Erdoğan shares details of phone call with Trump: "US trusts Türkiye in region"

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has shared details of his March 16 phone conversation with US President Donald Trump at the Justice and Development Party Central Executive Committee.

"We trust you in the region. Our ambassador is at your disposal, do not look for any other intermediaries," Trump told Erdoğan, Caliber.Az reports via the Turkish newspaper Türkiye.

Trump also highlighted the nomination of Tom Barrack, the new U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye, and stated, "The Ambassador is at your disposal; you can connect directly. Do not look for other intermediaries."

The newspaper writes that, Barrack, who is expected to take up the role, has personal ties to the region—his grandfather was an Ottoman citizen who migrated from Lebanon to the U.S. in 1900.

Erdoğan noted that Trump also mentioned the possibility of a reciprocal visit, with the U.S. President suggesting he could visit Türkiye in the near future.

The two leaders are reportedly looking forward to strengthening bilateral ties, with Erdoğan hinting at a potential trip to the U.S. in April after the holiday season.

According to Daily Sabah, President Erdoğan expressed support for President Trump's initiatives aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war, reaffirming Türkiye's commitment to a just and lasting peace. Erdoğan called for the removal of international sanctions on Syria to restore stability, facilitate the functioning of the new administration, and enable the return of displaced Syrians.

The leaders also discussed defence industry collaboration, with Erdoğan urging the U.S. to lift sanctions related to Türkiye's purchase of Russian S-400 missile systems. He also advocated for Türkiye's re-engagement in the F-35 program and the finalization of the F-16 fighter jet procurement process.

By Khagan Isayev