09.07.2026 15:20
The 36th NATO Leaders Summit hosted by Ankara continues to be the top agenda item in the international press. In its comprehensive analysis, the British news agency Reuters examined the close dialogue between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and US President Donald Trump, describing this historic summit as a "major diplomatic gain" for Turkey.
The NATO Summit in Ankara, which opened the door to a new era in relations between Turkey and the US, is also closely followed by the world press. In an analysis by Reuters based on the views of foreign diplomats and the behind-the-scenes of the summit, it was emphasized that the warm contacts between the leaders have the potential to open a brand new page in Turkish-American relations.
WARM RELATIONS BETWEEN LEADERS MELT THE ICE IN BILATERAL TIES
According to several foreign diplomats speaking to Reuters, even Donald Trump's personal attendance at the summit in Ankara is a major diplomatic achievement for Turkey in itself.
In the analysis, the joking exchanges between Erdogan and Trump in front of cameras, their mutual praises, and their warm attitudes were found noteworthy, despite communicating through interpreters. It was commented that these warm images have melted the ice in bilateral relations, which have followed a volatile course in recent years.
WILL THE CONGRESSIONAL HURDLE ON F-35 AND S-400 BE OVERCOME?
The defense industry, one of the most critical topics of the summit, was also at the center of the Reuters analysis. It was stated that the US President is favorable to selling F-35 fighter jets to Turkey again, but no final decision has been made yet. While Turkey aims to have CAATSA sanctions lifted and return to the F-35 program, the legal obstacles in the US Congress were highlighted. Current US laws do not permit this return as long as Turkey possesses Russian-origin S-400 air defense systems.
According to the analysis, the scenario of Turkey abandoning the S-400s could present new and challenging diplomatic issues for Ankara due to contracts with Russia and end-user obligations. Reuters noted that this spring-like atmosphere between the leaders occurring just a few weeks after the conclusion of the judicial process regarding the Halkbank case in the US is an extremely critical timing for the diplomatic climate.
WEST PUTS DOMESTIC POLITICS CRITICISMS ON SHELF
The article stated that the emphasis on human rights and democracy, which the Joe Biden administration highlighted in bilateral relations, has been completely replaced by a "strategic and security-focused" approach during the Trump era. Behind Western countries shelving their domestic political criticisms of Turkey lie two main reasons: Turkey's rise in recent years as a globally critical producer in military technology, and Turkey being seen as the most vital balancing factor and strategic partner on NATO's southeastern flank against Russia.
WELCOME CEREMONY LIKE A "MILITARY POWER DISPLAY"
The Reuters analysis also featured not just behind-closed-doors diplomacy, but Ankara's magnificent hosting. The arrival of US President Donald Trump at the Presidential Complex, where he was greeted by 100 mounted cavalry, a ceremonial guard, and traditional Ottoman guards, was interpreted by the agency as a "military power display." Additionally, the aerial display by Turkish warplanes, leaving red, white, and blue trails in the sky during the walk of Erdogan and Trump, was recorded as one of the most memorable moments of the summit in terms of the visual message sent to the world.