By Janet Ekstract ISTANBUL – After Turkish President Erdogan’s first visit to Washington in six years, there is a definite sense of great satisfaction between both the Americans and the Turks after U.S. President Donald Trump and his Turkish counterpart held talks at the White House on a wide range of issues that produced a number of crucial agreements. After the talks concluded, the results spoke for themselves – a number of agreements in the sectors of nuclear energy, defense cooperation, energy, security and regional diplomacy that analysts say, is a sign of a promising reset in U.S, -Turkish relations after years of tensions. The results were palpable with a civil-nuclear cooperation agreement, discussions on LNG and diversification of energy supplies and renewed dialogue on Turkiye’s possible return to the F-35 program. Trump and Erdogan also focused on Ukraine, the broader Middle East dynamics and religious issues connected to the Orthodox Church. All of the discussions emphasized how both leaders took the talks beyond bilateral disputes, taking into account Turkiye’s influence in the region and its international position in diplomacy.
Experts and analysts point out that the two leaders focused more on bilateral ties rather than NATO itself and the fact that Turkiye and the U.S. moving ahead will have a much stronger relationship especially regarding defense. On that issue, the Turkish side is hoping that the CAATSA sanctions are lifed and that the F-16 package is still on the table with an eye toward Turkiye returning to the F-35 program, providing the issue of the S-400 issue resolved. Experts highlight that such developments would serve to boost Turkiye’s air defense capabilities –it would also serve to broaden NATO’s deterrence. Turkiye has a huge role to play on security guarantees for Ukraine and has expressed its interest to do so. Turkiye may also contribute to the air policing mission with its successful air force and its drone fleets. Though it’s not yet clear whether Turkiye will contribute to the land part of the security guarantees. The pledge to remove restriction on components needed for our domestic industry and their exports to third countries will benefit Turkiye greatly and prevent Congress from continuing its anti-Turkiye stance. More importantly, going forward Turkish and American companies are expected to work more closely in regions where Turkiye already provides stability and security. Analysts concur that the Trump administration has acknowledged Turkiye as a crucial ally both in the Black Sea and in the Middle East.
