US President Joe Biden and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan engaged in discussions regarding defence priorities and regional stability at the NATO Summit.
The meeting holds significant importance as Turkey has now expressed its support for Sweden's accession into the NATO military alliance, a breakthrough decision that had been a matter of contention for months.
During the meeting, the two leaders conversed on various topics of shared interest, including their unwavering support for Ukraine and the preservation of stability in the Aegean region. The White House highlighted the significance of their dialogue, saying, "They also discussed regional issues of shared interest, including their enduring support for Ukraine and the importance of preserving stability in the Aegean."
President Biden congratulated President Erdogan on the agreement reached with Swedish Prime Minister Kristersson and NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg, which would allow Sweden's NATO accession protocol to be presented to parliament for ratification. The leaders also exchanged views on defence and economic priorities and emphasised the need for bilateral cooperation.
While the details of the meeting were not made publicly available, a short video clip captured a cordial exchange between the leaders. President Biden expressed gratitude to President Erdogan, extending his wishes for their future relationship. "Thank you. I look forward to being with you in the next five years, Mr. President," Biden said. Erdogan reciprocated the sentiment, wishing Biden the best of luck in the forthcoming elections.
The meeting came at a critical juncture as the NATO summit unfolded against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. President Erdogan later took to Twitter to share his perspective, saying, "In our meeting, we discussed our bilateral relations and cooperation opportunities in the field of security. I wish our contacts to be beneficial for our country."
The diplomatic developments leading up to the NATO summit were also noteworthy. Turkey's support for Sweden's NATO membership marked a historic step, with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg describing it as a significant contribution to the alliance's strength and security. Prior to this agreement, President Biden had revealed that the US strategy involved offering the sale of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey, aiming to modernise Turkey's aircraft while bolstering NATO's military capability and facilitating Sweden's entry into the alliance.
The meeting between President Biden and President Erdogan at the NATO Summit holds the potential for strengthened bilateral relations, enhanced defence cooperation, and the promotion of regional stability. The decisions made during this encounter will have far-reaching implications for the involved nations and the NATO alliance as a whole.
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