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President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that he hopes both the F-35 issue will be resolved and CAATSA sanctions lifted following discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump, noting he received positive messages on both matters.
"We hope that in the end both the F-35 issue will be resolved and the lifting of CAATSA sanctions will be ensured," Erdogan said on Wednesday, in comments to journalists aboard his plane returning from Azerbaijan on Tuesday, where he attended the 12th summit of the Organization of Turkic States.
"We need to achieve this as well," he noted. President Erdogan also stated that he received "positive signals" from Trump regarding both issues during their meeting.
"We clearly and openly brought up the F-35 issue," Erdogan added.
Erdogan stated that technical talks are underway at all levels to take concrete steps on both the F-35 and CAATSA issues, noting, "Our visit launched a new era in Türkiye-U.S. relations and further strengthened the dialogue and friendship between us."
Erdogan emphasized Ankara's standing in the F-35 program, noting the country has fulfilled its financial and contractual obligations, saying, "Türkiye is a partner in this project, has paid its money and fulfilled its obligations."
"There is no legitimacy to any of the reasons that removed us from this program," Erdogan said.
He said Trump had previously expressed similar views indirectly.
CAATSA sanctions were imposed on Türkiye in 2020 during Trump's first term over Türkiye's decision to purchase Russia's S-400 surface-to-air missile system despite objections from the U.S. administration.
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President Erdogan also warned that Türkiye will not allow Syria to be dragged back into instability, calling on the SDF to keep its promises and complete integration with Syria.
"Those who turn to Ankara and Damascus will win," Erdogan said, adding, "The Turkish, Kurdish and Arab alliance is the key to eternal peace and tranquility in the region. No one should fall for provocations, no one should be captivated by wrong ambitions."
He said the YPG-led SDF must keep its word and complete integration with Syria, stating, "If they act with the spirit of common history and common future, I believe many problems will be solved."
The Turkish president also emphasized that Syria's territorial integrity is non-negotiable for Türkiye, noting that Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and his administration share the same view.
"As Türkiye, we will continue to stand by the Syrian people," Erdogan said.
He lastly noted that Türkiye is closely monitoring all developments in the field, and its patient, prudent, and dignified attitude should never be perceived as weakness.
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