Erdogan and Trump Discuss Key Issues in First Official Call

Turkish President Erdogan held a crucial call with President Trump, discussing the Russia-Ukraine war and Syria, while advocating for the lifting of U.S. sanctions. Erdogan called for improved coordination and stability in Syria, amidst the ongoing presence of U.S. forces. The conversation marked a significant step in U.S.-Turkey relations.

On Sunday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan engaged in his first official conversation with President Donald Trump since the latter’s return to office. The discussion encompassed several urgent topics, including the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the situation in Syria, and the pressing issue of lifting United States sanctions on Turkey, as outlined by Turkey’s Presidential Communications Directorate.

During the call, President Erdogan extended his support for President Trump’s efforts to resolve the protracted Russia-Ukraine war. He also emphasized the necessity for improved coordination between Turkey and the United States in order to effectively address the complexities of the conflict.

Erdogan further addressed the crisis in Syria, noting the presence of approximately 2,000 U.S. troops collaborating with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces to combat the Islamic State. He highlighted the importance of restoring stability in Syria and advocated for the removal of sanctions, which significantly impede financial aid from regional nations, such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar, to Syria’s new Islamist government.

Notably, the Turkish account of the call did not mention Ankara’s long-standing demand for the United States to sever ties with the Syrian Democratic Forces, due to their links to a Kurdish group that Turkey has been battling for over 40 years. This omission could suggest ongoing diplomatic efforts to negotiate a resolution with the Kurdistan Workers Party.

Additionally, Erdogan called for the termination of sanctions imposed by the U.S. Congress under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, particularly those related to Turkey’s procurement of Russian-made S400 missile systems and the military actions taken in northern Syria in 2019.

As of the publication of this article, there was no official response from the White House regarding the call. Historically, Trump and Erdogan have maintained a somewhat cordial, albeit occasionally strained, relationship during Trump’s presidency, influenced notably by the detention of an American pastor on dubious terrorism charges in Turkey. In a recent press conference, Trump reaffirmed his friendship with Erdogan, stating, “President Erdogan is a friend of mine. He’s a guy I like, respect. I think he respects me also.”

In conclusion, the inaugural phone call between President Erdogan and President Trump signifies an attempt to address pressing international issues, namely the Russia-Ukraine war and the crisis in Syria. The dialogue underlines the need for enhanced collaboration between Turkey and the United States, as well as the lifting of sanctions impacting Turkey’s defense industry. The evolution of their relationship, amidst past challenges, remains vital for regional stability and diplomatic progress.

Original Source: www.al-monitor.com