ISTANBUL

Türkiye welcomes US President Donald Trump's attitude that "takes into account its sensitivities," Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday, adding they understand each other as two leaders on the Syria issue.

"I believe my friend Trump and I will bring very different momentum" to US-Türkiye relations in days to come, Erdogan noted as he returned from a visit to Italy.

The Turkish president noted that he will meet with US President Trump face-to-face at the first opportunity, adding that their phone conversation was "quite cordial, productive, and friendly."

Calling Israel's attacks on Syrian territory an attempt to undermine the positive climate that began with the new government in Damascus, Erdogan said Syria's federal structure is nothing more than a pipe dream with no place in the country's reality.

On bilateral ties with Italy, he highlighted that Ankara and Rome are exploring cooperation not only in the defense industry but also in high-tech sectors such as aviation and space.

Reciprocal technology transfers between the two countries will strengthen Türkiye's domestic defense industry and provide Italy with new perspectives and energy, Erdogan added.

The president said that during his meetings with Italian Prime Minister Giorgio Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella, he expressed Ankara's expectation that Rome would support Türkiye’s EU membership bid with concrete contributions.

He added that he had underlined Türkiye’s critical importance for Europe’s economic and military security, “at a time when the European Security Architecture is being intensely debated.”

Türkiye and Italy had agreed to continue their work in close coordination on these matters, he added.

The meetings also addressed regional and global issues, he said, adding that he expects Italy to provide "stronger support" for a return to a ceasefire in Gaza, recognition of the State of Palestine, and relief from the humanitarian catastrophe.

Türkiye cooperation with Africa

Italy has made a proposal to Türkiye regarding joint steps toward Africa, Erdogan said, stressing that there is no reason not to cooperate as Ankara can "easily take" such a step alongside Rome.

Türkiye’s approach to Africa is clear, he said, adding that Türkiye is pleased to expand its grounds for cooperation in the African continent with Western countries that share Türkiye’s “win-win approach” in Africa.

“In this regard, we are always open to bilateral and trilateral cooperation and partnerships,” he said.

Defense industry

Erdogan noted that Türkiye has made significant progress in the defense field over the years, with defense systems, including air, land, and naval munitions and equipment, being closely viewed with great interest around the world.

Pointing out Italy’s experience in the defense sector, he said mutual technology transfer would not only strengthen Türkiye’s domestic defense industry but would also provide Italy with a new perspective and energy.

“We are also making efforts to advance our relations with Greece on the basis of cooperation, good neighborly relations, friendship, and alliance,” he added.