CGTN America
US President Donald Trump greets Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan(L) upon arrival outside the White House in Washington, DC on November 13, 2019. (Photo by MANDEL NGAN / AFP)
Many said the meeting between U.S President, Donald Trump and Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the White House shouldn’t. This after President Trump controversially pulled troops back and allowed Turkish forces to attack Kurdish forces in Northern Syria.
The Kurds had been U.S. allies in the fight against ISIL, but sitting next to the Turkish President, Trump again expressed sympathy for Ankara’s position.
CGTN’s Nathan King reports.
“We understand each other’s country. we understand where we’re coming from. I understand the problems that they’ve had including many people in Turkey been killed in the area we are talking about and he has to do something about that also. It’s not a one-way street.,” said Donald Trump, U.S. President.
But much more divides these NATO allies than unites them now. Turkey’s decision to buy the Russian S-400 missile defense system led to Washington banning the sale of the F-35 fighter jets to Turkey.
Erdogan is also angry that Turkish cleric and alleged coup plotter Fethullah Gülen is still living in Pennsylvania despite Turkey’s request for his extradition.
Congressional vote recognizing Turkey’s genocide against Armenians a century ago has also angered Ankara. The threat of sanctions is also hanging over Turkey.
President Erdogan emphasized differences but also a close personal relationship with the US President
Despite differences it’s clear that both presidents have personal respect for each other. But opposing national interests on fundamental questions means U.S.-Turkish relations will continue to be strained…no matter the warmth between the two leaders.
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