Ukraine Peace Efforts Take Center Stage

A primary focus of the discussion was ending Russia’s war in Ukraine, now in its fourth year. “I look forward to working with President Erdogan on getting the ridiculous, but deadly, War between Russia and Ukraine ended — NOW!” Trump declared.

Türkiye has positioned itself as a crucial mediator in the conflict, maintaining diplomatic relations with both Kyiv and Moscow while providing military aid to Ukraine without joining Western sanctions against Russia. NATO member Türkiye has twice hosted talks aimed at ending the war, leveraging its unique position as a bridge between East and West.

According to the Turkish presidency’s readout, Erdoğan expressed appreciation for Trump’s “approach toward ending wars” and voiced support for maintaining the negotiation process. The Turkish leader’s experience in facilitating dialogue between the warring parties could prove invaluable as Trump seeks to fulfill his campaign promise to end the conflict swiftly.

Gaza Humanitarian Crisis Demands Urgent Action

President Erdoğan raised the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, emphasizing the need for immediate action. According to Türkiye’s Directorate of Communications, Erdoğan “highlighted the gravity of the humanitarian crisis” in the Strip and stressed that humanitarian aid should “be delivered to Gaza without interruption.”

The Turkish president, who has been one of the most vocal critics of Israel’s military operations in Gaza, told Trump that Ankara “is ready to cooperate and provide all kinds of support to establish a ceasefire and ensure lasting peace,” according to The Times of Israel.

For Turkish Americans, Erdoğan’s advocacy for Palestinian rights reflects deeply held values within the community. The call suggests that Türkiye’s voice on Middle Eastern humanitarian issues will continue to be heard in Washington under the Trump administration.

Syria’s Future and Regional Stability

The leaders also discussed Syria, where Türkiye has sought to exert greater influence following the fall of the Assad regime in December 2025. Erdoğan reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to preserving Syria’s territorial integrity and restoring lasting stability.

The Turkish president urged Trump to consider easing U.S. sanctions on Damascus, arguing that such efforts would “contribute to stabilizing the war-torn country” and help establish lasting peace in the region, according to multiple reports.

Trump appeared to acknowledge Türkiye’s dominant position in Syria, having previously told reporters that Erdoğan had effectively “taken over Syria through surrogates.” The president’s pragmatic approach suggests potential cooperation on Syria policy moving forward.

Defense Cooperation and Trade Relations

A critical component of the discussion centered on bilateral defense industry cooperation and trade relations. Erdoğan emphasized Ankara’s commitment to strengthening ties with Washington, particularly in the defense sector, according to the Turkish presidency’s statement.

This focus on defense cooperation is particularly significant given Türkiye’s ongoing efforts to rejoin the F-35 fighter jet program, from which it was expelled in 2019 following its purchase of Russian S-400 missile defense systems. The warming relationship between Trump and Erdoğan could pave the way for resolving this long-standing dispute, which has been a major point of contention in bilateral relations.

Enhanced trade relations also featured prominently in the discussion, with both leaders expressing mutual commitment to expanding economic ties between their nations.

Mutual Visits on the Horizon

Perhaps most significantly, both leaders extended invitations for official visits. Trump announced that Erdoğan would visit Washington at an unspecified date, while Erdoğan invited Trump to Türkiye. “I hope to meet my friend Trump in the near future,” Erdoğan said on X, expressing hope that their meeting “brings good outcomes for our countries.”

These planned visits signal a commitment to sustained high-level engagement and suggest that both leaders view the bilateral relationship as strategically important.

Implications for Turkish Americans

For the Turkish American community, this renewed partnership carries profound significance. The warming of US-Türkiye relations creates opportunities for enhanced cultural exchange, economic cooperation, and political engagement. Turkish Americans, who have long served as a bridge between their ancestral homeland and their adopted country, stand to benefit from improved bilateral ties.

The emphasis on defense cooperation and trade could create new business opportunities for Turkish American entrepreneurs and professionals. Moreover, Türkiye’s active role in mediating global conflicts—from Ukraine to Gaza—elevates the country’s profile on the world stage, a source of pride for the diaspora community.

The call also demonstrates the value of personal diplomacy and the importance of maintaining strong relationships between leaders. Trump’s willingness to engage directly with Erdoğan, coupled with his pragmatic approach to foreign policy, suggests a more collaborative and less ideologically driven relationship than in recent years.

Looking Ahead

As both nations navigate an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, the January 5 phone call represents more than just diplomatic courtesy—it signals a potential realignment of priorities and a renewed commitment to partnership. The challenges ahead are significant: ending the war in Ukraine, addressing humanitarian crises in Gaza and Syria, and strengthening NATO’s southern flank all require sustained cooperation and mutual trust.

For Turkish Americans watching these developments, the renewed US-Türkiye partnership offers hope for a more constructive relationship that honors both nations’ strategic interests while advancing shared values of peace, stability, and prosperity.

As President Erdoğan noted in his statement, the call addressed “many regional and global issues” and reaffirmed “mutual will to strengthen ties between the two nations.” In an era of global uncertainty, such commitments to dialogue and cooperation are more valuable than ever.