Turkish President Erdogan held his first official discussion with President Trump, focusing on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the situation in Syria, and the lifting of U.S. sanctions on Turkey. He urged for enhanced cooperation and restoration of stability in Syria, while also raising concerns regarding U.S. sanctions affecting Turkey’s defense industry. The call reflects the complexities of U.S.-Turkey relations and their historical context.
On Sunday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan engaged in his inaugural phone conversation with President Donald Trump following Trump’s return to office. The discussion notably focused on efforts to resolve the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and the situation in Syria, as per a statement from Turkey’s Presidential Communications Directorate.
Erdogan expressed his support for Trump’s initiatives aimed at concluding the protracted Russia-Ukraine war and advocated for enhanced cooperation between Ankara and Washington. In addressing Syria, he emphasized the necessity to reestablish stability in the war-torn nation while urging the lifting of existing U.S. sanctions, which hinder crucial financial aid to Syria’s government from regional allies like Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
In an intriguing development, the Turkish readout of the call did not mention Turkey’s persistent request for the U.S. to terminate its collaboration with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), linked to another Kurdish faction opposed to Turkey. This omission may indicate Turkey’s pursuit of negotiations with the Kurdistan Workers Party, aiming to quell its decades-long insurgency against the Turkish government.
Erdogan also called for the cessation of U.S. congressional sanctions targeting Turkey’s defense sector, primarily related to its procurement of Russian S400 missile systems and its military actions in northern Syria. At the time of publication, there was no official response from the White House regarding the call.
Historically, Trump and Erdogan maintained a complex relationship, occasionally strained due to contentious issues such as the detention of an American pastor in Turkey. However, Trump has expressed admiration for Erdogan, noting their mutual respect in prior statements.
In conclusion, President Erdogan’s first official call with President Trump covered significant topics such as the Russia-Ukraine war, the situation in Syria, and sanctions on Turkey. Erdogan’s emphasis on cooperation and lifting sanctions underscores ongoing tensions and the complexities in U.S.-Turkey relations. The absence of a U.S. response suggests ongoing diplomatic negotiations may follow. As both leaders navigate these crucial issues, the implications for regional stability and bilateral relations will be closely observed.
Original Source: www.al-monitor.com
