07.07.2026 16:00
Within the scope of the historic NATO Summit hosted by Ankara, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and US President Donald Trump came together at the Presidential Complex. Before the meeting, the two leaders appeared before the press, delivering warm messages on bilateral relations, while Trump left the door open by saying "Why not" regarding F-35 fighter jets. Erdoğan stated, "We have received a commitment for 5 aircraft, and we expect good news."
President Erdoğan, hosting US President Trump, who is in the capital for the NATO Summit, at Beştepe, appeared before the press prior to their meeting.
Erdoğan addressed his counterpart with the following words:
"I welcome him. I particularly want to express how important this visit is. The fact that the NATO Summit is being held in Ankara today and that all leaders are gathering in our country now, and that I will be with my valued friend Trump tomorrow, will give us additional strength."
TRUMP'S PRAISE FOR ERDOĞAN AND TURKEY
Taking the floor at the press conference, US President Donald Trump emphasized his personal friendship with President Erdoğan and highlighted Turkey's military and regional power.
"WE ARE VERY CLOSE FRIENDS"
"It has been widely reported in the press; we are very close friends. We have had a good relationship from the start. Our relationship is very special," Trump began his remarks, also praising Ankara's infrastructure. Expressing his satisfaction at seeing a building named after him as soon as he landed at the airport, the US President said, "The airport is very beautiful, all the roads are new."
Trump made special note of Turkey's military capacity and President Erdoğan's leadership, stating that Turkey has a very strong leader and military power. "Because of this relationship, everything is going well. I have great respect for the President," Trump said, also offering hints about the details of the meeting.
IRAN WILL ALSO BE ON THE AGENDA
Stating that Iran is one of the critical issues on the two leaders' agenda, Trump gave clear messages on this matter, saying, "We will likely talk about Iran in our meeting. We have largely destroyed its army. They cannot have nuclear weapons."
Trump also noted that there has been a very productive exchange between the two, expressing that he is honored to be in Turkey and that they have had a wonderful meeting and accomplished many things together.
TRUMP LEFT THE DOOR OPEN FOR THE F-35
One of the most anticipated topics during the Q&A session of the meeting was Turkey's F-35 procurement process. Trump gave a very measured response to the question about F-35 fighter jets, leaving the door open for a sale:
"This is our decision to make. We have a very good relationship. Everyone is saying, 'Why wouldn't we do this?' Turkey is also loyal to most countries. This is a matter we are considering. The F-35 is the world's best aircraft, and we will think about it."
PRESIDENT ERDOĞAN: WE SECURED A COMMITMENT FOR 5 PLANES
Regarding the F-35 aircraft, Erdoğan stated, "Of course, the F-35 is not a new topic for us, and we previously discussed it with the US, and we secured a commitment for 5 planes. Mr. Trump has given us his word, and I know that in the talks at this summit, the commitment we received from him regarding the F-35 has been positively tested for the future. Mr. Trump always stands by his word on this matter. I believe a favorable decision will emerge on the F-35."