Erdogan and Trump Engage in Important Dialogue on Key Global Issues

Turkish President Erdogan’s first call with President Trump addressed the Russia-Ukraine war, Syria’s situation, and the lifting of U.S. sanctions on Turkey. Erdogan emphasized coordination between the two nations and restoration of stability in Syria. The call notably omitted Turkey’s demand to end U.S. partnership with SDF. Erdogan’s appeal to lift sanctions reflects ongoing diplomatic efforts. The White House has not provided an official response yet.

In their inaugural official phone call since President Donald Trump resumed office, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressed several critical issues, notably the Russia-Ukraine war and the situation in Syria. According to a statement from Turkey’s Presidential Communications Directorate, Erdogan extended Turkey’s support for Trump’s endeavor to halt the prolonged conflict and advocated for enhanced coordination between Ankara and Washington.

During the call, Erdogan also underscored the necessity for stabilization in Syria, where approximately 2,000 U.S. forces are collaborating with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) against the Islamic State. He emphasized the urgent need to lift U.S. sanctions, which hinder financial aid crucial for the new Islamist government in Syria, despite concerns about potential repercussions from the international financial system.

Surprisingly, the Turkish statement omitted any reference to Turkey’s longstanding request for the United States to terminate its partnership with the SDF, which Ankara associates with a Kurdish faction engaged in an ongoing insurgency against Turkey. This omission may relate to Turkey’s attempts to negotiate a truce with the Kurdistan Workers Party, the organization involved in this insurgency.

Additionally, Erdogan called for an end to U.S. sanctions that were imposed under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, which target Turkey’s defense sector. These sanctions stem from Turkey’s acquisition of Russian S-400 missile systems and a military offensive in Kurdish-controlled northern Syria in 2019.

As of the article’s publication, the White House had yet to release a statement regarding this important call. Historically, Trump and Erdogan maintained a complex but generally friendly relationship during Trump’s first term, despite tensions arising from Turkey’s detention of an American pastor on dubious terrorism allegations. Trump recently commended Erdogan, stating, “President Erdogan is a friend of mine. He’s a guy I like, respect. I think he respects me also.” He also noted Erdogan’s restraint in refraining from actions against Turkey’s purported adversaries, the Kurds, following a personal request.

The recent telephone conversation between Presidents Erdogan and Trump highlights critical discussions concerning the Russia-Ukraine war and the stability of Syria. Erdogan’s advocacy for improved cooperation reflects Turkey’s interest in resolving these conflicts, while the call’s omission of the U.S.-SDF relationship suggests ongoing diplomatic maneuvering. The request to lift U.S. sanctions on Turkey’s defense industry marks a significant point of negotiation, indicating the complexity of U.S.-Turkey relations moving forward.

Original Source: www.al-monitor.com