Trump Hails Erdogan as “Best Friend” in High-Stakes White House Meeting

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived at the White House for a crucial meeting with US President Donald Trump. The two leaders, seated in the Oval Office, discussed Gaza, Syria, Ukraine, defense cooperation, and major economic agreements.

Trump praised Erdogan as his “best friend” and a “respected leader across Europe and the world.” On Gaza, Trump expressed optimism about a ceasefire and credited Erdogan’s influence in stabilizing Syria and shaping regional peace. He assured Erdogan the US would not allow annexation of the West Bank.

On Ukraine, Trump condemned Russia’s aggression and urged Turkiye to stop buying Russian oil, voicing confidence in Erdogan’s cooperation. Defense talks centered on Turkiye’s interest in F-16 and F-35 jets, with Trump hinting at lifting sanctions blocking Ankara’s return to the F-35 program.

The meeting also produced major deals, including a civil nuclear energy agreement, a Boeing aircraft purchase of over 200 planes, and a 20-year LNG deal worth $43 billion.

Analysts say the visit may mark a turning point in US-Turkiye relations, signaling warming ties between the NATO allies.