Erdogan and Trump Discuss Key Geopolitical Issues in Inaugural Call

During their inaugural phone call, President Erdogan and President Trump discussed the Russia-Ukraine war, the situation in Syria, and sanctions on Turkey. Erdogan emphasized the need for cooperation and restoring stability in Syria, while advocating for the lifting of U.S. sanctions affecting Turkish defense initiatives.

On Sunday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan conducted his first official phone call with President Donald Trump since Trump resumed office, discussing pivotal issues such as the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and the situation in Syria. The discussion, as detailed by Turkey’s Presidential Communications Directorate, emphasized the necessity of collaborative efforts between Washington and Ankara to resolve the protracted war in Ukraine.

Erdogan underscored the imperative of restoring stability in Syria, drawing attention to the presence of approximately 2,000 U.S. forces allied with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces to combat the Islamic State. He urged the lifting of U.S. sanctions, which hinder crucial financial aid that regional stakeholders, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar, are reluctant to extend due to fears of repercussions from the international financial system.

Notably, Turkey’s communications did not address its longstanding demand for the U.S. to terminate its collaboration with the Syrian Democratic Forces, suspected of connections to a Kurdish group that has engaged in an armed insurgency against Turkey. This omission may correlate with Turkey’s attempts to negotiate a resolution with the Kurdistan Workers Party, which has been in conflict with the Turkish government for over four decades.

Furthermore, Erdogan advocated for the annulment of sanctions imposed on Turkey’s defense sector, which are connected to Turkey’s procurement of Russian S-400 missile systems and its military actions in northern Syria in 2019. As of the publication of this article, the White House had yet to provide a comment regarding this conversation.

Historically, Erdoğan and Trump maintained a cordial relationship, albeit marred by tensions such as the detention of an American pastor in Turkey. Earlier in January, Trump remarked positively about Erdogan, stating, “President Erdogan is a friend of mine. He’s a guy I like, respect. I think he respects me also” while also mentioning Erdogan’s restraint against military actions toward Kurdish forces.

In conclusion, President Erdogan’s first official call with President Trump since his return to office addressed major international issues, particularly focusing on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the situation in Syria. Erdogan called for enhanced cooperation between the U.S. and Turkey and urged for the lifting of sanctions that obstruct humanitarian aid. The dialogue suggests a potential shift in bilateral relations, despite the historical tensions surrounding military and political issues.

Original Source: www.al-monitor.com