Trump's Middle East tour could include Türkiye, strengthening bilateral ties

US President Donald Trump is reportedly considering adding Türkiye to his upcoming Middle East tour, marking a potential shift in diplomatic dynamics between the two countries.

Diplomatic sources in Ankara have confirmed that the possibility of a visit to Türkiye has gained traction, with discussions ongoing about the specifics of the itinerary, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media.

The proposed tour, set for May, is expected to encompass a range of Middle Eastern nations, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Israel. However, Türkiye is now seen as a likely addition to the itinerary, signaling the growing importance of bilateral relations between the two nations.

Ankara views the potential visit as a strategic move, not only in terms of strengthening Turkish-US ties but also in shaping broader regional diplomacy. The agenda for the visit is said to include critical issues, such as the ongoing situation in the Gaza Strip, Türkiye's role in Syria, and the prospect of Türkiye rejoining the F-35 fighter jet program. Additionally, the lifting of sanctions imposed under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) is expected to feature prominently in discussions.

One of the key topics to be addressed during the anticipated meeting between Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected to be efforts to mediate a resolution to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The two leaders have previously worked together on diplomatic initiatives, and both are keen to advance their respective interests in the region.

In recent statements, President Erdogan has emphasized the need to reinvigorate Turkish-US relations, particularly in terms of boosting trade volumes. Erdogan has voiced hopes of raising bilateral trade from the current level of $40 billion to $100 billion, underscoring the potential for increased cooperation across various sectors.

The prospect of Trump’s visit to Türkiye reflects a broader effort to reset and strengthen ties between the two NATO allies, whose relationship has experienced ups and downs in recent years. Should the visit proceed as planned, it could pave the way for new developments in both regional diplomacy and economic cooperation.

By Vafa Guliyeva