A fiery statement that overturns the facts in the Eastern Mediterranean and portends a radical realignment in relations between the US and Turkey was made by Donald Trump, opening wide the window for Turkey's return to the fifth-generation fighter jet program, F-35.
The American president not only clearly implied that the freezing of defense cooperation with Turkey is ending, but proceeded to an unprecedented move of political support toward the Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Singing the praises of the Turkish leadership, Trump lauded the stance of the neighboring country, characterizing it as one of the most reliable partners of the Americans and sending clear messages in every direction about how he intends to manage the geopolitical balances in the region.
The Trump bombshell on F-35
"It is something we will think about," the President of the US replied when asked about the possibility of Turkey's return to the F-35 program.
"This is a decision that we will make. We have very good relations. Everyone says: 'Why not do this?' Turkey is more loyal than most countries. It is something we are examining. The F-35 is the best aircraft in the world, and we will take it into account."
For his part, Erdogan stated regarding this: "Of course, the F-35 does not constitute a new issue for us. We have discussed it with the US in the past and we were given the promise for 5 aircraft."
"Trump also gave us his word, and I know that in the discussions of this Summit, we are viewing positively the promise we received from them regarding the F-35."
"Trump always keeps his word on this matter. I believe that a positive decision regarding the F-35 will emerge."
The praise of Trump for Erdogan
Furthermore, the President of the US made glowing comments about both Erdogan and Turkey.
"As has been widely reported in the press, we are very close friends (with Erdogan)."
"It is wonderful to be welcomed by the building where my name is inscribed as soon as I land at the airport. The airport is beautiful, all the roads are new."
"We have good relations from the start. It is a very special relationship between us. Turkey has a very strong leader. It possesses strong military forces. It is a very strong country. Thanks to this relationship, everything is going well. I harbor great respect for the President. We will probably discuss about Iran as well. We have largely destroyed its military. They will not acquire nuclear weapons. It is a great honor for me to be among you. We had a very good meeting. We enjoyed a nice dinner and worked a lot," Trump stated characteristically.
The President of the US mentioned, further, that he decided to attend the Summit due to the relationship he has developed with Erdogan. "We are great friends," he stated characteristically.
Arrows against NATO
Meanwhile, Trump launched his arrows once again against NATO.
"You never know why a relationship is special."
"Some people need to be in your life and others not. Either you cooperate with very tough guys or you cannot get along with weak people. We had that incident with the pastor, who was sentenced to long term imprisonment. I called the President and he released him immediately. The Christian community will not forget him. That is when I understood how good the chemistry between us was."
"There are also those with whom I do not have good chemistry, and we get along with them in some way."
"NATO disappointed me a lot. If it were not for Turkey, maybe I would not have joined, but I believed that I had to join for the sake of my friend. I was not asking for help regarding Iran."
"We spent trillions of dollars for the protection of Europe. We thought that maybe they would want to help us. Britain said that it would help us after the war. I was testing people," the President of the US said characteristically.
www.bankingnews.gr
Readers’ Comments