Ankara: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday welcomed his US counterpart Donald Trump in Ankara, marking the commencement of the two-day NATO summit. The meeting between the two leaders took place at the presidential complex, where they engaged in discussions on regional and international issues, against the backdrop of an official ceremony that included a 21-gun salute in Trump's honor.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Turkish Air Force's aerobatic team, the Turkish Stars, performed a ceremonial flyover as Trump arrived, underscoring the significance of the visit. Prior to the bilateral and inter-delegation talks, Erdogan and Trump interacted with the media. Erdogan expressed optimism about the summit yielding a favorable decision regarding Trkiye's bid to acquire F-35 fighter jets from the US. He emphasized the importance of this issue, stating, "The F-35 issue is not a new one for us. We have discussed it with the US before, and we received a commitment regarding the five aircraft."
Moreover, Erdogan highlighted the potential US support for Trkiye's indigenous KAAN fighter program, including possible engine supplies, which he planned to discuss with Trump during the summit. He expressed confidence that Trump would reiterate previously shared positive news on this matter.
The US had suspended Trkiye from the F-35 program in 2019 due to Trkiye's acquisition of Russia's S-400 missile defense system, citing risks to the fighter jets. In a significant development, Trump pledged to lift the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) imposed on Trkiye. "We're going to be taking the sanctions off ... We don't want to sanction friends," Trump stated.
Upon Trump's arrival at Esenboga Airport, Erdogan personally greeted him, and the two leaders exchanged pleasantries. Trump acknowledged the Guard Regiment's ceremonial unit in Turkish, saying "Merhaba asker" (Hello, soldier). Following this, they proceeded to the State Guest House for an official photograph.
Erdogan expressed his satisfaction in hosting Trump, conveying confidence in their cooperation to produce positive outcomes. "I believe that, thanks to our solidarity and strong relations with Mr. President, we will bring many issues on our agenda to a successful conclusion," Erdogan shared on Turkish social media platform NSosyal.
Later, Erdogan and first lady Emine Erdogan are set to host a reception and official state dinner at the presidential complex for heads of state and government attending the 36th NATO Heads of State and Government Summit. Meanwhile, US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine visited Anitkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, observing a moment of silence and laying a wreath.
The 2026 NATO summit in Ankara is focusing on implementing defense spending commitments from last year's meeting in the Hague, sustaining military support for Ukraine, and expanding defense industrial production.