Erdogan, Trump discuss Türkiye-US ties, Ukraine war, and Syria sanctions

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump on March 16, expressing confidence that Ankara and Washington will strengthen bilateral cooperation through solidarity, a result-oriented approach, and sincerity in the new era of relations.

According to Türkiye's Communications Directorate, the two leaders discussed bilateral relations, as well as regional and global issues, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media sources.

Their previous phone conversation took place in November, when Erdogan congratulated Trump on securing a second term

Erdogan emphasized the necessity of increased consultations between Türkiye and the U.S. in light of regional and global developments. He reiterated Ankara’s support for Trump's decisive and direct efforts to end the three-year-long war between Russia and Ukraine, stating that Türkiye has been working toward a just and lasting peace since the conflict began and will continue to do so.

The Turkish president also stressed the importance of joint efforts to lift sanctions on Syria, enabling the stabilization of the new administration and facilitating the return of Syrians to their homeland. Additionally, Erdogan called for steps from the U.S. in counterterrorism efforts that respect Türkiye’s interests.

Erdogan highlighted key defense cooperation issues, including the need to lift CAATSA sanctions, finalize the F-16 procurement process, and resolve matters concerning Türkiye's re-entry into the F-35 program.

Meanwhile, CNN Türk reported that Erdogan will discuss Ankara’s approach to a new European security architecture amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict with the Central Executive Committee of Türkiye’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) on March 17.

“The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has brought to the forefront the need to restructure the European security architecture. In this context, President Erdogan often holds talks with European leaders online,” Turkish journalists stated.

The meeting is also expected to address Türkiye’s support for stabilizing Syria’s new administration and preventing renewed tensions in Latakia.

Previously, Erdogan called for Türkiye’s inclusion in a unified European security and rearmament system, expressing Ankara’s interest in participating in joint defense programs supported by EU institutions. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also stated that Türkiye is prepared to support the European Union as a new center of power if NATO collapses due to U.S. policies.

By Khagan Isayev