Erdogan Invites Trump Amid Talks on Global Conflicts

U.S. President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke on the phone Monday about trying to end Russia’s war in Ukraine, stabilizing Syria, and the Gaza war.

Erdogan formally invited Trump to visit the country, while Trump invited the Turkish president to Washington, D.C. There was no date set for visits.

Trump termed it a “very good and productive” call, noting his cooperation with and collaboration to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict. In a post on his platform Truth Social, Trump said, “I look forward to working with President Erdogan on getting the ridiculous but deadly War between Russia and Ukraine ended - NOW."

Turkey, a NATO ally, has presented itself as a mediator. Erdogan previously hosted negotiations between the two fighting nations. Erdogan’s office communicated he supported President Trump’s way of resolving conflict and his diplomatic engagement with Iran.

Erdogan expressed the urgency for a Gaza ceasefire, and warned that there is a "serious" humanitarian situation, which called for the importance of unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid and an immediate end to the hostilities. The call did not spell out specific U.S. commitments but expressed shared concerns regarding the crisis.

On Syria, Erdogan reiterated Turkey’s commitment to uphold the sovereign territorial integrity of Syria and to encourage stability in Syria over the long term. Erdogan suggested that an easing of U.S. sanctions could also promote peace in the region. The two leaders also discussed strengthening U.S.-Turkey defense cooperation, which remained unspecified.