Turkey–United States relations

Ankara's ongoing exploratory talks with Athens are an "important step" in improving bilateral relations, Turkey's presidential spokesman said on Jan. 30.

In a talk on Turkish foreign policy, İbrahim Kalın said: "This is an important step in terms of our relations with our neighbor Greece, the European Union and the balance of power in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean."

Max Hoffman is the associate director of National Security and International Policy at the Center for American Progress and his work is focused on Turkey, Europe and the Middle East.

Any possible implications of the U.S. sanctions against Turkey over its procurement of the Russian-made S-400 air defense systems on the bilateral cooperation of British and Turkish defense industries will be clear after the new U.S.

Journalist Amberin Zaman analyzes Turkey's latest attempts at a diplomatic "reset" with the United States, and discusses what is in store for the US-Turkey relationship as the new Biden administration takes over. We also take a look at Syria, and whether the appointment of Brett McGurk to the National Security Council will cause more friction in US-Turkish relations.

With the swearing in on Wednesday of the 46th US president, Joe Biden, the further strengthening of bilateral relations with Washington and the building of an autonomous strategic relationship that will not be affected by fluctuations in US-Turkish affairs remains the Greek government's main goal.

Senior Turkish and U.S. officials discussed bilateral ties and regional issues in a phone call on Jan. 19. 

Turkey's Presidential Spokesperson Ibrahim Kalın spoke to outgoing U.S. National Security Adviser Robert C. O'Brien over the phone and discussed Turkey-U.S. relations and regional issues, according to a statement.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan pledged to continue talks with Moscow for the procurement of the second batch of the Russian-made S-400 air defense systems and said they would discuss details at the end of the month.

He stressed that Turkey is determined to proceed with the S-400 deal despite U.S. opposition.

Turkey's president has criticized the United States for kicking his country out of the F-35 fighter jet program after Ankara purchased a Russian missile defense system, a move that also triggered US sanctions.

Speaking after Friday prayers in Istanbul, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey paid "very serious money" for the F-35 stealth jets.

A top Turkish official is calling on the new U.S. administration to engage in a dialogue with Turkey and to review a decision to sanction the country over its purchase of an advanced Russian air defense system.

That request comes even though Washington has made clear that there can be no waiver of the sanctions until Ankara disposes of the Russian technology.

Turkey wants to improve relations with the European Union by setting a positive agenda with the bloc while hoping for the same approach from the EU as well, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said on Jan. 12.