Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stressed the importance of cooperation between Turkey and the United States in dealing with major world crises, including those in the Gaza Strip in Palestine and in Ukraine, the Anatolian News Agency reported.
"We are facing numerous challenges, including the Palestinian issue and the Russian-Ukrainian crisis. Dealing with them is possible through cooperation between Turkey and the United States," Erdogan said on his return from Budapest, where he attended a European summit.
He also stressed the potential for a renewed partnership, noting positive comments about Turkey from former US President Donald Trump. On 5 November, the Republican was elected to return to the White House for another term. "We invited him to our country, we hope he will accept our invitation," the Turkish leader stated.
Erdogan added that he and Trump had previously worked together on important issues during the US president's first term from 2017-2021. "Although there have been differences of opinion from time to time, the model of partnership between Turkey and the United States is undeniable."
The Turkish president underscored the shared interest in Middle East peace, highlighting Trump's previous commitment to addressing regional conflicts.
"You know that Trump promised to end the conflicts initiated by Israel. We want that promise to be fulfilled and for Israel to be told to 'stop,'" he explained.
Erdogan also addressed the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war. He advocated a diplomatic solution.
"More weapons, more bombs, more chaos and more conflict will not end this war. More dialogue, more diplomacy and more consensus can open the door to peace," he said. The Turkish leader added that Turkey has facilitated negotiations in the past and could do so again.
Erdogan concluded by criticizing the policies in the region of the outgoing US administration, warning, "Continuing the policies of the Biden administration will deepen the impasse in the region and expand the conflict. We don't want that at all."
He also reaffirmed Turkey's desire for fair relations with the EU, urging it to take a "visionary approach" to improve cooperation. | BGNES
