05.01.2026 14:53
President Erdoğan gave a written interview to Bloomberg. In the interview, Erdoğan addressed the issue of F-35s, stating, "It is important and necessary for Turkey, which has paid the price for the F-35 aircraft, to receive them and to be reintegrated into the program, not only for the two strategic partners, Turkey and the USA, but also for the security of NATO. What is essential for us is the preservation of Turkey's reputation and the unjust punishment of our bank."
President Erdoğan gave a written interview to Bloomberg. In the interview, Erdoğan evaluated the future of Turkey-US relations, the process of returning to the F-35 program, NATO's security, energy security and LNG supply from the US, diplomatic contacts conducted within the scope of the Russia-Ukraine war, the planned International Stabilization Force to be deployed in Gaza, and Turkey's role in this process.
"OUR WISH IS TO REACH A FAIR RESULT"
In his evaluations, President Erdoğan stated, "With the re-assumption of office by Mr. Trump, an opportunity has arisen for a more reasonable and positive ground in Turkey-US relations. It is important and necessary for both Turkey and the US, as strategic partners, as well as for NATO's security, for Turkey to receive the F-35 aircraft it has paid for and to be re-included in the program. What is essential for us is the protection of Turkey's reputation and that our bank is not unjustly punished. Negotiations are continuing within this framework. Our wish is to reach a fair result that is both lawful and commensurate with the strategic partnership between the two countries," he said.
"WE ACT IN LINE WITH OUR ENERGY SECURITY"
In the interview, Erdoğan also stated, "We have significantly increased our LNG supply from the US," indicating that the US holds an important place in Turkey's LNG supply chain. President Erdoğan said, "Turkey's stance is very clear; we act in line with our national interests and energy security. As a country that meets a large part of its hydrocarbon needs through imports, we must act carefully and balanced on every issue that will affect our energy security."
"WE ARE THE ONLY ACTOR CAPABLE OF CONDUCTING STRONG AND BALANCED DIPLOMATIC CONTACTS"
Erdoğan stated, "As Turkey, we are the only actor capable of conducting strong and balanced diplomatic contacts, being able to speak directly with both Mr. Putin and Mr. Zelenskiy, while simultaneously making concrete initiatives in Washington, Brussels, whether in NATO or at the United Nations (UN)."
"IT IS DIFFICULT FOR A MECHANISM WITHOUT TURKEY TO GAIN THE TRUST OF THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE"
Erdoğan said, "The chance of success for the International Stabilization Force to be deployed in Gaza depends on the presence of actors with legitimacy on the ground. It should be known that the countries that are parties to the Sharm el-Sheikh Declaration, including Turkey, are the most legitimate actors in this process. You can appreciate that it is difficult for a mechanism without Turkey to gain the trust of the Palestinian people in this sense. We are in a key position for such a mission due to our deep historical ties with the Palestinian side, the security and diplomatic channels we have conducted with Israel in the past, and our regional effectiveness as a NATO member country," he stated.