Turkey’s president Recip Tayyip Erdogan has invited newly-elected U.S. president Donald Trump to visit.
Speaking to reporters after a European summit in Budapest, Erdogan shared his hopes for a stronger and smoother relationship than during Trump’s previous term, which was marked by several disputes.
During Trump’s last term, tensions over Turkey’s ties with Moscow, its purchase of a Russian missile defense system, and U.S. support for Kurdish forces in Syria led to significant fallout between the two countries. The tensions played out in economic sparring, including punitive U.S. tariffs on Turkish steel and metals. As Turkey attacked Kurdish forces in Syria in 2019, Trump swore “totally destroy and obliterate” the Turkish economy in retribution.
Though Erdogan and Trump had shared a more personal rapport for some years prior to these incidents, the relationship went very sour towards the end of the first Trump presidency.
Erdogan is now hopeful for a reset. Turkey’s Trade Minister even stated this week that he was optimistic about the prospect of reduced tariffs on Turkish steel and textiles, despite Trump’s oft-purported stance on increasing tariffs on all imports to the U.S..
According to Reuters, Erdogan said the conversation between himself and Trump was warm, stating: “We had a sincere call with Mr. Trump while he was at a family dinner (that included) Elon Musk and Musk’s child. He had very nice things to say about Turkey regarding the period ahead. We invited him to our country. I hope he accepts.”
Tightening relations between the U.S. and Turkey will be of particular concern to Greece. Though all three countries are in the NATO military alliance, Greece is concerned about Turkish provocations. Greece has sought, and clinched, defense cooperation agreements and arms transfers with the U.S.
