07.07.2026 15:00
United States President Donald Trump, who came to Turkey for the historic NATO Leaders Summit hosted in Ankara, was welcomed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan with an official ceremony. During the reception, Trump was heard pointing to the "Flying White House" and saying, "This is the first international flight of this aircraft. A brand new plane."
Leaders continue to arrive in the capital Ankara for the 36th NATO Summit, which has the world's attention. The special aircraft carrying US President Donald Trump touched down at Ankara Airport around 13:50.
WARM WELCOME AT THE PLANE DOOR
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed US President Trump directly at the plane door. The warm conversation between the two leaders during their greeting was captured by cameras.
During the conversation, Trump was heard pointing to the aircraft he used and saying to President Erdogan, "This is the first international flight of this plane. A brand new plane."
CONVERTED FOR 500 MILLION DOLLARS
The Boeing 747-8 type aircraft, worth approximately 500 million dollars and gifted to the US by Qatar, is known to have been specially converted by the US Air Force into the "Flying White House" form. Trump's visit to Turkey was recorded as one of the first international missions for this special aircraft.
TURKISH GREETING TO THE HONOR GUARD: "MERHABA ASKER"
After disembarking, the official welcoming ceremony began. Walking on the red carpet, US President Donald Trump greeted the Guard Regiment Honor Guard in Turkish, saying "Merhaba asker" (Hello soldier).
FIRST MEETING HELD AT THE AIRPORT
Following the welcoming ceremony, Erdogan and Trump proceeded to the VIP lounge at the airport for their first brief meeting before the summit. Within the intense agenda of the NATO Summit, the two leaders will later hold a comprehensive one-on-one and delegation-level meeting at the Presidential Complex (Bestape).