Trump Remarks by Erdogan
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said,“Let a very different process begin between Turkey and the United States of America” after Donald Trump was re-elected as the US president.“I am still hopeful about Assad. I still have hope that we can come together and hopefully put Syria-Turkey relations back on track,” he said, referring to his appearance in the family photo taken with Assad in Saudi Arabia.
Bilateral Meetings Instead of Telephone Diplomacy
Erdoğan answered the questions of journalists on the plane after returning from his visit to Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan. Erdoğan said, “The development of relations between Turkey and the United States of America cannot be achieved through telephone diplomacy” and argued that bilateral meetings should be held instead of telephone diplomacy:
- ‘The development of relations between Turkey and the United States in the new era cannot be achieved through telephone diplomacy.
- We will come together with Trump in international meetings or bilateral meetings and evaluate the process.
- How Trump’s cabinet will be formed and the meetings we will have with our friends in this cabinet will deepen our relations.
Erdoğan stated that there are always opportunities between the two countries and that these opportunities should be utilised. He emphasised that Turkey’s strategic geographical location and young population offer investment opportunities.
Cooperation Message with Elon Musk
Erdoğan also gave a message of cooperation with Elon Musk, who supported Trump’s election process:
- Musk sided with Trump and is a name that closely follows technology.
- We held a meeting with Musk in Turkey in the field of space and technology.
- If opportunities for cooperation arise, steps can be taken with Musk.
Importance of Meetings with Trump
When asked about Trump’s new regional strategy, Erdoğan said “it is still early” and pointed to January:
- We will see what will happen when Trump takes over from Biden.
- In the past, our meetings with Trump were incomparably more than with Biden.
Israel and International Reactions
Erdoğan also evaluated the attitude of Russia and China towards Israel:
- It is important that China and Russia characterise Israel’s attacks as unjust and unlawful.
- As long as arms and ammunition deliveries to Israel continue, Israel will become more aggressive.
- People are experiencing serious difficulties every day when humanitarian aid cannot be delivered uninterruptedly.
A Great Test of Humanity
Erdoğan criticised the Western countries on Israel and said: “Since the day Israel started the genocide in Gaza, we invite everyone to be against the massacres and deaths.” At this point, he emphasised that being human is enough:
- Having human values is more important than what language or belief you have.
- Every day that Israel is not stopped, the humanitarian picture gets worse.
- Striving for the recognition of the State of Palestine is an important concrete step.
Turkey’s Relations with Israel
Erdoğan slammed the allegations that Turkey still maintains commercial relations with Israel and said,“The government of the Republic of Turkey, headed by Erdoğan, will not continue its law with Israel.” He stated that the government is firmly determined:
- The State and Government of the Republic of Turkey have severed relations with Israel.
- No steps are being taken to improve trade and relations with Israel.
Hopes for Assad
Erdoğan stated that he took part in the Extraordinary Summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab League with Assad and said : “I am still hopeful about Bashar al-Assad “. He emphasised that the relations between Syria and Turkey should be reviewed:
- The steps to be taken for a just and lasting peace in Syria are clear.
- Assad should take steps to initiate a new climate in his country.
Instability and Security in Syria
Erdoğan stated that the instability in northern Syria poses a security risk:
- 30 kilometres deep, steps have been taken to destroy terrorist organisations.
- Cross-border operations are always on our agenda for the security of our country.
In conclusion, Erdoğan stated that Turkey respects Syria’s territorial integrity, but the presence of terrorist organisations in northern Syria poses a security risk and must be eliminated.
