In a pivotal call, Erdogan discussed the Russia-Ukraine war, Syria, and U.S. sanctions with Trump. He advocated for U.S.-Turkey collaboration and stability in Syria, urging an end to sanctions affecting Turkey’s defense industry. The dialogue reflected ongoing diplomatic efforts and marked a continuation of complex U.S.-Turkey relations.
On Sunday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a significant phone call with President Donald Trump, marking their first official conversation since Trump resumed office. The discussions primarily focused on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, where Erdogan extended support for Trump’s initiatives aimed at achieving peace. He urged for enhanced collaboration between Turkey and the United States in addressing this conflict.
Additionally, the conversation included the situation in Syria, where U.S. forces are collaborating with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces to combat the Islamic State. Erdogan emphasized the necessity for restoring stability in Syria, along with the critical need to lift U.S. sanctions that hinder financial aid from regional allies like Saudi Arabia and Qatar, keen to assist the new Islamist government in Syria.
Interestingly, Turkey’s official statement did not address Turkey’s long-standing request for the U.S. to terminate its alliance with the Syrian Democratic Forces, which Turkey associates with a Kurdish group it has conflicts with. This omission might indicate Turkey’s ongoing diplomatic efforts to negotiate peace with the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which has engaged in a decades-long insurgency against Turkey.
Erdogan also urged Trump to reconsider sanctions placed on Turkey’s defense sector under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act. These sanctions stem from Turkey’s procurement of Russian S400 missile systems and its 2019 military actions in northern Syria. As of the publication, there was no response from the White House regarding the call.
Throughout Trump’s first term, his relationship with Erdogan was characterized by cordiality, albeit with tensions, especially regarding the detention of an American pastor under dubious charges. Recently, Trump acknowledged 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.” Moreover, Trump highlighted Erdogan’s restraint towards the Kurds, signaling a complex but ongoing dialogue between the leaders.
In summary, Erdogan’s inaugural call with Trump focused on critical geopolitical issues, primarily the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and the situation in Syria. The discussions underscored the importance of U.S.-Turkey collaboration, the need to restore stability in Syria, and the lifting of sanctions hampering aid efforts. Clear diplomatic channels remain essential for addressing Turkey’s concerns regarding the Kurdish alliances and the historic U.S.-Turkey partnership.
Original Source: www.al-monitor.com
