Erdoğan holds intense diplomatic talks at NATO summit

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan engaged in intensive diplomatic talks during the 36th NATO Heads of State and Government Summit hosted by Türkiye in Ankara, holding bilateral meetings with a wide range of world leaders. Among those Erdoğan received were US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Slovak President Peter Pellegrini and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. The summit marked Trump’s first official visit to Türkiye.

US, F-35 and KAAN fighter jet

Speaking alongside Trump before their one-on-one meeting, Erdoğan noted that holding the summit in Ankara added “separate strength” to the gathering. On the F-35 program and engines for Türkiye’s KAAN fighter jet, Erdoğan said the F-35 issue was “not new” and had been previously discussed with the US. “We received a promise for five aircraft. Mr. Trump also gave us his word on this issue,” Erdoğan said, expressing hope for a favorable decision.

Security partnership with UK and talks with European leaders

Erdoğan and Starmer signed a Security and Defense Partnership Document reaffirming strong commitments to each other’s defense and the North Atlantic Treaty. With Macron, Erdoğan said it is time to raise mutual trade targets and advance cooperation. With Merz, he warned against provocations that could undermine the Iran-US understanding, while with Meloni he discussed cooperation in defense industry, investment, energy and trade. Erdoğan also met with European Council President Costa and Commission President von der Leyen, stressing that Türkiye’s Customs Union membership and economic integration with Europe increase the continent’s global competitiveness, and that Ankara expects inclusion in EU trade and investment regulations.

Regional issues and Syria

Erdoğan emphasized that Türkiye is working for dialogue-based resolutions to the wars involving Iran and Ukraine, while continuing efforts for a permanent Gaza ceasefire and uninterrupted humanitarian access. He also met with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, stressing that Türkiye will continue to stand by the Syrian people and that keeping Syria outside regional conflicts is vital for its reconstruction. Erdoğan later held a news conference and attended a working dinner with European leaders, capping a summit that showcased Türkiye’s diplomatic reach and strategic positioning.