US President Donald Trump urged Turkey to stop purchasing oil from Russia as he welcomed Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan to the White House on Thursday, signalling a possible shift in relations between the two Nato allies. Trump also hinted that Washington could lift sanctions on Ankara, allowing it to buy advanced F-35 fighter jets if talks with Erdogan went well.

“I’d like to have him stop buying any oil from Russia while Russia continues this rampage against Ukraine,” Trump said, calling Moscow a “paper tiger.”

He added that sanctions on Turkey could be lifted “very soon” and even “almost immediately” if the meeting proved successful.

Erdogan’s first visit to the White House in nearly six years began with a friendly reception. Seated alongside him in the Oval Office, Trump called the Turkish leader as a “very tough man” and insisted that they remained “friends,” contrasting his approach with that of former president Joe Biden, who had kept Turkey at a distance.

Relations between Washington and Ankara were strained during Biden’s presidency, especially over Turkey’s purchase of Russian S-400 missile systems and its close ties with Moscow. Trump, by contrast, has been more open to engaging Erdogan despite tensions over human rights and foreign policy.

The two leaders now find common ground in Syria, where both back the central government after years of disagreement. However, they remain divided on Israel’s war in Gaza, with Erdogan calling Israel’s actions genocide, a position at odds with US policy.

TURKEY PUSHES FOR F-35 DEAL

The future of Turkey’s air power was also at the centre. In 2020, Trump’s administration imposed sanctions on Ankara over its acquisition of the S-400s, blocking Turkey from purchasing or manufacturing parts for the US-made F-35 fighter jet.

Erdogan is now pressing for access to both the F-35 and 40 new F-16 jets. Trump signalled a willingness to consider Turkey’s requests. “I think he’ll be successful in buying the things that he wants to buy,” he told reporters.

The Turkish President has made clear he is eager to see the hold on F-35s lifted, telling Trump that he came prepared to “thoroughly discuss” the issue.

For Ankara, strengthening its air force is vital amid growing threats in the Middle East, the Eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea, where it shares borders both Russia and Ukraine.

– Ends

With inputs from agencies

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