Erdogan and Trump Discuss Russia-Ukraine War and Syria in First Call

Turkish President Erdogan and President Trump conducted their first official phone call since Trump’s return to office, discussing the Russia-Ukraine war, the situation in Syria, and the lifting of U.S. sanctions on Turkey. Erdogan emphasized collaboration to end the war and improve stability in Syria. The call did not mention Turkey’s demands regarding U.S. support for the SDF.

In a significant development, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held his inaugural phone call with President Donald Trump since Trump’s re-election, focusing on critical issues such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the situation in Syria. This discussion, as reported by Turkey’s Presidential Communications Directorate, highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts between Ankara and Washington to achieve peace in Ukraine.

During the conversation, President Erdogan expressed his support for Trump’s initiatives aimed at ceasing the prolonged Russia-Ukraine war and emphasized the need for increased coordination between the two nations. Additionally, Erdogan raised concerns regarding Syria, particularly the importance of establishing stability within the war-torn region, while also advocating for the lifting of U.S. sanctions that impede financial assistance from countries seeking to support Syria’s Islamist government.

It is noteworthy that Turkey’s official account did not address Ankara’s longstanding demand for an end to U.S. collaboration with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). This omission may reflect Turkey’s efforts to negotiate with the Kurdistan Workers Party regarding its extended insurgency against Turkey. Erdogan also called for the lifting of sanctions from the U.S. Congress on Turkey’s defense sector, which were imposed following Turkey’s acquisition of Russian S400 missile systems and its military actions in northern Syria.

Currently, there has been no official commentary from the White House regarding this call. It is worth highlighting that President Trump and Erdogan maintained a complicated yet cordial relationship during Trump’s first term, marred by tensions such as the incarceration of an American pastor in Turkey. Trump has previously referred to Erdogan as a friend, praising mutual respect between the leaders.

In conclusion, the recent phone call between Presidents Erdogan and Trump serves as an important diplomatic engagement addressing key topics such as the Russia-Ukraine war, the complexities in Syria, and the sanctions affecting Turkey. The discussion underscores the necessity for enhanced cooperation between Turkey and the United States while also shedding light on the sensitive nature of U.S.-Turkey relations amidst ongoing geopolitical challenges.

Original Source: www.al-monitor.com