Trump and Erdogan discuss Ukraine, Gaza and Syria in phone call

Reuters
Reuters

Donald Trump and Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a wide-ranging call covering Ukraine, Gaza, and Syria, with mutual pledges of cooperation and invitations exchanged.

U.S. President Donald Trump described a recent phone call with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan as “very good and productive,” noting that the two leaders discussed a number of pressing international issues, including the conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and Syria.

Trump, who is in his second term as president, stated in a social media post that Erdogan had invited him to visit Türkiye at a future date, while also planning a visit to Washington. The Turkish presidency confirmed the invitation, though no specific dates were given.

Reaffirming his long-standing rapport with Erdogan, Trump said the U.S. and Türkiye would work together to end the war between Russia and Ukraine, a conflict that began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. “I look forward to working with President Erdogan on getting the ridiculous but deadly, War between Russia and Ukraine ended -- NOW!” Trump wrote. The Turkish presidency said Erdogan welcomed U.S. efforts to resolve the conflict.

Details of Ankara’s potential role in any peace process remain unclear. Trump, who had pledged during his campaign to end the war on his first day in office, has taken a markedly different stance on the issue since returning to the White House in January. His administration has pushed for a ceasefire agreement from Kyiv and softened its position toward Moscow, though Trump has recently questioned Russian President Vladimir Putin’s willingness to negotiate peace.

In addition to Ukraine, Erdogan raised the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, emphasising the importance of uninterrupted aid delivery and reiterating Ankara’s readiness to help facilitate a ceasefire and lasting peace. The Turkish president also discussed Syria, stressing the need to protect the country’s territorial integrity and urging the U.S. to consider easing sanctions on Damascus.

Tags

Comments (0)

What is your opinion on this topic?

Leave the first comment