Turkish President Erdogan says he and Trump reached 'shared understanding' on Gaza ceasefire

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he and his US counterpart Donald Trump reached a “shared understanding” on how to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and ultimately peace all across Palestine.

“We explained how to first achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and across all of Palestine, and then move toward lasting peace. There was a shared understanding on this,” Erdogan, who met Trump at the White House on Thursday, told journalists on his return flight from the US.

“The number of countries recognizing Palestine has surpassed 150. For this support to be reflected on the ground, the international community needs to act decisively and take measures,” he added.

Erdogan emphasized that a two-state solution remains “the formula for lasting peace” in the Middle East, warning that the current situation is unsustainable. “Mr. Trump is also aware that things cannot continue this way,” he said.

“We discussed the humanitarian disaster in Gaza and the situation in Syria. I support President Trump’s vision for global peace. We reached a consensus on the need to stop the bloodshed,” the Turkish president said.

On Syria, Erdogan said terrorist organizations “have no place in the future of Syria and never will,” calling on the international community to take steps for peace and stability in the war-torn country.

The president said his talks with Trump were held “in a sincere, constructive, and productive atmosphere.” “As you know, my relationship with Mr. Trump has been very good since the past,” he added.

Erdogan also praised the White House hospitality. “At the White House, we were received very well by Mr. Trump and his delegation, and we are leaving satisfied. It was a beautiful visit that cannot be tarnished by any slander.”

“The trade volume between Türkiye and the US and its potential are clear. We have a target of $100 billion. As leaders, we have the political will to activate this,” he said.

Erdogan also addressed Türkiye’s approach to the Mediterranean, saying: “Our stance on resources in the Mediterranean is clear. We will take our fair share of these resources and work together with our neighbors based on the principle of win-win.”

He once again asserted Türkiye’s firm position on Cyprus. “The chapter on a federation is closed for us. No one can drag us back into federation debates with word games.”