U.S. Ambassador to Ankara and Special Representative for Syria and Iraq Tom Barrack said President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and U.S. President Donald Trump have a mutual understanding and communicate very well and effectively.
Barrack answered journalists’ questions outside the Turkevi building in New York during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. Asked how Erdoğan and Trump’s brief meeting at a dinner held as part of the United Nations events had gone, he said the two leaders had great respect for each other and shared a mutual understanding.
Barrack said that although the two leaders represented different cultures, they were very similar to each other, adding that this made his own work easier in relations between the two countries. Barrack noted that Erdoğan and Trump communicate very well and effectively.
Barrack said Türkiye was a great friend of the United States during difficult and tense periods, adding that true friends are recognized in such times.
Why was there no bilateral meeting?
Asked why Erdoğan and Trump had not held a bilateral meeting during United Nations week, Barrack said the two leaders were already in frequent contact amid the current atmosphere of regional instability and tension. Barrack said there were therefore not many new issues to discuss and that this was normal.
Asked whether there had been any new developments in Türkiye-U.S. relations, Barrack said the relationship was in a better position than ever. He said the two leaders got along well and respected each other, adding that this helped relations.
The S-400 and F-35 issues
Barrack said Congress was continuing its work on the S-400 and F-35 issues, which remain unresolved matters in relations between Türkiye and the United States. He said implementing the relevant provisions of the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) and the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) takes time.
Barrack said defense cooperation between Türkiye and the United States was highly important, describing Türkiye as NATO's second-largest ally and saying that the United States fully trusted Türkiye regarding regional alliances.
U.S.-Iran talks
Addressing the ongoing peace talks between the United States and Iran, Barrack said the parties were taking steps toward dialogue and engagement. He said they were holding more talks and that this was the right path for everyone.
Barrack said Türkiye was playing a highly effective role in the process, adding that Türkiye had good relations with both sides and understood their cultures. He said the process was not a one-time development and that optimism needed to be maintained for the war to end.
Barrack said he believed everyone in the region was ready for peace and that the United States was also prepared to help establish peace.
