Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived at the White House on Thursday for a high-stakes meeting with US President Donald Trump.
The two leaders, who share a long personal relationship, discussed bilateral ties, defense cooperation, trade, and pressing global conflicts including Gaza, Syria, and Ukraine.
Warm welcome and personal praise
President Trump personally welcomed President Erdogan upon his arrival at the White House. Speaking to the media, Trump described Erdogan as his “best friend” and a “very respected leader” not only in Turkiye but across Europe and the world.
Seated in the Oval Office, Trump emphasized their strong personal bond, contrasting it with what he called the distant approach of former president Joe Biden.
Gaza crisis and Middle East peace
The Gaza war was a major focus of the talks. Trump said the US was close to reaching an agreement on Gaza, highlighting positive discussions with leaders of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Jordan, and Qatar earlier this week.
“We want a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages,” Trump told reporters, adding that the prospects of this development were bright and he would raise the issue again in his upcoming meeting with Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu. He credited Erdogan with playing a vital role in efforts to stabilise Syria and said the Turkish leader’s influence was key in shaping peace initiatives in the region.
He also assured Erdogan he would not let West Bank be annexed by Israel.
Ukraine war and Russian oil
Turning to Ukraine, Trump condemned Russia’s continued assault, stressing that “thousands of soldiers and civilians are being killed.” He said Russian President Vladimir Putin showed no signs of halting the war but insisted Ukraine could still reclaim lost territory.
Trump revealed he had urged Erdogan to stop buying Russian oil, expressing confidence that Turkiye would comply. “I believe he will stop it, yeah. Because he can buy it from a lot of other people,” Trump said.
He further expressed disappointment at NATO countries stopping purchases of Russian oil, once again reiterating that the Ukraine war would not have happened if he were the president at the time.
Defense deals: F-16s, F-35s and sanctions
Defense cooperation was a central point in the talks. Trump confirmed discussions with Erdogan on Turkiye’s interest in purchasing both F-16 and F-35 fighter jets.
He signaled openness to lifting US sanctions that have so far blocked Ankara from rejoining the F-35 program, despite earlier restrictions imposed over Turkiye’s purchase of Russian S-400 missile systems. “If we have a good meeting, I think he’ll be successful in buying the things he wants,” Trump noted.
Erdogan, for his part, emphasized that Turkiye could take relations with Washington “to a new level” and reiterated Ankara’s defense and security needs as a NATO ally.
Major trade and energy agreements
The meeting also produced significant economic deals:
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Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement signed between Turkiye and the US to increase cooperation in nuclear energy sector.
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Multi-billion dollar Boeing aircraft deal, with Turkiye agreeing to purchase over 200 planes.
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20-year LNG agreement worth $43 billion, under which Turkiye will import four billion cubic meters of liquefied natural gas annually starting in 2026.
Trump also announced that tariffs collected from trade arrangements would be redirected to support American farmers.
Syria and regional cooperation
On Syria, Trump credited Erdogan with a “remarkable success” in shaping events and influencing regime change. He said US sanctions on Syria had been eased at Erdogan’s request, recognizing Turkiye’s critical role in the conflict.
Both leaders stressed the importance of continued cooperation in addressing regional wars, strengthening NATO security, and expanding bilateral trade.
Turning point in US-Turkiye relations?
Analysts say Erdogan’s visit marks a potential turning point, with Ankara seeking to rebuild defense and economic ties under a US administration keen on striking major deals. While Trump stopped short of announcing immediate policy changes, his praise of Erdogan and hints at lifting sanctions signal warming ties between the two NATO allies.
