US President Donald Trump has dominated the first day of the NATO Summit in Ankara with his statements on relations with Turkey, hinting that he wants Ankara to return to the F-35 fighter jet program and lift US sanctions imposed under the CAATSA law.
Trump was warmly received by the Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, at the Ankara airport, where the atmosphere between the two leaders was assessed as very friendly. The American president arrived with the presidential plane, while during the reception the American ambassador greeted the Turkish military contingent with the words “Merhaba asker” (“Hello, soldier”).
In his statements from the Presidential Palace, Trump said his administration is seriously considering Turkey’s return to the F-35 program.
“Turkey is more loyal than most countries. The F-35 is the best aircraft in the world and we are looking into this issue,” he declared. The American president also stated that he wants to lift the CAATSA sanctions against Ankara.
“We’re going to lift the sanctions. The time has come. We don’t want to impose sanctions on our friends, and I don’t want to suffocate my friend with sanctions,” Trump said.
He did not spare praise for Erdogan, describing him as a “very close friend” and stressing that the relationship between them is “very special”.
“Turkey has a very strong leader and a very powerful army. I have great respect for President Erdogan,” said Trump, adding that the two leaders could also discuss the situation in Iran.
For his part, Erdogan stated that the F-35 issue is not new and that he expects the US to keep its promise to return Turkey to the program.
“Mr. Trump always keeps his word on this matter. I believe that a positive decision will be made on the F-35,” said the Turkish president.
However, despite Trump’s optimistic statements, Turkey’s return to the F-35 program remains complicated, as the lifting of CAATSA sanctions also requires the approval of the US Congress.
In addition to the F-35 issue, Turkey aims to ensure unconditional participation in the European defense program SAFE and advance cooperation with the European Union in the defense industry.
At the heart of the NATO Summit is the increase in defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, military support for Ukraine and strengthening of the Alliance’s defense industry.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also announced new deals to buy military equipment worth more than $40 billion over the next five years, calling for a “transatlantic revolution” in the defense industry to respond to growing threats.
