Erdogan and Trump Discuss Key Global Issues in First Official Call

In their first official call, Turkish President Erdogan and U.S. President Trump discussed the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the situation in Syria, and U.S. sanctions on Turkey. Erdogan emphasized the need for cooperation and stability in Syria while pressing for the lifting of sanctions. The discussion reflects ongoing diplomatic strategies amidst historical tensions between the two nations.

On Sunday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had his first official conversation with President Donald Trump since Trump’s return to office. The discussion primarily revolved around several pressing international issues, particularly the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, the situation in Syria, and the lifting of U.S. sanctions on Turkey, as outlined by Turkey’s Presidential Communications Directorate.

Erdogan expressed his support for Trump’s endeavors to bring a resolution to the three-year-long Russia-Ukraine war. He underscored the necessity for enhanced coordination between Ankara and Washington, which he believes is essential to achieve peace in the region, according to the directorate’s statement.

In addition to the conflict in Ukraine, Erdogan addressed the crisis in Syria, where approximately 2,000 U.S. forces are working alongside the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) against the Islamic State. He highlighted the urgent need to stabilize the war-ravaged country while advocating for the lifting of sanctions that hinder much-needed financial assistance from other regional nations, such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

An interesting aspect of the call is that Turkey’s readout did not reference its longstanding request for the U.S. to discontinue its partnership with the SDF, which Turkey associates with the Kurdistan Workers Party, a group that has been involved in an armed insurgency against the Turkish state for over 40 years. This omission may be attributed to Turkey’s efforts to negotiate with the PKK towards resolving their conflict.

Erdogan also called for an end to Congressional sanctions that were enacted under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, citing Turkey’s acquisition of the Russian S400 missile systems and its military operations in northern Syria in 2019 as the reasons behind these sanctions. As of the time of writing, there was no official comment from the White House regarding the call.

During his first term, Trump and Erdogan’s relationship was characterized by both camaraderie and tension, notably due to the arrest of an American pastor in Turkey on dubious terrorism charges. However, Trump recognized Erdogan’s efforts by stating, “President Erdogan is a friend of mine. He’s a guy I like, respect. I think he respects me also,” and noted Erdogan’s restraint against targeting the Kurds, which he had previously urged him to avoid.

In conclusion, the first official call between Presidents Erdogan and Trump marked a significant moment in U.S.-Turkey relations, focusing on critical issues such as the Russia-Ukraine war, the situation in Syria, and U.S. sanctions on Turkey. Erdogan’s call for closer coordination and the lifting of sanctions reflects ongoing diplomatic efforts. The absence of mention regarding the SDF indicates potential shifts in Turkey’s negotiating strategy. This call reiterates the complexities and the evolving nature of the U.S.-Turkey relationship.

Original Source: www.al-monitor.com