Turkish President Recep Erdoğan has described his meeting with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the NATO summit as "meaningful." He stated that bilateral relations, NATO partnership, as well as regional and global issues were discussed during the meeting. The meeting took place on June 25.
Erdoğan said that Ankara's concerns regarding regional issues, particularly the situation in Syria, were conveyed to the US at all levels.
Erdoğan emphasized that Turkey has not abandoned its participation in the F-35 program and is currently discussing the possibility of rejoining the program with its partners. He also noted that issues regarding the supply of F-35 fighters were discussed with Trump, and technical consultations between the parties have already begun. Erdoğan expressed hope that progress will be made in this direction shortly.
Turkey aims to enhance its missile capabilities by developing its air defense systems.
Erdoğan reiterated that Turkey will never allow the international community to divert attention from the events taking place in the Gaza Strip, even if other regions are of greater interest.
The Russian-Ukrainian conflict was also touched upon. Erdoğan stressed that Russia and Ukraine must achieve a just and lasting peace, as the current situation is becoming unbearable for the entire region.
