKRAINE'
The report stated that sources pointed out that Turkey could play an active role in the ongoing peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv. It was announced that unnamed sources close to the Presidency underscored that Turkish soldiers could participate in a possible Ukrainian peacekeeping mission.
According to the claim, Erdoğan requested the lifting of sanctions imposed on Turkey due to the S-400 purchase during his phone call with Trump last week. Expressing that Turkey should be readmitted to the F-35 program, Erdoğan also requested the approval of the sale of new F-16 fighter jets.
Bloomberg noted that this diplomatic move by Erdoğan toward the US also parallels his efforts to deepen defense and economic cooperation with the European Union. According to the report, Erdoğan aims to attract new investments to Turkey by utilizing his personal relationship with Trump.