Trump Praises Erdogan as 'Great Ally' After Phone Talks

(MENAFN) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and U.S. President Donald Trump spoke by phone Wednesday, covering the state of bilateral ties alongside a broad sweep of pressing regional and global issues.

According to the Turkish Communications Directorate, Erdogan welcomed the decision to extend the ceasefire with Iran, calling it "a positive development," while expressing optimism that "a reasonable solution to disputed issues is possible." He pledged that Ankara would press ahead with its backing for constructive diplomatic efforts wherever conflicts persist.

On Syria, Erdogan stressed that entrenching durable stability there would constitute "an important gain for the entire region," reaffirming that Türkiye's commitment to supporting the country would remain steadfast. He also raised alarm over Lebanon, urging that further deterioration of conditions there be actively prevented.

Erdogan noted that preparations for an upcoming NATO Summit in Ankara are well underway, with Türkiye sparing no effort to ensure the gathering succeeds on every front.

The Turkish president also extended personal condolences to Trump following a recent attack on a mosque in California, reiterating Ankara's firm opposition to hate crimes directed at any religious community.

Trump, speaking to reporters Wednesday at Joint Base Andrews after returning to the Washington, D.C. area from an engagement in Connecticut, described the call as "very good" and offered a candid tribute to his personal rapport with the Turkish leader.

"Isn't it nice that I have relationships with some very tough people? He's a tough guy, and I have a relationship with him that nobody else does. He's actually done a good job," Trump said.

He continued: "He's been very much of an ally. Some people would doubt that, but I think he's been a great ally, and his people respect him. His people respect him a lot."

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