Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan described his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump as a positive milestone. He said the visit was “so beautiful it cannot be stained by smear campaigns.”
A constructive atmosphere in Washington
Speaking to reporters on his return flight from the United States on September 25, Erdoğan emphasized the productive tone of the talks. President Erdoğan noted his long-standing rapport with Trump, stressing that their dialogue had remained strong since Trump’s first term.
The visit followed Erdoğan’s address to the 80th U.N. General Assembly in New York on September 21. After that, he traveled to Washington, where Trump welcomed him with an official ceremony. The program included a working lunch and a private discussion in the Oval Office.
Commitment to $100 billion trade target
Erdoğan underlined that the trip would strengthen bilateral relations. “We are advancing our relations with America on the basis of mutual respect,” he said.
However, he acknowledged that no single meeting could solve every issue. Even so, the talks created momentum for progress on many fronts.
A central outcome was the reaffirmation of a shared commitment to the $100 billion trade target. Both leaders agreed that this goal could anchor future economic cooperation.
Shared concern for Gaza and global peace
Gaza was another key topic at the White House. Erdoğan explained that both sides recognized the urgent need to stop the violence. Moreover, Erdoğan voiced support for Trump’s vision of “global peace,” adding that the meeting built on earlier discussions at the U.N. General Assembly.
He also reaffirmed that a two-state solution is the only path to lasting peace in Palestine. “The current situation is unsustainable, and Mr. Trump is aware of this,” Erdoğan said.
In addition, he argued that Israel was becoming more isolated at the U.N. due to its actions. On recent recognitions of Palestinian statehood, Erdoğan called the steps meaningful but insufficient. He urged governments, civil society, and opinion leaders to apply stronger pressure on Israel.
Warning over Israel’s wider regional impact
Erdoğan warned that Israel’s military actions would not remain confined to Palestine. For example, he pointed to Israeli attacks in Syria that undermined stability and peace efforts.
Turkey, he stressed, places priority on Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He envisioned a country where Arabs, Turkmens, Kurds, Sunnis, Alawites, Druze, and Christians live together in peace.
At the same time, he made clear that terrorist groups have no role in Syria’s future. He urged the international community to act responsibly and to avoid policies that embolden militants. Therefore, he called for the lifting of sanctions on Syria, arguing this would support peace and reconstruction.
Turkey’s peace-oriented foreign policy
The president concluded by underlining Turkey’s broader foreign policy stance. “Until the bloodshed stops, we as Turkey will continue our struggle,” he said.
He stressed that Turkey follows a peace-oriented approach and will not bow to pressure or intimidation. The White House visit, he added, reinforced this commitment. For Erdoğan, the meeting showed that engagement based on sincerity and mutual respect can deliver results in trade, diplomacy, and peace.
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