Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday he welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump’s approach to Syria, describing it as one that takes Türkiye’s concerns into account, and expressed optimism about a renewed momentum in bilateral relations.
Speaking to reporters on his return from a visit to Italy, Erdogan said he and Trump understand each other as leaders when it comes to the Syrian conflict.
“I believe my friend Trump and I will bring very different momentum to U.S.-Türkiye relations in the coming days,” he said.
Erdogan added that he expects to meet Trump in person at the earliest opportunity, noting that their recent phone call had been “cordial, productive, and friendly.”
The Turkish president also criticized Israel’s recent strikes in Syria, calling them an attempt to destabilize the positive climate emerging under Damascus’ new leadership. He dismissed the notion of a federal structure in Syria as a “pipe dream” disconnected from reality.
On relations with Italy, Erdogan said Ankara and Rome are exploring broader cooperation in the defense sector as well as in high-tech fields such as aerospace and aviation. He added that reciprocal technology transfers would bolster Türkiye’s domestic defense industry and offer Italy new strategic opportunities.
