Erdogan welcomes Trump's approach to 'Turkish sensitivities'

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed optimism Wednesday about a significant improvement in relations with the United States under President Donald Trump, praising the American leader’s approach to Turkish concerns.

“Türkiye welcomes US President Donald Trump’s attitude that takes into account its sensitivities,” Erdogan told reporters during his return flight from Italy. He added that the two leaders “understand each other” particularly on the contentious issue of Syria.

Erdogan projected confidence about the future of bilateral relations, stating: “I believe my friend Trump and I will bring very different momentum” to US-Türkiye relations in the coming days.

Photo shows US President Trump and Turkish President Erdogan speaking. — U.S. President Donald Trump meets with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the Oval Office of the White House, Washington, U.S. on November 13, 2019. (AFP Photo)

Fresh start for US-Türkiye diplomatic ties

President emphasized the positive personal rapport developing between the two leaders, describing their recent phone conversation as “quite cordial, productive, and friendly.” Erdogan indicated plans for direct engagement, saying he will meet with Trump “face-to-face at the first opportunity.”

This warmth represents a potential turning point for the NATO allies, whose relationship has weathered significant strains in recent years over various regional security issues.

Finding common ground on Syria policy

Erdogan specifically highlighted Syria as an area where he believes the two leaders have achieved mutual understanding. The conflict has been a persistent source of tension in US-Türkiye relations, particularly regarding Kurdish forces in northern Syria that Türkiye considers terrorists but that previously received US support in the fight against ISIS.

The Turkish president criticized Israel’s military operations in Syrian territory, calling them “an attempt to undermine the positive climate that began with the new government in Damascus.”

A US soldier stands guard outside an oil field as troops patrol the area near Syria's northeastern border with Türkiye in the Qahtaniyah countryside in the far northeast corner of Hasakeh — A US soldier stands guard outside an oil field as troops patrol the area near Syria’s northeastern border with Türkiye in the Qahtaniyah countryside in the far northeast corner of Hasakeh province on September 3, 2024. (AFP Photo)

Rejecting federal structures for Syria

Erdogan firmly rejected the concept of a federal structure for Syria as “nothing more than a pipe dream with no place in the country’s reality,” reinforcing Türkiye’s opposition to autonomous Kurdish regions near its border.

Erdogan’s comments suggest he anticipates the Trump administration will be more receptive to Türkiye’s security concerns regarding Syria than previous US administrations have been, potentially marking a significant shift in US policy in the region.