President Donald Trump mentioned on Monday that he had a “productive” conversation with Turkish President Recep Erdogan, covering several topics, including the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
In a post on his social media platform, Trump stated, “I just had a very good and productive telephone conversation with Turkish President Recep Erdogan on many subjects, including the war with Russia/Ukraine, Syria, Gaza, and more.” He expressed optimism about collaborating with Erdogan to bring an end to what he described as a “silly but deadly” war.
During his 16th week in office, Trump has been busy with discussions, including meetings with Canadian officials and ongoing trade negotiations.
While Trump aims to resolve the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, recent U.S. communications suggest that expectations surrounding the peace talks have been tempered. The situation in Gaza remains a priority for the Trump administration, especially as Israel works to retrieve hostages following a deadly attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Trump noted that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears to be managing the situation in Gaza well.
Reflecting on his first term, Trump characterized his relationship with Erdogan as “excellent,” mentioning an invitation from the Turkish leader for him to visit Turkey in the future. Trump also indicated that Erdogan has plans to come to Washington, D.C., although no specific dates have been shared yet.
Trump highlighted their collaboration on various issues, including the return of American Andrew Branson, who was imprisoned in Turkey for over two years under accusations related to his associations with outlaw groups amid a government crackdown following a failed coup.
