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President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Wednesday that he may visit the United States for face-to-face meetings with President Donald Trump, while outlining Türkiye's role in recent diplomatic breakthroughs on Syria sanctions.
Speaking to journalists upon his return from Hungary, Erdogan addressed Türkiye's growing international influence and detailed ongoing efforts to resolve Syria's complex security challenges, including the future of terror group YPG and Daesh detainees.
Erdogan described coordinated diplomacy that led to the lifting of sanctions on Syria by both the United States and European Union. He said he discussed Syria sanctions directly with Trump during a phone call, followed by participation in a virtual meeting during Trump's visit to Riyadh.
"We participated online in the meeting there. The vision created there was implemented by our Foreign Ministers as a result of their meetings," Erdogan said. "After the U.S. declaration, the European Union Foreign Ministers Council also made a decision. They announced that they lifted their sanctions."
The president characterized these developments as "extremely important steps for Syria to achieve stability in the region" and evidence of Türkiye's "constructive diplomacy" producing results.
Erdogan outlined Türkiye's approach to the YPG terrorist group in Syria, describing multiple ongoing processes. He said Türkiye, along with the United States, Syria and Iraq, has established a committee to address Daesh detainees held by YPG terrorists and civilians in camps.
"We are dealing with the issue of 'What will happen to Daesh detainees and civilians living in camps, especially women and children?'" Erdogan said. "Detailed work continues on them."
The president framed the YPG's future in terms of choosing between responding to Türkiye's calls or adhering to a March 8 agreement made in Damascus. He indicated that Türkiye's intelligence chief has increased contacts with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa regarding these issues.
When asked about a Newsweek article describing him as "one of the world's most powerful men" and a Trump ally, Erdogan emphasized Türkiye's strengthening international position.
"Türkiye is getting stronger, and as it gets stronger, its effectiveness increases," he said. "These evaluations reveal Türkiye's strategic importance in the international arena."
Erdogan said Türkiye maintains good relationships with many leaders beyond Trump and suggested a potential U.S. visit. "Maybe I could have a trip to America. I think we would have the chance to have our face-to-face meeting with Mr. Trump there."
He described U.S.-Türkiye relations as more significant than some assume, saying Trump has a "very positive" view of Türkiye and that the relationship is based on "mutual respect and sincerity."
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