On his return from a Budapest summit, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed confidence in President-elect Donald Trump’s ability to bring diplomacy to the forefront of U.S. foreign policy, potentially aiding in the resolution of conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. Speaking to reporters, Erdogan emphasized a solutions-oriented approach, remarking, “More weapons, bombs, chaos, and conflict will not end this war [in Ukraine], but more dialogue, diplomacy, and agreement will open the door to peace,” according to Anadolu Agency.
Erdogan, who previously maintained close ties with Trump, voiced optimism that renewed U.S.-Turkey relations would facilitate addressing security concerns in northeastern Syria, where U.S. forces currently support Kurdish forces involved in the fight against ISIS. Erdogan views the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) as connected to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a designated terrorist organization by Turkey. He indicated that he would press Trump on the need for a U.S. withdrawal from Syria and an end to military support for the YPG.
In the Middle East, Erdogan said he hoped Trump’s approach could curb arms sales to Israel and address the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. He suggested that halting these supplies could be “a good place to start” for de-escalating tensions in the region.
Reflecting on Trump’s electoral efforts, Erdogan commended Trump’s resilience, noting, “Despite all pressures, including an assassination attempt, Trump conducted a tireless campaign and passed the test without discouragement.” The remarks underscored Erdogan’s hope for diplomatic cooperation under the Trump administration, with an emphasis on direct communication and collaboration on regional security concerns.
