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U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday offered effusive praise for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, crediting him as a key intermediary in achieving a Gaza ceasefire and describing their relationship as one built on mutual reliance.
"He is always there when I need him. He is such a tough guy, he is tough as you can be but we love him," Trump said of Erdogan. "When they have a problem with you they always call me to handle it and usually I come through. We just have a good relationship."
The remarks came during a signing ceremony in the Egyptian resort city, where Trump appeared alongside Erdogan, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and Qatari leaders to mark progress on the ceasefire agreement.
Trump highlighted Türkiye's military strength, saying Erdogan leads "one of the most powerful armies, actually, in the world. It's much more powerful than he even lets known."
"He's a tough cookie, but he's been my friend, and every time I've ever needed him, he's been there for me," Trump added, calling the Turkish leader "amazing" and saying he "never fails us."
The summit, hosted by Egypt, aims to "end the war in the Gaza Strip, enhance efforts to bring peace and stability to the Middle East, and usher in a new phase of regional security and stability," according to Egyptian officials.
The gathering followed a prisoner exchange earlier Monday in which all 20 living Israeli hostages held in Gaza were released from captivity. Hundreds of Palestinian prisoners were freed from Israel's Ofer military prison and facilities in the Negev Desert.
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