U.S. President Donald Trump is set to welcome Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the White House on Thursday, marking Erdogan's first visit in nearly six years.
The leaders aim to capitalize on their recently warmed bilateral relations, with Turkey pushing for the lifting of U.S. sanctions that have blocked its access to advanced F-35 fighter jets.
This comes after years of strained ties under the previous administration, driven by Ankara's purchase of Russian S-400 missile systems, which prompted Washington to exclude Turkey from the F-35 program in 2019.
The shift in dynamics reflects a broader realignment under Trump's return to office.
Unlike the Biden era, which maintained distance due to concerns over Turkey's democratic backsliding and proximity to Moscow, the current administration views Erdogan as a key partner in regional stability.
Shared interests in Syria, particularly following the fall of Bashar al-Assad last December, have aligned the two nations in supporting the new Syrian leadership under Ahmad al-Sharaa.
Trump has publicly praised the relationship, noting ongoing discussions for military and trade deals, including potential F-16 sales and Boeing aircraft purchases.
Central to Thursday's talks will be resolving the impasse over F-35 sales, halted by sanctions Trump himself imposed in 2020.
Turkish officials highlight a $1.4 billion payment already made for the jets, underscoring Ankara's commitment as both a buyer and former manufacturer in the program.
Experts suggest that with mutual political will, diplomats could craft a framework addressing U.S. security concerns about data sharing with Russia.
"Despite expected resistance from U.S. Congress, a green light for Turkish acquisition of F-35s is not inconceivable," said Timur Soylemez, a former Turkish ambassador.
While the agenda promises transactional progress, underlying frictions persist, notably over Israel's actions in Gaza.
This divergence could test the rapport, though Trump has urged Israeli restraint in dealings with Turkey.
Erdogan positions his nation as a bridge in turbulent geopolitics, from Ukraine to the Black Sea, leveraging its influence in Syria and beyond.
The meeting underscores Turkey's bid to reassert itself as a vital NATO ally amid global uncertainties, potentially paving the way for deeper U.S.-Turkish collaboration.