26.09.2025 08:30
President Erdoğan's visit to the United States to attend the United Nations General Assembly and his critical meeting with Trump at the White House received extensive coverage in the world press. While the meeting was interpreted as a "new chapter" in Ankara-Washington relations, the Greek media viewed it as "Turkey at the table, and we are not." Additionally, they provided significant coverage of developments regarding the F-35s and Patriots.
US President Donald Trump and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan discussed bilateral relations as well as global issues such as Gaza, Syria, and the Ukraine-Russia war during their meeting at the White House. The world press interpreted the meeting as a "new chapter" in Ankara-Washington relations.
OFFICIAL CEREMONY AT THE WHITE HOUSE
President Erdoğan traveled to Washington after his meetings at the UN General Assembly. Welcomed with an official ceremony at the White House, Erdoğan shook hands with President Trump and posed for the press. The two leaders made a press statement before their meeting in the Oval Office.
While Erdoğan expressed his satisfaction with the visit, Trump emphasized his long-standing friendship with Erdoğan. The meeting lasted about two and a half hours and took place in a positive atmosphere.
EMPHASIS ON DEFENSE COOPERATION
Trump stated that he believes positive results will be achieved regarding the defense systems Turkey needs. According to media reports, the F-35 and F-16 aircraft and Patriot systems were among the top agenda items during the meeting. The Kathimerini newspaper reported that Trump might take steps for Turkey to be re-included in the F-35 program.
UKRAINE AND MIDDLE EAST FILES
Trump emphasized that Erdoğan could mediate in the Ukraine-Russia war. CNN International and Sky News reported that Trump trusts Erdoğan in this matter, highlighting his words, "Everyone respects him."
Sky News also noted that the possibility of an agreement between the parties regarding Gaza was discussed, with Trump stating, "We want to get the hostages back."
GREEK PRESS: TURKEY IS AT THE TABLE, WE ARE NOT
The Greek press noted that President Erdoğan's meetings at the UN General Assembly demonstrated that Turkey is a highly significant counterpart for the US in international diplomacy. The news site in.gr pointed to a photo of Erdoğan and President Trump taken side by side, stating, "While Trump sees Erdoğan as an equal counterpart, Athens is searching for its own national narrative with Mitsotakis's desire to show superiority."
KATHIMERINI: POSITIVE ATMOSPHERE IN F-35 AND PATRIOT TALKS
The Greek newspaper Kathimerini stated that the defense industry was at the center of the Trump-Erdoğan meeting. The report mentioned that Trump said, "We will talk about F-35s and Patriots, and I believe we will reach a positive outcome." It was noted that Trump described Erdoğan as "a man with strong ideas" and added that he likes him.
The report indicated that Trump might take steps to re-include Turkey in the F-35 program. It was announced that if the talks proceed positively, Turkey could reach an agreement with the US regarding the F-35 and F-16.
Kathimerini highlighted Trump's call for "Putin to stop" regarding the Ukraine war and noted his view that Erdoğan could mediate between Russia and Ukraine. The report also included Trump's statement about Erdoğan, "Everyone respects him."
REFLECTIONS IN THE WORLD PRESS
The Washington Post described the meeting as "an important opportunity" for revitalizing relations between the two countries.
CNN International emphasized expectations regarding Erdoğan's role in Ukraine.
Stern and NBC News drew attention to Erdoğan's decisive role in defense industry collaborations.
AP reported that the friendship between the two leaders continues and that this is considered "valuable" by Trump.