Erdoğan, Trump meet at White House to discuss fighter jets and Russian oil

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan visited the White House after a six-year interval to meet with US President Donald Trump.

Trump signaled that the US might soon lift the embargo on the sale of advanced fighter jets to Ankara.

Trump began his two-hour meeting with Erdoğan by expressing hope that the issue could be resolved during their discussions.

The US President stated, “He needs some things, and we need some things, and we will reach a conclusion. You will find out at the end of the day,” and told Erdoğan that he would “succeed in buying the things he wants to buy.”

In a brief chat with reporters as he bid farewell to Erdoğan, the President described the meeting as “a good meeting” but did not provide further details.

Trump later characterized the meeting as “very productive on many different subjects” and said that both countries would release statements about the talks later.

In his remarks to reporters, Trump focused his concerns on Türkiye’s ongoing economic relations with Russia. Türkiye has been one of the largest buyers of Russian fossil fuels since the EU announced a boycott on most Russian seaborne oil in early 2023.

Since January 2023, Ankara has purchased over $90 billion worth of Russian oil, coal, and natural gas.

“The best thing he could do is not buy oil and gas from Russia,” Trump said of Erdoğan.

When Trump gave him the floor for opening remarks, President Erdoğan said they would do their best for the Halki seminary. The Ecumenical Patriarchate has long called for the reopening of this school, which trains clergy for the Orthodox church.

Erdoğan said they would address many topics in the meeting, including Halkbank and the fighter jets.

Erdoğan added that he would discuss this matter with Patriarch Bartholomew. Trump responded, “that’s very good,” saying, “They needed help, and I said I would bring it up.”

Following their talks, the US president said he believed Erdoğan would stop buying oil from Russia, adding, “I don’t want to say that Erdoğan agreed to stop the purchases, but if I want him to, he will.”

Tom Barrack, the US Ambassador to Türkiye and Trump’s envoy for Syria, said the two presidents discussed all major issues in US-Türkiye relations, including Russia and the F-35 program, along with “paths forward.”

When asked if Türkiye was willing to cut its significant oil purchases from Russia, Barrack replied, “You’ll have to ask them that.”

Barrack described the meeting as “epic,” stating, “They are both very strong men. It was historic, to be honest.”

In an assessment for DW Türkçe, Barrack noted that the S-400, F-35, and F-16 issues were also raised during the meeting, saying, “In my opinion, everyone will be very, very surprised at how much the leaders are cooperating with each other. It was a truly great meeting. I am proud of both sides.”

Trump added that Erdoğan is respected by both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, noting, “He can have a major impact if he wants to.”

Trump also argued that Erdoğan deserves praise for supporting the forces that overthrew Bashar al-Assad.

“I think President Erdoğan is the one responsible for the successful fight that overthrew the former leader of Syria. He doesn’t take responsibility for it, but it’s actually a great achievement,” Trump said.

Meanwhile, the latest status of the F-35 and F-16 issue remains unclear. During his remarks to reporters in the Oval Office after his meeting with Erdoğan, Trump, when questioned, said they could “easily reach an agreement” with TurkTürkiyeey on the F-35s “if he wants to,” but noted that “first President Erdoğan has to do something for them,” without providing details on what that might be.

In response to a question about when CAATSA sanctions on Türkiye would be lifted, Trump replied, “It could be very soon. We will have a discussion about that shortly.”

Another topic was the sale of Boeing aircraft. Today, Turkish Airlines (THY) confirmed in a statement to the Public Disclosure Platform (KAP) that it has ordered 225 Boeing aircraft.

The THY statement is as follows:

“In line with the growth targets set forth in our Strategic Plan, which will generate high value for all our company’s stakeholders, our Board of Directors has decided to purchase a total of 75 B787-9 and B787-10 aircraft from Boeing, consisting of 50 firm orders and 25 options, to be delivered between 2029-2034. Negotiations are ongoing with Rolls-Royce and GE Aerospace for the procurement of over-wing engines, spare engines, and engine maintenance services for said aircraft.

Additionally, discussions with Boeing regarding the acquisition of a total of 150 737-8/10MAX type aircraft, comprising 100 firm orders and 50 options, have been completed. The 737-8/10MAX aircraft orders will also be placed upon the successful completion of negotiations with engine manufacturer CFM International.

With these orders, our goal is for our entire fleet to consist of new-generation aircraft by 2035, thereby reinforcing our operational efficiency and achieving an average annual growth rate of 6%.”

THY will thus purchase 75 B787-9 and B787-10 aircraft and 150 737-8/10MAX type aircraft.

Separately, the US and Türkiye signed an agreement facilitating cooperation in the field of civil nuclear energy.

Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said in a post on X, “We have initiated a new process that will further deepen the long-standing and multifaceted partnership between Türkiye and the US in the field of nuclear energy.”

Speaking to CNN Türk, Minister Bayraktar stated, “We aim to cooperate on the installation of nuclear power plants.”

The details of the Strategic Civil Nuclear Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding have not been made public, but the agreement will likely lead to US participation in the construction of nuclear power plants on Turkish territory.