Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated before leaving the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday that the current trajectory of U.S.-Turkish relations "does not bode well." In an extensive press conference with Turkish journalists, Erdogan highlighted the divisions between NATO allies regarding Turkey's purchase of a Russian missile defense system and the subsequent removal from the advanced U.S. F-35 fighter jet program.
Erdogan told the Turkish media, "I cannot honestly say that there is a healthy process in Turkish-American relations." He added, "Listen, we purchased F-35 planes and paid 1.4 billion dollars, yet these F-35 planes have not been sent to us."
The Turkish president expressed, "I hope that as NATO countries, we can treat each other with friendship rather than hostility. However, the current course does not bode well." Erdogan also noted that he had worked well with U.S. presidents during his 19 years in power, adding, "But I cannot say that we started off well with President Joe Biden."
Looking forward to an upcoming meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Sochi on September 29, Erdogan mentioned they would discuss bilateral relations as well as the situation in Syria, particularly in Idlib, the last stronghold of the opposition in the country.
Erdogan spoke about his call for reforming the United Nations, suggesting a "radical step" to eliminate the veto power of the five permanent members of the Security Council through an extraordinary meeting of the General Assembly "when necessary."
In response to a question regarding the new Taliban government in Afghanistan, Erdogan expressed regret that a comprehensive leadership was not formed earlier this month when the group revealed a government made up entirely of hardliners. He added, "There are indications that there may be some changes, and there may be a more inclusive atmosphere in governance. If such a step is taken, we can move towards a point where we discuss with them what we can do together."
Turkish and Qatari technicians are working to fully reopen Kabul Airport following the withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan last month.
