UPDATE - Türkiye-US cooperation key to solving global conflicts: President Erdogan

UPDATES WITH MORE REMARKS BY PRESIDENT ERDOGAN

By Gizem Nisa Cebi

ISTANBUL (AA) – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stressed the importance of Türkiye-US collaboration in addressing major global crises, including the one in Palestine's Gaza Strip and in Ukraine.

"We are facing numerous challenges, including the Palestine issue and the Russia-Ukraine crisis. Overcoming these is possible through Turkish-US cooperation," Erdogan told reporters on his Thursday return flight from Budapest, where he attended a European summit.

He also underscored the need for increased dialogue and diplomatic efforts to resolve these conflicts, stressing the importance of a united front between the two countries.

- Optimism for renewed US partnership under Donald Trump

Erdogan expressed hope for a renewed partnership with the US under Donald Trump, who on Tuesday was elected to return to the White House for another term as president.

"We have invited him to our country, and I hope he will accept our invitation," said Erdogan.

He added that he and Trump previously worked together on significant issues, during Trump’s first term, in 2017-2021. "Although there were occasional differences of opinion, the model partnership between Türkiye and the US is undeniable."

On bilateral cooperation, the Turkish leader pointed in particular to critical issues such as the F-35 fighter jets and the Russian S-400 missile defense system, which have caused tension in Turkish-US ties.

"On the F-35s, during Trump’s presidency, he made statements like: ‘They paid for it, but you still haven’t given (them) the planes?’ We will see how we will address these issues in the new era and how we will move forward,” Erdogan explained.

Türkiye was removed from the F-35 fighter jet program in 2019 over its purchase of a Russian S-400 missile defense program. Turkish leaders said claims the S-400 would cause problems with US-made fighter jets were groundless, and offered repeatedly to resolve the issue, to no avail.

Erdogan also mentioned Trump’s resilience throughout his election campaign, despite facing personal and political challenges.

He praised Trump for overcoming an assassination attempt and continuing his campaign with determination, citing Trump’s unwavering commitment to his political goals.

- Biden administration’s regional impact and Türkiye's expectations

Erdogan also voiced concerns about any continuation of Biden administration policies, particularly in the Middle East.

He warned that if the current administration’s approach continued, it could worsen regional tensions.

"Continuation of the policies of the Biden administration would deepen the deadlock in the region and spread conflict. We do not want this at all," he said.

In contrast, Erdogan expressed optimism about a potential partnership with Trump, seeing it as a way to resolve longstanding issues, such as the situation in Syria, where US support for the terrorist PKK/YPG remains a contentious issue.

"We will evaluate the issue of US troops withdrawing from Syria. How will they stop their support to the terrorist group PKK/PYD/YPG?" Erdogan said, citing alternate names for the group and suggesting that direct communication with Trump could help resolve these complex matters.

In its 40-year terror campaign against Türkiye, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the US, and EU – has been responsible for the deaths of over 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants. The YPG is PKK's Syrian offshoot.

- Call for diplomatic solutions in Palestine and Ukraine

Reflecting Türkiye’s long-standing stance on promoting peace and justice in the region, Erdogan underscored a shared interest in peace in the Middle East, pointing to Trump’s prior commitment to addressing regional conflicts, particularly in Palestine and Ukraine.

"You know Trump has promised to end the conflicts initiated by Israel. We want that promise to be fulfilled and for Israel to be told 'stop'," Erdogan said, urging the US to adopt a more diplomatic and peaceful approach to the ongoing conflicts.

On the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Erdogan also reiterated that escalation would not bring peace, advocating a diplomatic solution.

"More weapons, more bombs, more chaos, and conflict will not end this war. More dialogue, more diplomacy, and more consensus can open the door to peace," he stated.

Erdogan also underscored Türkiye's past efforts to facilitate, offering its diplomatic resources for potential peace talks in the future.

- Türkiye’s role in Middle East diplomacy and future cooperation

Looking ahead, Erdogan reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to playing a pivotal role in diplomatic efforts to stabilize the Middle East.

He emphasized that Turkish-US relations would continue to be shaped through telephone diplomacy and direct dialogue, a communication method that worked well during Trump’s previous presidency.

"In the past, we had no difficulty communicating with Mr. Trump. We would establish contact within 24 hours and, through telephone diplomacy, strive to achieve solutions," Erdogan said.

- European summit talks and strategic cooperation with Kyrgyzstan, Hungary

President Erdogan also shared details of his successful diplomatic engagements during his visits to Kyrgyzstan and Hungary, where he strengthened Türkiye's ties with these nations.

In Kyrgyzstan, he elevated relations to a "comprehensive strategic partnership" and signed 19 agreements across various sectors. He also expressed his pride at receiving Kyrgyzstan’s highest honor, the Manas Medal, from President Sadyr Japarov.

During his visit to Hungary, Erdogan addressed critical issues such as migration, economic security, and Türkiye's EU membership process.

He once again called for fair and strategic cooperation with the EU, urging European leaders to adopt a more "visionary approach" to relations with Türkiye.

- FETO: A threat to Turkish-US relations [PLS SEE NOTE BELOW]

Erdogan also addressed the issue of the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), the group behind the defeated 2016 coup against the Turkish government.

He once again stressed the importance of the US taking a stronger stance against FETO, warning that it continues to undermine Türkiye’s stability.

"FETO remains a major obstacle in our relations with the US. We expect the US to take clear and decisive actions against this group, which operates freely on American soil," Erdogan stated.

He stressed that the group's activities, including its network of schools and institutions, continue to pose a direct threat to Türkiye's national security.