U.S. President Donald Trump will host President Tayyip Erdogan at the White House on Thursday, where Erdogan aims to use the strongest U.S.-Turkiye ties in years to persuade Washington to lift sanctions and approve F-35 fighter jet sales.

Erdogan’s first visit to the White House in about six years comes at a time when Ankara is keen to take advantage of a U.S. administration eager to make deals in return for big-ticket arms and trade agreements.

The administration of former President Joe Biden kept Turkiye at arm’s length partly over what it saw as the fellow NATO member’s close ties with Russia. Under Trump, who views Moscow more favourably and has closer personal ties with Erdogan, Ankara is hoping for a better relationship.

Trump and Erdogan – both seen as increasingly autocratic

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