Erdogan Discusses Key Issues with Trump in Historic First Call

In their first official call since Trump took office, Erdogan discussed the Russia-Ukraine war, the situation in Syria, and U.S. sanctions on Turkey with Trump. Erdogan urged for cooperation between the nations and the easing of sanctions while avoiding discussions on the U.S.-SDF partnership, possibly indicating Turkey’s negotiation strategies regarding the PKK.

In a recent phone conversation, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed multiple critical issues with U.S. President Donald Trump, marking their first official exchange since Trump returned to office. The primary focus included initiatives to conclude the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, as well as addressing the situation in Syria and the potential easing of U.S. sanctions against Turkey.

Erdogan reiterated his support for Trump’s goal to end the war in Ukraine, emphasizing the necessity for strengthened collaboration between Ankara and Washington. The call also highlighted the importance of restoring stability in Syria, where U.S. forces are currently aiding the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces in the fight against the Islamic State. The continuing U.S. sanctions hinder financial aid from regions like Saudi Arabia and Qatar, which are reluctant to contribute due to concerns over repercussions from the international financial system.

Notably, Erdogan’s statement did not address Turkey’s prolonged call for the U.S. to sever ties with the Syrian Democratic Forces, which Turkey associates with a Kurdish insurgent group, the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). This omission may reflect Turkey’s attempts to negotiate peace with the PKK, which has waged an insurgency against Turkey for over 40 years.

Moreover, Erdogan urged Trump to lift sanctions from the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, which target Turkey’s defense sector linked to its purchase of Russian S400 missile defense systems and the 2019 military operations in northern Syria.

Despite the lack of a formal readout from the White House regarding the call, historical context shows that Trump and Erdogan have had a complex relationship, highlighted by past tensions such as the jailing of an American pastor in Turkey. Trump had previously expressed fondness for Erdogan, stating, “President Erdogan is a friend of mine. He’s a guy I like, respect. I think he respects me also.”

The recent call between Erdogan and Trump underscored crucial discussions surrounding the Russia-Ukraine war, the situation in Syria, and U.S. sanctions on Turkey’s defense industry. Erdogan’s support for ending the conflict in Ukraine and the call for closer collaboration with the U.S. signal a potential shift in diplomatic efforts. The absence of specific discussions regarding the SDF indicates a possible diplomatic strategy aimed at addressing internal security concerns in Turkey while maintaining international relations. Overall, this conversation may pave the way for future collaboration between the two nations.

Original Source: www.al-monitor.com