08.07.2026 08:50
The close contact reflected on cameras between President Erdoğan and US President Donald Trump at the historic NATO Summit in Ankara caused a huge stir in the world media. The US press interpreted Trump's sincere acceptance of this intimacy, despite normally being averse to physical contact, as an "unusual situation," while noting that the relationship between the two leaders has a much more special and different bond than other allies.
The 36th NATO Summit of Heads of State and Government held in Ankara became the top agenda item for world media with the sincere and warm dialogue between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and US President Donald Trump. The striking words uttered by President Trump during the summit resonated widely on the global stage.
A HISTORIC DAY IN ANKARA: FIRST VISIT IN 16 YEARS
One of the most critical meetings of global diplomacy, the 36th NATO Leaders Summit began yesterday in the capital Ankara, hosted by President Erdoğan. This summit marks Trump's first visit to Turkey during his presidency. Turkey last hosted a US President in April 2009 when Barack Obama was in office.
The plane carrying Trump touched down at Ankara Airport at 13:50 yesterday. President Erdoğan, who welcomed his guest with an official ceremony at the plane door, showed great interest from the very first moment. The two leaders walking arm in arm during the welcoming ceremony, presenting warm images, drew attention.
Trump saluted the Guard Regiment Ceremony Platoon in Turkish saying "Hello soldiers" and during a brief conversation, pointing to the new presidential plane gifted by Qatar, he said, "This is the first international flight of this plane. A brand new plane. 800 million dollars."
WORLD MEDIA FOCUSED ON ANKARA: TRUMP DOESN'T ACT LIKE THIS WITH EVERYONE
The warm images of the two leaders at the airport and their closeness throughout the summit were closely followed minute by minute by international television channels and newspapers.
Fox News: The bond is different
In its analysis examining the body language between the two leaders, the American news channel Fox News made a striking assessment:
"It's not usual for Trump to be touched. That Trump accepts it, reciprocates... The bond between them... Erdoğan stands apart from other NATO leaders. The President is closer to Erdoğan compared to other NATO leaders."
The channel also stated that Trump does not approach everyone this way, emphasizing that President Erdoğan clearly differs from other leaders.
CNN International: The channel, which broadcast the summit live to its viewers, highlighted the close relationship between the two countries and carried Trump's messages about the possible lifting of CAATSA sanctions as a "breaking news" item.
BBC: The British broadcaster emphasized Trump's statement that the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey could be reconsidered.
New York Times: In its analysis, the newspaper noted that Turkey has risen to the position of an ally gaining renewed value within NATO due to geopolitical factors.
European press: In European media, evaluations focused on the critical role Turkish defense industry could play in Europe's rearmament process.
TRUMP: I WOULDN'T HAVE ATTENDED THIS SUMMIT WITHOUT MR. ERDOĞAN
Listing his criticisms of allied countries during the summit, US President Donald Trump said NATO has disappointed him. Stating that the US has invested trillions of dollars in NATO and tested who would stand by them in difficult times, Trump openly expressed his trust in President Erdoğan with these words while criticizing European countries:
"I wouldn't have attended this summit without Mr. Erdoğan. Having the summit in Turkey is a big deal. We did something in Iran. We invested trillions of dollars in NATO. We tested whether they would stand by us. Italy, Germany, France left us halfway."