Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged the United States to lift sanctions imposed on the defense industry in 2020 and called for it to be restored in the transnational F-35 initiative, which develops and produces the next generation of military aircraft.
In a phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump, Erdogan said he expects a shift in the United States that will take into account Turkey’s national security interests, according to a statement from his office.
Türkiye has been subject to Caatsa sanctions since 2020 after purchasing the Russian-made S-400 missile defense system. Its purchase of the technology also prompted Türkiye to remove it from its F-35 program due to security concerns in the United States. Erdogan also asked Trump to finalize the sale of the F-16 fighter jet to Türkiye.
Erdogan’s call for a new partnership with the United States is part of Turkey’s broader strategy to recalibrate its foreign policy, seeking stronger relations with Western allies while balancing its interests with Russia.
President Trump has reshaped the U.S. foreign policy since taking office, putting pressure on the European Union to increase defense spending while building ties with Russia. Erdogan, who was rejected by the inaugural U.S. government, is now seeking to exploit changes in Washington’s approach.
In the statement, Erdogan also expressed support for Trump’s efforts to mediate the Russian-Ukrainian war.
The two leaders also discussed Syria, and Erdogan reiterated the importance of lifting sanctions and restoring stability in the region. The key priority for the Turkish leader is refugees returning to Syria.
This article was generated from the Automation News Agency feed without the text being modified.
