ANKARA — U.S. President Donald Trump met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara during an official visit held alongside the NATO leaders' summit, with the two allies focusing on defense cooperation, regional security and efforts to strengthen bilateral ties.
Trump was welcomed with an official state ceremony at the Presidential Complex after arriving in the Turkish capital ahead of the alliance meeting. The ceremony included military honors and a 21-gun salute before the two leaders held private talks followed by meetings between their delegations.
According to Turkey's Directorate of Communications, the discussions covered relations between the United States and Türkiye, including defense, trade and investment, as well as regional and global developments. Turkish officials said the leaders reviewed ways to deepen cooperation between the two NATO allies.
Speaking before bilateral talks, Erdoğan said he hoped progress could be made on Türkiye's long-standing effort to acquire F-35 fighter aircraft, an issue that has remained a source of tension between Ankara and Washington. Trump said his administration would examine the matter, while emphasizing the importance of the bilateral relationship.
The meeting came as NATO leaders gathered to discuss defense spending, support for Ukraine and broader security challenges facing the alliance. Trump's visit marked a significant diplomatic event for Erdoğan, whose government has sought closer cooperation with Washington while maintaining Türkiye's strategic role within NATO.
Relations between the two countries have faced strains in recent years over defense procurement, regional conflicts and sanctions, including U.S. restrictions imposed after Türkiye purchased Russia's S-400 air defense system. The F-35 issue has remained a central point of discussion between the allies.
The White House schedule confirmed that Trump participated in a bilateral meeting with Erdoğan before joining NATO summit events, including sessions with alliance leaders and separate meetings with other heads of state.
No major bilateral agreements were announced immediately following the meeting. Both governments said discussions would continue through established diplomatic channels as NATO leaders proceeded with the summit agenda.
