Erdogan: We are ready to take Turkish–American relations to another level. Both the issue of the F-35s and F-16s, as well as the Halk Bank matter, will be at the core of our discussion.

Trump: Usually, I don’t like politicians with strong opinions, but this one is different. Tough, but I like him.

Trump: We will discuss the Patriots and the F-35s. On the table, too, are issues of bilateral trade; Turkey will have the opportunity to purchase what it has been requesting for a long time.
If our discussion goes well, sanctions will be lifted almost automatically.
We will also discuss tariffs.
NATO members have significantly increased purchases of advanced American weapons systems, paying their regular price, and they will continue to do so. I presume that a large portion of these weapons is going to Ukraine.

Trump on Bartholomew’s visit to the White House:

The Greek Orthodox Church was here (at the White House), and they would really like to have some help; they need help, and I said that I would mention it.

It was November 13, 2019, when Recep Tayyip Erdogan was received by Donald Trump at the White House. Since then, much has happened in the world (a pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and the conflict in the Middle East, especially after 2023), as well as among allies.

The presidents are the same once again, but the setting is different—even between the two countries.

In any case, both sides are awaiting the meeting, which begins at 18:00 (Athens time), each for their own reasons.

What Erdogan Wants

The Turkish president will enter the Oval Office with a large “shopping list” that will surely please the American president.

• Perhaps first is the issue of the F-35s, which Turkey has never stopped wanting, despite its expulsion from the program.
• Implementation of the program for the modernization of Turkish F-16s and the purchase of new aircraft, as well as a wide range of weapons.
• A major order of passenger aircraft from Boeing.

Points of Convergence and “Thorns”

Trump considers Erdogan an important partner and a reliable intermediary in his effort to find solutions to the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, the Associated Press reminds us.

The Trump administration also largely agrees with Turkey’s approach toward Syria, as both countries shape their stance toward the country after the fall of Bashar al-Assad last December.

Things are a bit more complicated when it comes to the F-35s. Turkey still possesses the Russian S-400 air defense system, which the U.S. fears could collect data on the capabilities of the stealth fighter jets—data that might end up in Russian hands, exposing potential weaknesses of the aircraft.

Preparations at the White House

Honor guards lined up just before the arrival of the Turkish leader:

• Tayyip Erdogan at the White House for the first time since 2019—when he also met with Donald Trump.
• After the distance during Biden’s presidency, the Turkish president now has in the White House a counterpart with whom he shares more common ground than with other presidents.
• Erdogan goes to the White House with a $50 billion “shopping list,” something that fits Trump’s business-oriented logic.
• What Turkey wants: Return to the F-35 program, the modernization and purchase program for F-16s, a large passenger aircraft order from Boeing, energy deals.
• Turkey wants to have a voice and role in Ukraine, the Middle East, and European security. The U.S. does not disagree with Ankara’s approach and has shown it considers Turkey a partner to be reckoned with.