In a recent call with President Donald Trump, Turkish President Erdogan discussed the Russia-Ukraine war, the situation in Syria, and sanctions on Turkey. Erdogan advocated for enhanced coordination and support in ending the conflict while addressing the need for stability in Syria. Notably, the conversation did not mention Turkey’s demand to end U.S. partnership with Kurdish forces, highlighting ongoing complexities in U.S.-Turkey relations.
On Sunday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan initiated his first official call with President Donald Trump since Trump’s return to office. The discussion encompassed various crucial topics, such as the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and the situation in Syria, as conveyed by Turkey’s Presidential Communications Directorate.
Erdogan expressed his support for Trump’s endeavors to bring an end to the three-year-long war and underscored the necessity for enhanced coordination between Ankara and Washington. Additionally, he addressed the challenges in Syria, where approximately 2,000 U.S. forces are allied with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces against the Islamic State. He stressed the importance of restoring stability in Syria and urged for the lifting of existing U.S. sanctions.
These sanctions pose significant obstacles to much-needed financial support from regional partners like Saudi Arabia and Qatar, who hesitate to provide aid due to concerns about repercussions from the international financial system. Nevertheless, Turkey’s official announcement did not reference their long-term demand that the United States cease its partnership with the SDF, which Turkey claims has ties to a Kurdish group engaged in conflict with the Turkish state.
Erdogan also called for an end to U.S. sanctions against Turkey’s defense sector, enacted under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, linked to Turkey’s acquisition of Russian S400 missile systems and its prior military action in northern Syria. As the article went to publication, there was no accompanying readout from the White House.
During Trump’s first presidential term, he maintained a complex yet cordial relationship with Erdogan, despite tensions arising from Turkey’s detention of an American pastor on dubious terrorism allegations. In January, Trump acknowledged the complexities of their relationship, describing Erdogan as a “friend” whom he respected, highlighting a degree of mutual understanding despite previous conflicts.
In summary, President Erdogan’s initial call with President Trump addresses several pressing international issues, including the Russia-Ukraine war and sanctions on Turkey. Emphasis was placed on the necessity for collaboration between the United States and Turkey, particularly concerning Syria. The absence of a U.S. perspective indicates ongoing diplomatic complexities. Ultimately, the relationship reflects a multifaceted dialogue between the two nations, marked by cooperation and contention.
Original Source: www.al-monitor.com
