Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump, focusing on the Russia-Ukraine war, the situation in Syria, and the lifting of U.S. sanctions on Turkey. Erdogan emphasized collaboration between Ankara and Washington, addressed the necessity for stability in Syria, and called for the cessation of sanctions linked to Turkey’s defense industry. Although the call was significant, it notably did not address Turkey’s demands regarding the SDF partnership.
On a recent call, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and U.S. President Donald Trump discussed key geopolitical issues, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and the situation in Syria. The conversation, noted in a statement from Turkey’s Presidential Communications Directorate, underscored Erdogan’s support for Trump’s mission to conclude the war that has persisted for three years and emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration between the two nations.
In addressing the Syrian situation, Erdogan highlighted the presence of around 2,000 U.S. forces working alongside the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces in combating the Islamic State. He stressed the importance of stabilizing Syria and lifting U.S. sanctions that hinder financial support by regional countries such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar to the new Islamist government in Syria.
Interestingly, the official summary from Ankara did not mention Turkey’s long-standing request for the United States to terminate its partnership with the SDF, which Turkey perceives as linked to the Kurdistan Workers Party, an entity involved in a prolonged insurgency against Turkey. This omission might be related to Turkey’s attempts to negotiate with the PKK to resolve the conflict that has plagued the country for over four decades.
Erdogan also advocated for the removal of sanctions imposed by the U.S. Congress under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, which targeted Turkey’s defense sector due to Turkey’s procurement of Russian S400 missile systems and its military actions in northern Syria in 2019. As of the publication date, there was no formal response from the White House regarding this discussion.
During Trump’s initial term, he maintained a complicated yet occasionally friendly relationship with Erdogan, despite tumultuous events, such as the incarceration of an American pastor in Turkey that strained relations. Earlier this January, Trump expressed his fondness for Erdogan, indicating a sense of mutual respect, despite the complexities that have characterized their interactions.
In conclusion, the initial call between Presidents Erdogan and Trump represents a significant attempt to address pressing geopolitical challenges, including the Russia-Ukraine war and the stability of Syria. Erdogan’s push for closer U.S.-Turkey coordination and the lifting of sanctions reflects his administration’s strategic priorities. The lack of mention regarding the SDF partnership underscores the complexity of U.S.-Turkey relations, which remain intertwined with significant historical grievances. The future of these discussions could dramatically impact regional stability and international relations.
Original Source: www.al-monitor.com
