In a bid to enhance bilateral relations, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has advocated for renewed momentum in Türkiye-United States ties. Speaking at the “100 Years of Friendship Gala” in New York, Erdoğan underscored the importance of close dialogue and cooperation between the two NATO allies amid global conflicts and crises.
Erdoğan highlighted the positive outcomes from past collaborations between Türkiye and the United States, particularly in the Middle East. He expressed Türkiye’s commitment to strengthening coordination with Washington, proposing expanded cooperation in areas such as nuclear energy, liquefied natural gas, civil aviation, high technology, and the defense industry.
Emphasizing Türkiye’s burgeoning defense sector, Erdoğan noted the significant increase in the country’s defense exports, which surged from approximately $248 million two decades ago to over $10 billion today. He expressed confidence that Türkiye is on the path to becoming one of the world’s top 10 defense exporters.
Beyond defense, Erdoğan urged American investors to explore opportunities in Türkiye, highlighting a new investment drive anchored on a competitive incentive framework. He pointed to Türkiye’s openness to foreign investment as a key factor in fostering economic cooperation between the two nations.
The event, attended by senior officials and business leaders from both countries, also saw U.S. Senator Chris Coons praising the enduring partnership between the United States and Türkiye. Coons emphasized the critical role of business ties and entrepreneurship in strengthening bilateral relations.