Erdogan says Türkiye in talks with Trump on regional issues

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan attends a press conference in Rome, Italy, April 29, 2025.
Reuters

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday that Türkiye is holding intensive consultations with U.S. President Donald Trump and his team on key regional crises, including the conflict in Gaza, the war in Ukraine and the situation in Syria.

Speaking at a dinner hosted by the Turkish American National Steering Committee (TASC) in New York, Erdogan said contacts had gained pace during Trump’s second term, with institutional dialogue “gaining momentum.” He confirmed he will meet Trump on Thursday to discuss “many important issues.”

Erdogan, citing his long-standing personal rapport with Trump, said this had helped forge “a mutual will to resolve certain issues on our agenda.”

He also praised the role of the Muslim community in the United States, saying their presence was a source of “confidence and courage for Muslims worldwide.”

Amid global polarisation, Erdogan described Turkish-American ties as “more indispensable than ever,” pointing to cooperation in fields ranging from security and trade to energy and education. He noted Türkiye’s ambition to lift bilateral trade to $100 billion and highlighted the efforts of U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye Tom Barrack in supporting closer relations.

The president also warned of the rise of Islamophobia and cultural racism globally, saying Türkiye would continue to “speak the truth” and defend peace and justice.

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