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U.S. President Donald Trump will welcome President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the White House on September 25, as the two leaders prepare to advance significant military and commercial agreements between their nations.
The meeting comes as both countries work to finalize multiple defense deals, including what Trump described as "a major F-16 Deal" and ongoing negotiations over Türkiye's participation in the F-35 fighter jet program. The discussions also encompass a substantial Boeing aircraft purchase by Türkiye.
"We are working on many Trade and Military Deals with the President, including the large scale purchase of Boeing aircraft, a major F-16 Deal, and a continuation of the F-35 talks, which we expect to conclude positively," Trump said in announcing the meeting.
The F-35 negotiations represent a particularly significant development, as Türkiye was removed from the stealth fighter program in 2019 following its acquisition of Russian S-400 missile defense systems. The move strained relations between the NATO allies, with the U.S. arguing that the Russian system posed security risks to the advanced fighter aircraft.
Türkiye's potential return to the F-35 program would mark a notable shift in bilateral defense cooperation and could signal broader improvements in U.S.-Türkiye relations.
The September 25 meeting underscores the personal diplomatic relationship between the two leaders. "President Erdogan and I have always had a very good relationship. I look forward to seeing him on the 25th!" Trump stated.
The talks are expected to address Türkiye's strategic position as a NATO member bridging Europe and Asia, amid ongoing regional security challenges and evolving defense partnership arrangements.
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