Erdogan and Trump Discuss Russia-Ukraine War and Syria in First Call

In their first official call since Trump’s return to office, Turkish President Erdogan discussed the Russia-Ukraine war and the situation in Syria with President Trump. He emphasized the need for coordination between the two nations and called for lifting U.S. sanctions on Turkey, while interestingly omitting Turkey’s demand concerning the Syrian Democratic Forces partnership with the U.S.

In their inaugural official call since President Trump’s reelection, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan engaged in discussions concerning various pressing issues, notably the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Erdogan expressed support for Trump’s initiatives aimed at terminating the prolonged war and urged for enhanced coordination between Ankara and Washington, as highlighted by Turkey’s Presidential Communications Directorate.

The dialogue also encompassed the situation in Syria, where approximately 2,000 U.S. forces cooperate with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces against the Islamic State. Erdogan underscored the necessity for restoring stability in Syria and advocated for the lifting of sanctions which hinder crucial financial aid from regional nations, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar, to Syria’s emerging Islamist government.

Interestingly, Erdogan’s commentary did not address Turkey’s persistent request for the United States to cease its collaboration with the Syrian Democratic Forces, which Turkey contends is allied with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, a group that has long waged an insurgency against Turkey. This omission may reflect Turkey’s ongoing negotiations with the PKK to resolve its decades-long conflict with the Turkish state.

Erdogan also requested the repeal of sanctions imposed by the U.S. Congress under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act concerning Turkey’s defense sector. These sanctions are tied to Turkey’s acquisition of Russian S-400 missile systems and its military operations in Kurdish-controlled northern Syria.

While the call was marked by a sense of cordiality, past relations between Trump and Erdogan were sometimes tumultuous, particularly following Turkey’s arrest of an American pastor on dubious terrorism accusations. Notably, Trump has previously praised Erdogan, stating that he is a respected friend, indicating a complex yet exchanges-driven relationship between the two leaders.

The recent conversation between Presidents Erdogan and Trump signifies a potential re-engagement of Turkey within the U.S. strategic framework regarding the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and stability in Syria. Erdogan’s calls for increased cooperation and the lifting of sanctions reflect Turkey’s urgent economic needs and political aspirations. The solidification of U.S.-Turkey relations will be contingent upon the navigation of sensitive issues related to the Syrian Democratic Forces and broader regional dynamics.

Original Source: www.al-monitor.com