For the first time in six years, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is visiting the White House, bringing a series of major deals aimed at restoring the strained relations between Turkey and the United States.
The meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to pave the way for Turkey to purchase an extensive range of military and energy equipment worth over $50 billion, according to Turkish officials.
The shopping list reportedly includes Lockheed Martin fighter jets, Boeing civilian and military aircraft, and liquefied natural gas, while the deals have not yet been finalized and remain under negotiation.
Erdoğan views the meeting as an opportunity to repair ties strained by past Russian arms purchases, diplomatic disputes, and reciprocal tariffs. Turkey continues to rely on U.S. military and diplomatic support to maintain its regional influence.
Markets have responded positively to expectations of improved ties with Washington, with stock gains and government debt strengthening following the announcement of the White House visit.
Emre Peker, director of Eurasia Group Europe, stated: “Erdoğan seeks to leverage the Trump presidency to reshape and improve Turkey-U.S. relations, focusing on strengthening defense ties. Energy and defense agreements form the key pillars of a mutually beneficial relationship, which will also attract U.S. interest in further cooperation.”
This visit comes after years of tension since the last difficult encounter between the two leaders in November 2019. That year, Turkey launched a military operation in Syria, prompting U.S. sanctions and diplomatic interventions, including by then-Vice President Mike Pence. Erdoğan’s visit today marks a renewed effort to revitalize the strategic alliance between the two nations.
