President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made notable statements on Turkey–U.S. relations, the F-35 Program, energy cooperation, and regional developments in an interview with Bloomberg.
Erdoğan noted that he directly raised the F-35 issue during his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House in September, stating that Turkey views its removal from the program on the grounds of purchasing military equipment from Russia as “unjust.”
President Erdoğan said, “With Mr Trump resuming office, an opportunity has emerged to move Turkey–U.S. relations onto a more reasonable and positive footing. The delivery of the F-35 aircraft that Turkey has paid for and its reintegration into the program are important and necessary not only for Turkey and the U.S., two strategic partners, but also for NATO’s security.”
Emphasizing that the F-35 process represents an unfair practice toward Turkey, Erdoğan stated, “What matters to us is the protection of Turkey’s reputation and the fact that our bank should not be unjustly penalized. Negotiations are continuing within this framework. Our expectation is to reach a fair outcome that is both in line with the law and commensurate with the strategic partnership between the two countries.”
Energy Cooperation and LNG Emphasis
Touching on cooperation in the energy sector, Erdoğan noted that the supply of U.S.-origin liquefied natural gas (LNG) has been significantly increased. Stating that the U.S. holds an important position in Turkey’s LNG supply chain, Erdoğan said, “Turkey acts in line with its national interests and energy security. As a country that meets a large portion of its hydrocarbon needs through imports, we have to act in a balanced manner on every issue that may affect our energy security.”
Regional Crises and Message on Gaza
President Erdoğan stressed that Turkey conducts active and balanced diplomacy in regional crises, stating, “We are the only actor capable of speaking directly with both Mr Putin and Mr Zelenskyy, while simultaneously carrying out concrete initiatives along the Washington and Brussels lines within NATO and the United Nations.”
Referring to discussions on a proposed International Stabilisation Force for Gaza, Erdoğan noted that the success of such a mechanism depends on the participation of actors with legitimacy on the ground, saying, “It would be difficult for a structure in which Turkey does not take part to gain the trust of the Palestinian people. With its diplomatic, historical, and regional influence, Turkey is in the position of a key country for such a mission.”
